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Dagouxi Ecology and Water-Control Park

Dagouxi Ecology and Water- Control ParkWant to enjoy the floral landscapes of Hokkaido, Japan? Well now you can enjoy something similar (only on a smaller scale) here in Taipei at the city’s Dagouxi Ecology and Water- Control Park (大溝溪生態治水園區), opened late last year. Located on Dahu Shanzhuang Street (大湖山莊街) in Neihu District, this is a compact, idyllic spot that has both a water-control function and splendid scenic landscaping. A public recreation space with wide-open vistas, it is the manifestation of 12 years of systematic flood-management planning by the Taipei City Government. “Dahu” means “big lake,” but no longer does Dahu Shanzhuang Street become part of a big lake during rainy seasons or typhoons. The rich natural landscape and ecology have made this a favorite leisure destination with the public, its reputation spread by word of mouth.

According to the Hydraulic Engineering Office, Public Works Department (工務局水利工程處) of Taipei City Government, natural landscaping was considered an important aspect of the flood-control works right from the outset of planning. The watercourse of the Dagouxi (Dagou Stream) was preserved, an artificial wetland habitat was created, and other measures were taken to create an inviting watery space where peak flows can be reduced during periods where flooding is a risk. Perhaps the park’s most visually arresting addition is the stunning “sea of flowers” (花海) tableaux created by an approximately 4,000-square-meter swath of cultivated flowers, arranged in bands of various colors to create a long, winding ribbon of colorful flowers, delighting visitors.

Dahu Shanzhuang Ladder TrailThe Hydraulic Engineering Office specially recommends that you ascend the steps of the Dahu Shanzhuang Ladder Trail (大湖山莊階梯步道) for a great overview of the sea of flowers. Also popular with visitors is the park’s waterside Qinshui Trail (親水步道), which offers a splendid changing landscape. In different seasons, many different creatures can be seen, including butterflies, dragonflies, fireflies, egrets, Taiwan blue magpies, and other frequent visitors. Visitors are often startled to discover that such a beautiful place in fact doubles as an important flood control measure.

If after exploring the park you still have energy to explore further, note that the end-point of the Qinshui Trail is an entranceway to the trails of the Wuzhi Mountains (五指山系), taking you to the Bihu Hiking Trail (碧湖步道), Bishanyan (碧山巖), Baishihu Suspension Bridge (白石湖吊橋), Jinmian Mountain (金面山), Liyushan (Mt. Liyu; 鯉魚山), and other well-known spots, making for a scenerypacked full-day outing.

Information

Dagouxi Ecology and Water-Control Park 大溝溪生態治水園區

Transportation: Take Taipei MRT Wenhu Line (文湖線) to Dahu Park Station (大湖公園站) take Exit 1, and enter Dahu Shanzhuang Street (大 湖山莊街). The park is in the vicinity of Taipei Municipal Dahu Elementary School (臺北市大湖國民小學).