Taipei City Government

Looking for a weekend getaway? Consider taking a leisurely stroll at Jinrui Flood Management Park. Not only does this park serve as a crucial flood retention pond for Neihu District, but it is also Taipei City’s first dragonfly-themed park. Following the recent completion of facility upgrades, the park has undergone a significant transformation, featuring the newly established Jinrui Tianying Cabin, an excellent spot for rest and recreation.

According to the Taipei Hydraulic Engineering Office (Taipei HEO), Jinrui Flood Management Park occupies just 7% of the area of Daan Forest Park, yet it hosts over one-third of all dragonfly species found across Taiwan. Inspired by dragonflies, the park now includes the Jinrui Tianying Cabin and a dragonfly-themed pavilion. The project was guided by principles of preserving maximum ecological habitats, promoting energy conservation, and reducing carbon emissions, while also considering scenic views and user-friendly spaces.

The Jinrui Tianying Cabin, perched by the waterfront (“Tianying” means “dragonfly” in Taiwanese Hokkien), offers unparalleled views. Its location was carefully selected to minimize environmental impact. The cabin’s structure uses 100% MIT (Made in Taiwan) sustainable timber and features a roof of red copper tiles that will blend with the environment over time. Handmade glass mosaics depict the iridescent wings of dragonflies, while locally sourced materials minimize carbon emissions from transportation. These natural, warm hues will gradually harmonize with the surrounding environment, creating an atmosphere that evolves with time and space.

The Hydraulic Engineering Office has reimagined the entrance plaza of Jinrui Flood Management Park, incorporating artisan craftsmanship in the layered stonework that graces the area. Visitors will notice the creative reuse of existing materials throughout the park. For instance, the original stone steps, hand-carved stones at the Jinrui entrance, and the pavilion plaques atop the levee have been thoughtfully repurposed. These elements, enhanced with meticulous and elegant design techniques, breathe new life into the park’s entrance while preserving its charm.

The Public Works Section of the Hydraulic Engineering Office stated that this project also improved the entrance and levee-top spaces. By opening the existing concrete barriers, the design allows visitors to relax on terraced seating by the waterfront, where they can take in the serene atmosphere of the Satoyama Landscape. From here, one can observe dragonflies flitting around the pond and catch glimpses of crested serpent eagles soaring in the sky.

Stepping into Jinrui Flood Management Park, visitors are enveloped by the refreshing aroma of the forest and the soothing sounds of cascading water from the flood retention pond. The Hydraulic Engineering Office envisions the Jinrui 2.0 renovations as a space where people and the environment coexist in mutual respect and harmony. With its thoughtfully designed and welcoming environment, the park offers citizens a place to connect with nature, observe and learn about the ecosystem, and foster a sense of respect for the biological environment. In the future, plans include ecological tours and working holiday activities, providing opportunities for more citizens to explore and appreciate Taipei’s exceptional natural surroundings, with the ultimate-goal of inspiring a collective commitment to preserving, protecting, and sharing this beautiful space, ensuring it remains a cherished haven for all to enjoy.

Jinrui Flood Management Park is the second flood retention pond in Neihu District, completed in 2015. Located at the end of Lane 348, Section 3, Neihu Road, in Jinrui Borough, the park was created by constructing levees within a natural valley topography. Nearby attractions include Bishanyan and the Jinmian Mountain Trail. Visitors can take the Taipei MRT to Neihu Station (Exit 2), then board buses 222, 247, 521, 551, 552, 553, 679, or Blue 27 to Jinlong Temple Station. From there, it’s an approximately 500-meter walk to the park. Additionally, a YouBike 2.0 rental and return station is located at the intersection of Lane 326, Section 3, Neihu Road, just a 5-minute walk from the park, providing convenient access for cyclists.