[
  {
    "DataSN": "4141596",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=D0B42BB2B863C40B",
    "title": "Picnics Are More Fun Than You Think",
    "Content": "The Taipei Picnic Club began the Picnicism movement in Taipei in 2009 in order to promote a wave of picnicking in Taiwan. With “make the city our playground” as its goal, the club has been discovering interesting spaces and activities in Taipei.The Picnicking Story The term “picnic” originated from the French word pique-nique, which means eating small snacks by hand. Originally, picnics were not just limited to outdoor activities. Back in 1802, when the world’s first picnicking social club, The Picnic Club, was founded in London, picnics were a regular indoor social party, and participants had to prepare food and artistic performances for the occasion.Picnics have already been in vogue four times in human history. The first time was after the French Revolution in Paris and London. In post-revolutionary France, the royal gardens were opened to the public for the first time, and city residents clamored for the opportunity to go in and have picnics. Meanwhile, London was also influenced by the French Revolution, and get-togethers where young men and women would meet to discuss freedom and democracy became all the rage. This was especially significant in the conservative society of the day, in which it was taboo for members of the opposite sex to openly meet in public. Hence, the picnic became a type of legitimate social activity that enjoyed great popularity.Picnics became trendy for the second time during the industrial revolution. As pollution had a big impact on the urban environment, government bureaus responded by constructing a large number of parks as a compensation for the residents. On the weekends, picnics in the park became fashionable. The third wave of picnicking was kicked off in the early 20th century with the advent of the automobile revolution. Advertisers of the day began promoting driving to outdoor excursions as a means of boosting car sales. At the time, rather than trunks, cars only had narrow storage units. As a result, the dimensions of picnic baskets were made to match automobile designs.Moving ahead to the 21st century, the practice of picnicking is taking Asian cities by storm, with picnicking activities popping up everywhere, from the founding of the Tokyo Picnic Club in 2002 to the 2009 Picnicism movement in Taipei to the 2011 establishment of Lawnmap in Hong Kong. To analyze the reasons for this wave of enthusiasm for picnics, a major factor is that Asian cities are entering a post-industrial era. At the same time, urban spaces and residents are being freed up for leisure time on the weekends, giving rise to the fourth picnicking movement in history.The Dos and Don’ts of Picnic Preparations Two centuries after the London Picnic Club’s founding, the Tokyo Picnic Club was founded in 2002, with a group of architects and landscape designers as its core. The group hoped to change Tokyo’s park environment through picnicking events and establish “picnicking rights” at the forefront of privileges enjoyed by urban residents. After numerous picnicking events and discussions, the Tokyo Picnic Club drew up a list of 15 rules for free and unrestrained picnicking:1. Picnics are a social activity. Regard picnics as an informal opportunity for encounters. 2. Make the most of the weather. A stuffy day is the chance for a night picnic with a fresh breeze. A freezing day is good for a midday picnic. Find the right time and right place for your own picnic. 3. Every day is a picnic day. 4. No uniformity should be sought in picnics. They are frank gatherings to share the day. 5. There are no hosts and guests at picnics. In principle, everybody should offer food and drink equally. 6. No labor should be imposed on participants. 7. Food can be simple, but should never be too easy. 8. No cooking during picnics (but hot water can be prepared in advance for making tea). 9. Bring your own utensils because picnics are an expression of your lifestyle preferences. 10. The picnic mat is a symbol of the picnic. Do not sit or step on it but surround it. 11. Accidents are a part of picnics. Happenings such as a sudden storm, falling into a pond or a bird carrying off your meal are not good reasons for being upset. 12. Just a few people are enough to have a picnic. There is no need to force people to stay. 13. Do not leave your rubbish behind. 14. Picnicking is not camping. Discord or love cannot be reasons to stay. 15. Entertainment comes in many forms. Even rains can be a type of good fortune.Picnic Items When making picnic preparations, there are actually no fixed requirements. You can freely enjoy yourself by just bringing a random newspaper mat or sitting directly in the grass. However, if you want to prepare meticulously and take beautiful pictures with your family and friends, you can consider the recommended preparations that follow.Picnic Mats It actually is not necessary to buy a picnic mat specifically for the occasion. Household items, such as bed sheets and curtains, can be used as picnic mats. However, if you want to buy one, you could select a mat which is easy to carry and made with waterproof materials. After all, Taipei is often rainy and the grass unavoidably gets wet.Picnic Basket and Miniature Table Any bamboo basket, rattan basket, or even shopping bag can be used as a picnic basket. As long as it has a big enough volume to carry everything, it will be fine. If you can find a type of basket that can also function as a miniature table that will be even better. But if not, there’s no need to fret. You can also bring a portable folding table or a cardboard box to make the meal more convenient.Wooden Cutting Boards and Environmentally Friendly Utensils A wooden cutting board is a fairly good utensil to bring on a picnic. Not only can it be used to display attractive foods, but you can also do some simple onsite food preparations, such as cutting bread and fruit. Furthermore, you should by all means bring your own utensils and avoid using disposable utensils. By cutting down on the amount of garbage, we can protect the environment.Customized Ornaments To set your picnic apart from the rest, a few ornaments can be used to express your individual character, such as your own handmade mini-flags or small items from your home.Leisure Entertainment Apart from eating and drinking, there is no harm in preparing some leisure entertainment, such as board games, poker and even books to enjoy with friends. You can also enjoy reading time by yourself in the grass.Essential Items‧ Garbage bags (Littering is unacceptable social behavior) ‧ Toilet paper/wipes (If toilets or running water are not convenient, these things are extremely useful) ‧ Insect repellent (A comfortable picnic is extremely important) ‧ Sunscreen/small fan (Whatever you do, do not get sunburned)Preparing Picnic Foods When preparing picnic foods, the most important principles are that the food is simple, easy to carry and not easily spoiled. If there is sufficient time, buying your own fresh and healthy ingredients and then cooking the picnic foods at home to be enjoyed with family and friends are the main joys of picnicking. However, if there is not enough time, you can also get takeout picnic hampers. There are a number of restaurants that offer these readymade picnics for advance order. Just pick up the basket and go!",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Taipei City Government"
  },
  {
    "DataSN": "4141595",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=78D090C2EF662905",
    "title": "Taipei's Energetic Mornings",
    "Content": "Traditional Wushu – Imposing MovesThe majority of the early-morning exercisers you’ll see are seniors, and each practitioner has his or her own unique skills. The forms of shadow boxing that you’ll see involve deft swinging movements that seem mechanized, but require practiced control and are majestic and imposing.Shuai shou gong (甩手功) , which evolved over thousands of years, is an adaptation of the yi jin jing (易 筋經) developed at China’s famed Shaolin Temple (少林 寺). Yi jin means to temper and strengthen tendons by rhythmically swinging one’s arms in pendulum-like fashion, working the 12 tendons in the fingers, palms, and wrists down to the knees, heels, and toes. Through the easy method, the arms are swung from approximately 500 to 2,000 times each session. Over time the tendons are toughened, and the method is rumored to be an effective way to relieve lesions or minor injuries without medication.Another form with the same health benefits combines the toning of tendons with proper qi breathing. Qi (氣) is the life energy of the universe. Lajin qigong (拉筋氣 功) is different from ordinary stretching exercises and tendon toning exercises. The emphasis is on overall body equilibrium, combining deep, slow, measured breathing with stretching of the tendons and muscles in all body points, easing tension and bringing relaxation.Qigong is the foundation for most forms of Chinese wushu (武術), or martial arts. There are three basic elements: regulating the mind, regulating the breath, and regulating the body. Practitioners must first eliminate any distracting thoughts, then engage in measured breathing using the lower part of the abdomen, and finally try to relax the entire body, allowing the four limbs to freely follow spontaneous movements in order to conduct the flow of inner qi, promoting peripheral blood circulation, and helping to get rid of built-up waste.The concept of qi is central to the Chinese world view, and it is believed that wushu study effectively combines exercise and qi regulation. The emphasis in both qigong and taijiquan is on qi regulation, inhaling and exhaling deeply with each step, the fists slowly pushing outward. Although each individual movement may not appear forceful or powerful, in fact each contains a strong surge of inner strength. Because the body remains soft and supple, many people mistakenly believe that taijiquan is a form of exercise exclusively for the elderly. The emphasis, however, is on inner consciousness, not external strength. The less power used, the more nimble one’s movements. And with continuous practice over the long term comes self-cultivation, calming the temperament. Today, more and more young people are taking it up.The Local Color of Folk DancesSerious martial arts can be extended into lively dances. In the city’s parks you’ll often see practitioners of yuanji dance, blending wushu, dance, music, qigong, massage techniques, and Kegel exercise. Practitioners take light dance steps, following the five-tone scale of traditional Chinese music (五音): gong (宮), shang (商), jue (角), zhi (徵), and yu (羽). They dance alone or in groups, and the form is suitable for males and females, young and old. In this relaxed, comfortable atmosphere dance becomes exercise. There is no demand for perfection in every movement, and the pleasant melodies get participants both in the mood and in the rhythm. The 12 sets of movements include numerous tiptoe, heel, and finger motions, helping to loosen joints and open what are called the body’s meridians. Yuanji dance is a fusion of entertainment and physical strengthening, and can be said to be the Chinese culture’s unique form of aerobic exercise.A visit to parks and community squares shows that folk dance is also very popular. Elements are taken from the life, culture, customs, rituals, and celebrations of common folk around the world. In Eastern folk dance there is a passion for combining dance and song, as well as for the use of various props, including fans, sleeves, handkerchiefs, tambourines, and decorated umbrellas. The song and dance tell the stories of peoples passed down since ancient times.The fan dance is especially distinctive. It originated as an ancient Korean sorceress blessing ceremony, and afterwards slowly evolving into a folk dance. During a formal stage performance, dancers wear brightly colored, loose-fitting garments, hold elegant fans with long silk ribbons, constantly change movements in keeping with the changing rhythms of the gentle melodies, and bring masses of fans together in lyrically colorful patterns and shapes, creating aesthetically pleasing visual effects. Though the attire worn in public parks may not be so splendid, the delicate motions, sedate mannerisms, and elegantly feminine postures and movements clearly reflect the ladies’ focus and long hours of practice.Greeting the New Day With a Good WorkoutTeachers offer free instruction for most of the exercise types described above. If you’d like to join the early-morning exercisers, you’ll be warmly welcomed. However, if you perhaps find these forms a bit abstruse, why not try something that requires no memorization of steps – jogging. Each and every early morning, you’ll see parks both big and small busy with Taipei folk out pursuing fitness and relaxation. If you want to try your hand at different things, visit one of Taipei’s larger parks, which offer convenient transportation, diverse facilities, and lots of space, enabling various forms of recreation, including jogging. Especially good choices include the big squares on the grounds of National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, 2/28 Peace Park (二二八和平公園), Xinsheng Park (新生公園), Youth Park (青年公園), Daan Park (大安森林公園), Dahu Park, and Nangang Park (南港公園). Other spots where you can get a look at Taipei’s denizens engaged in healthy, dynamic early-morning action are the riverside parks that circle the city core and the many community neighborhood parks.",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Taipei City Government"
  },
  {
    "DataSN": "4141594",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=28ABFFFD6BAE28AD",
    "title": "Challenging Yourself – Rock Climbing",
    "Content": "In the rock-climbing facility at Neihu Sports Center (內湖運動中心), Steven, from the United States, concentrates intently as he finds the right place to first position his hand, then his foot, while he slowly ascends. Rock climbing is a passion of his, and when back home in the United States he would regularly climb. Since moving to Taipei, he often practices his technique in indoor facilities before heading out to tackle natural climbs.\"The fun in rock climbing,”he says,“comes in the concentration that is required. You place your life in your hands and your technique. The moment you reach your goal you feel a release of pressure through your whole body, and are filled with a sense of joy and pleasure.” Many of his foreign friends who share his love of the sport ask where they can go climbing in Taiwan as soon as they get off the plane – clear proof of their passion. Many regard rock climbing as a sport confined to specialists. They think of people of great strength hanging onto cliff faces solely by their fingertips and toes, meaning challenges far beyond the range of normal people. In fact, rock climbing is an extension of mountaineering, originally used by mountain climbers as a practice technique to help overcome the various difficulties they would face in their ascents. In 1970 French nationals developed it into a separate sport, and Francois Savigny developed the first movable rock, made with fiberglass, sand, and resin, laying the foundation for artificial climbing walls and bringing new life to rock climbing.       Climbing Precautions:              Warm up first to avoid injury.      If climbing without a professional instructor’s supervision, do not climb higher than 3 meters.      Wear only qualified climbing equipment, including specialist climbing shoes, safety harness, carabineers, and ropes.      Only one climber is permitted on each climbing route at a time, to reduce the risk.      He Zhongda (何中達), head of the Chinese Taipei Alpine Association (中華民國山岳協會), says that“There are no restrictions in regard to age or body type for rock climbing. Just follow the instructions of your trainers and you can experience the fun of improving step by step.”Many people who have no great love of hiking or have never climbed a mountain nevertheless develop a passion for rock climbing, because the process tempers the mind, strengthens the body, and releases pressure, and maybe brings back sweet childhood memories of tree climbing.In general, rock climbing can be divided into indoor “boulder climbing”(抱石攀岩) and graded outdoor climbing. He Zhongda recommends that beginners use indoor facilities for practice, building up skills gradually with wall climbs no higher than 3 or 4 meters and with protective padding below.“Bouldering fields help training climbers develop explosive force,”he says.‘At outdoor sites the height can reach 15 meters, and there is no protective padding below, so belay devices, commonly called“pig noses”(豬鼻子) by Taiwanese climbers,’and Figure 8 Descenders are a must to prevent a possible fall. The greater heights tackled in outdoor climbs increase muscular endurance.If you are interested in trying your hand at the sport, note that there are a few basic equipment needs. Proper climbing shoes with sticky, high-friction soles are requisite, enabling strong toe grip. Chalk (magnesium carbonate powder) must also be rubbed on hands before climbing to absorb sweat and prevent slipping. Rock climbing has many benefits to recommend it. It strengthens both your endurance and willpower. It also tempers mental acuity and enhances problem-solving skills. Most of the city's sports centers have artificial facilities, with full safety measures and instructors on site to provide guidance, making practicing easy, comfortable, and fun for interested novices.      Rock Climbing Venues in Taipei        Neihu Sports Center 內湖運動中心 Add: 12, Zhouzi St. (洲子街12號) Tel: (02)2656-0052    Wenshan Sports Center 文山運動中心 Add: 222, Sec. 3, Xinglong Rd. (興隆路3段222號) Tel: (02)2230-8268        Wanhua Sports Center 萬華運動中心 Add: 6-1, Xi’ning S. Rd. (西寧南路6之1號) Tel: (02)2381-8878    Civic Bouldergym 市民抱石攀岩館 Add: 552, Sec. 8, Civic Blvd. (市民大道8段552號) Tel: (02)2788-6220        Shilin Sports Center 士林運動中心 Add: 1, Shishan Rd. (士商路1號) Tel: (02)2880-6066    Gonguang Bouldering Rockgym 公館水岸公園抱石攀岩場 Location: Entrance near riverside dike, near 43~45, Xizhou Rd., behind National Taiwan Normal University Branch (師大分部後面，溪洲街43~45號附近河堤進入) Tel: 0972-980-592        Xinyi Sports Center 信義運動中心 Add: 100, Songqin St. (松勤街100號) Tel: (02)8786-1911    Chinese Taipei Alpine Association 中華民國山岳協會 Add: 10F, 185, Sec. 2, Zhongshan N. Rd. (中山北路2段185號10樓) Tel: (02)2594-2108 Website: www.mountaineering.org.tw (Chinese)         Nangang Sports Center 南港運動中心 Add: 69, Yucheng St. (玉成街69號) Tel: (02)2653-2279    Chinese Taipei Climbing Association 中華民國攀登協會 Website: climbing.org.tw        Beitou Sports Center 北投運動中心 Add: 100, Ln. 39, Sec. 1, Shipai Rd. (石牌路1段39巷100號) Tel: (02)2820-2880       ",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Taipei City Government"
  },
  {
    "DataSN": "4141593",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=E0AEEF1C78C24905",
    "title": "Mixed Martial Arts--Bringing You All-Round Physical Fitness",
    "Content": "  Information  Taipei Song Shan Sports Center  松山運動中心  Add: 1, Dunhua N. Rd. (敦化北路1號)  Tel: (02)6617-6789  Website: www.sssc.com.tw (Chinese)   Taipei Nangang Sports Center  南港運動中心  Add: 69, Yucheng St. (玉成街69號)  Tel: (02)2653-2279  Website: ngsc.cyc.org.tw (Chinese)   Taipei Da'an Sports Center 大安運動中心  Add: 55, Sec. 3, Xinhai Rd. (辛亥路3段55號)  Tel: (02)2377-0300  Website: dasc.cyc.org.tw (Chinese)   Taipei Wanhua Sports Center  萬華運動中心  Add: 6-1, Xining S. Rd. (西寧南路6之1號)  Tel: (02)2381-8878  Website: whsc.cyc.org.tw (Chinese)   Chinese Boxing (Sanda) Combat  Association 中華武術散打搏擊委員會  Headquarters and Training Facility / Concord  Martial Academy  Add: 18, Lane 197, Sec. 1, Zhiyu Rd.  (芝玉路1段197巷18號)  Tel: (02)8866-1621  Website: www.sanda.org.tw (Chinese)   Taipei Mixed Martial Arts 臺北格鬥運動館  Add: B1, 22, Lane 27, Sec, 4, Ren'ai Rd.  (仁愛路4段27巷22號B1)  Tel: (02)8771-9195  Website: www.tmma.com.tw (Chinese)   Dragon Martial Arts Academy 傳龍會館  Add: B1, 58, Sec. 1, Chang'an E. Rd.  (長安東路1段58號B1)  Tel: (02)2571-5705  Alan's Gym 中山拳館  Add: 2F, 18, Sec, 2, Zhongxiao E. Rd.  (忠孝東路2段18號2樓)  Tel: (02)3322-1623  Taiwan Martial Arts Gym 台灣武道館  Add: 7, Alley 30, Lane 9, Songlong Rd.  (松隆路9巷30弄7號)  Tel: 0910-234-596An aspiration of many that study martial arts is to  enter a realm where not only are the techniques of  an individual form such as boxing, Sanda (散打), or judo  mastered, but, over the course of a lifetime, to learn  several forms, and use moves from each in conjunction  when fighting opponents. In the world of mixed martial  arts (MMA), practitioners of different systems do just  that, facing each other in the arena, competing  under a unified set of rules. Each athlete is able to  incorporate the essence of any chosen schools in his/  her repertoire, utilizing any boxing, kicking, knee, elbow,  palm, grappling, or submission technique to master an  opponent.  Mixed martial arts emerged when practitioners  of different forms of martial arts competed against  each other to see which form was more powerful.  When brought to the United States, all schools were  incorporated. There were no restrictions or rules for  fights, which were decided quite simply — through a  knockout. The guiding spirit behind the competition was  to find out which form of martial arts was most effective  in real combat. Later on, the rules in use today were  formulated to ensure fairness and the safety and health  of the athletes – each bout has three rounds of five  minutes each, and a fighter is automatically declared  the victor if he/she delivers a KO (knockout), TKO  (technical knockout), or submission.  MMA is an extremely challenging sport, for athletes  must attempt to master an array of martial-arts  techniques. Stand-up techniques include the straight  punch, uppercut, front kick, leg sweep, knee strike, and  elbow strike; ground fighting moves include the ground  pound, mount, knee on belly, arm bar, triangle choke,  and knee bar techniques. The sport develops all-round  athletes, which has helped it slowly catch on around  the world. It has also become fashionable with women,  the physical training leading to well-toned bodies and  attractive physiques.  The head instructor at the Taipei Mixed Martial Arts (臺北格鬥運動館) center, Qiu Yuzhi (邱郁智), suggests that if  you plan to learn the sport you should start by studying  a form you like most, such as boxing, Sanda, or Muay  Thai. Using this as a foundation, progress onto other  forms such as wrestling and ground fighting. This will  develop the array of techniques needed to step into  the MMA ring. “Generally speaking, Sanda is closest  to the essence of MMA, but each person can follow  their own interest when choosing their introductory  martial-art form. This better ensures you'll both maintain  your interest and will progress.” Teachers will instruct  beginners in the basics of all sorts of Chinese boxing  and martial-arts techniques, and you'll hone your skills  using sandbags, hand targets, leg targets, and other  fitness equipments to further increase strength.    MMA Points to Note            Warm up 10~15 minutes before beginning of training/        competition, to prevent injury.       Take off shoes, and wear protective gear, to ensure        safety.       A coach/instructor must be on-site to supervise any fight         competition, to prevent injury.       After a workout, replenish with electrolyte-enhanced         alkaline water, to restore the body's acid-alkaline         balance.       The development of an MMA fighter takes   about two years. Continual  training with sparring partners, under the supervision of  an instructor, is needed to gain the necessary combat  experience. And regardless of the form chosen to enter  into the world of MMA — judo, boxing, etc. — students  must also train and temper mind and will, to be able to  maintain a state of mind that is calm and focused. This  allows them to adapt to any attack strategy used by an  opponent, and to think strategically. If you're up for the  challenge of taking part in the highest realm of martialarts, the fascinating world of MMA awaits you. ",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Department of Information Technology, Taipei City Government"
  },
  {
    "DataSN": "4141591",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=6E68A54189FD03D9",
    "title": "Looking for that Elusive Hole-in-One -- The Joy of Golf in Taipei",
    "Content": "In 2011 the first LPGA event ever was held in Taiwan, letting the  people of the country get their first ever up-close look at the reigning  global queens of the golf links. The world's No. 1, Yani Tseng,   is in fact from Taiwan, and also competing were Norway's Suzann  Pettersen, South Korea's Na Yeon Choi, Japan's Ai Miyazato, and  Morgan Pressel from the United States. The competition was fierce,  the display of skills impressive. Taiwan's shining light, Yani Tseng lived up  to the high expectations of the home crowd and walked away with  victory, continuing her remarkable run of success in recent years and  deepening passion for the game amongst Taiwan's golf aficionados  and neophytes.  Appropriate for All While Challenging for All  All avid golfers know well, and deeply love, the pure joy felt when  stepping out onto a course, with its sweeping swathes of blue sky  and green fairway. Nevertheless, once competition begins the eyes  of one and all, players and spectators, are drawn to a work of art of  an entirely different color—that little round piece of white perfection  called a golf ball. All lose sense of time and space as the club is  brought down with power and the ball takes flight with energy, soaring  over the fairway, past treetops, and above water obstacles and sand  traps on its way to the impossibly small target: a tiny hole off in the  distance.“In the hole!”yell spectators in encouragement, as both  players and fans hold their breath.  Information  Taipei Golf Practice Locations    Nangang Sports Center: ngsc.cyc.org.tw (Chinese)           Wanhua Sports Center: whsc.cyc.org.tw (Chinese)      Zhongzheng Sports Center: www.jjsports.com.tw (Chinese)     Neihu Sports Center: www.nhsports.com.tw (Chinese)      Xinyi Sports Center: xysc.cyc.org.tw (Chinese)     Da'an Sports Center: dasc.cyc.org.tw (Chinese)         Youth Park Driving Range       5 Guoxing Rd.; (02) 2301-4409 (run      by private group under commission by Parks &      Street Lights Office)          Guizikeng Driving Range      17, Lane 150, Xiushan Rd.; (02)      2895-8670     Qing Qing Recreational Farm Driving Range       32, Lane 266, Sec. 2, Zhishan Rd. ;(02) 2841-2853     Shilin Practice Club       2 Zhoumei St.; (02) 2838-5678  Golf, invented in Scotland, is a game of simple rules. A golfer,  playing individually or as part of a team, uses different clubs to hit a  small white dimpled ball down a wide fairway and into a small hole on  what is called a“putting green”of close-cut grass. Over the course  of a normal game, there are 18 fairway/green/hole combinations,  simply called“holes,”and the player using the lowest number of  hits or“strokes”wins. Holes are generally classified as requiring 3 to 5  strokes, the total number of strokes for a full 18-hole course totalling 72.  The design of each hole on a golf course has its own clever  variations, challenging the player. There are rises and falls, curvatures,  bunkers filled with sand, ponds, and other obstacles. Golf is thus not merely a game of raw power; experience brings  accuracy and finesse. Different conditions bring the  choice of different clubs, different swings, and welcome  challenges.  Though within the confines of busy Taipei City, there's  no opportunity to stand on an open fairway, practice  facilities abound, giving you the opportunity to practice  fairway drives and putting. Various facilities also offer  professional instruction, such as Wanhua Sports Center, which has a comprehensive range of  options, including 10 driving stations, artificial putting  greens, and sand traps, simulating the experience of  being outside.  At the Xinyi Sports Center, in addition  to driving-range and sand-trap practice, you can also  stand before a digital-simulation screen and happily  experience the \"real\" thing. Other city-established  sports centers in Nangang, Da'an, Zhongzheng, and  Neihu districts offer practice ranges accommodating  golf-club numbers 1 through 6, enabling lovers of the  game to save travel time, hone their skills, and impress  their friends next time they are on the links for a round in  the great outdoors. ",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Department of Information Technology, Taipei City Government"
  },
  {
    "DataSN": "4141590",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=FDBE52A6E9E9E8C1",
    "title": "Calming the Mind, and Losing Weight too--Yoga in Taipei",
    "Content": "Yoga is a type of exercise that is not overly  strenuous, yet though it does not require vigorous  movement drenching you in sweat over short bursts of  time in the way dance does, it does indeed produce  a healthy sweat when practitioners practice their  stretches and expand their flexibility which strengthen  their muscles and joints, and improve their balance and  equilibrium. Day by day, you also feel healthier, stronger,  and more fit. Observe closely while you travel the city  and you'll spot many people carrying their yoga mats  about, clear evidence of the local trend toward leading  healthier lifestyles.  Yoga originated in ancient India and is a method  of seeking the brahma state, creating harmony and  forming a union between the physical self and the  highest form of spiritual being. A set regimen must  be followed in seeking systematic elevation of body  and mind. Today, following the modern tendency to  constantly modify the old and the traditional, there are  myriad yoga variants, one example being Bikram Yoga  or Hot Yoga, practiced in a facility with a temperature  of 40℃, the idea being to dispel the body's toxins  through profuse sweat, at the same time effectively  reducing your weight. Restoration Yoga is believed to be  particularly effective for people suffering from insomnia  or excessive pressure, relaxing mind and spirit. Ashtanga  Yoga emphasizes repetition, the goal is to increase  your stamina. A strong body also leads to increased  confidence. These methods have now become part of  the yoga mainstream.In Taiwan, many other variants are offered, including  forms focused on couples and on the family, practiced in  pairs, and on pregnant women and women with babies  and small children. Other forms are syncretic, fusing the  teachings and movement of different approaches, such as Plastic Rope Yoga, which brings together the movements  of Asana Yoga and the use of rope, Fitball Yoga, in which  large and small medicine balls are used, Qigong Yoga, Taichi Yoga, Pilates Yoga, and numerous  other examples. The list goes on and on, seeming to spread  ever wider, and thus ensuring there's always one form out  there that perfectly fits your spiritual world-view.  So now, the question becomes finding the right  place to launch yourself into the world of yoga health  and happiness. It's best to begin with classes that enrol  many students for reasonably inexpensive fees—Taipei's  community activity centers and the city's 12 district  sports centers are your answer. Information on class  times, duration, content, and other details are available  online, making your journey of releasing built-up fatigue  and stress toward physical and spiritual bliss an easy and  convenient one.To satisfy demand, private yoga establishments  are also sprouting like mushrooms. Look for those  with an emphasis on roomy facilities and professional  accreditation, such as Space  Yoga, which offers over 200  courses encompassing all  variations and offers instruction  in both Chinese and English,  ensuring classes that are both  highly personalized andhighly professional.  There are also international chains that  are forging a new-style  path in the metropolis, such as Taiwan's True Yoga and Pure Yoga. At the former,  instruction in over 40 yoga schools is offered, including  classes focused on the orthodox Indian forms. The latter  has professional instructors brought in from overseas, and a  comprehensive array of dedicated yoga facilities.The time has come to commence a deep meditation  dialogue between your body and your spirit—time to getyourself registered in a yoga course.  Information  Taipei's 12 District Sports Centers (Chinese)      Nangang Sports Center: ngsc.cyc.org.tw      Wanhua Sports Center: whsc.cyc.org.tw      Zhongzheng Sports Center: www.jjsports.com.tw      Zhongshan Sports Center: cssc.cyc.org.tw      Shilin Sports Center: www.slsc-taipei.org      Neihu Sports Center: www.nhsports.com.tw      Beitou Sports Center: http://www.btsport.com.tw/       Xinyi Sports Center: xysc.cyc.org.tw      Songshan Sports Center: www.sssc.com.tw      Da'an Sports Center: dasc.cyc.org.tw      Datong Sports Center: www.taipeidt.com      Wenshan Sports Center: wssc.cyc.org.tw      Space Yoga      Add: 16F, 27,  Sec. 1, Anhe Rd.       Tel: (02)  2773-8108      True Yoga      Add: 1/2F, 563,  Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd.      Tel: (02)  2764-8888  Pure Yoga  Add: 151, Sec. 4,  Zhongxiao E. Rd.   Tel: (02) 8161-7888 ",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Department of Information Technology, Taipei City Government"
  },
  {
    "DataSN": "4141586",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=7479B2203F8DB681",
    "title": "Studying Martial Arts in Taipei",
    "Content": "The essence of Chinese martial arts exists at a profound level. Mastery comes not through overpowering strength, but through the embodiment of the Dao , most often translated as the“Way”or the“Path.”In Asia's martial-arts films you commonly see the hero performing incredible kungfu feats, fists flying in fury as he rolls through opponents one after another. Another miraculous feat is to seemingly turn flesh to steel after simple breathing exercises and meditation, acquiring the capacity to contend with powerful forces. Though seemingly beyond the realm of reality, these are not mere cinematic tricks and not as far from our everyday existence as you might think. In Taipei, many a fine martial-arts academy and sports center offers courses in Taiji Quan, Wing Chun, qigong, and other martial-arts style that will bring out the mettle and the miraculous in you! Cultivating One's Moral Character and One's SpiritThe approach taken in Taiji Quan is that Dao can be acquired after mastering the skills .“Within one trains one's energy, qi, and mind; without one trains one's tendons, bones, and skin”. The genre has also incorporated a key Daoist precept expounded in the Yi Jing or Book of Changes—“Rigidity and flexibility in synchronicity, change when change is appropriate”. In Taiji, the avoidance of any rigid form or posture allows the opening of the mind's eye, bringing an expanded and strengthened circle of thought and comprehension. The beauty of Taiji lies in the grace and ease of the person performing the strokes in perfection. In the 700-year history of the school, this foundation precept has not changed.A solid choice, should you be seized with the desire to take up Taiji Quan s tudies , are the varied courses offered by the National Tai Chi Chuan As sociat ion each season. They run from beginners' to advanced to elite, giving you the perfect option whatever your level of proficiency. Note that there are various branches within the overarching Taiji Quan umbrella; for example, at the Da'an Sports Center you can sign up for courses in Chen Jia-gou Taiji Quan , and the Xinyi Sports Center has a program in Zheng Zi Taiji Quan .Another fundamental Taiji precept known to all adepts is“Yin and yang in balance, mind and qi in balance”, and should you wish to explore its meaning in depth the Xinyi Sports Center has established a program entitled “18 Movements of Taiji Qigong”. Designed as a simple introductory course, the rigidity of body and mind in place over the long-term is gradually adjusted via controlled breathing. This adjustment is effected from three angles, each of equal importance— posture, consciousness, and breathing. Over at the Nangang Sports Center is another worthwhile option,“Baduanjin— Health Qigong”. Baduanjin literally means“Eight Section Brocade,”a more understandable translation being “Eight Section Internal Energy Training.”Capturing the need of the busy modern individual for brevity and ease of understanding, the moves are simple and the space needed to practice can be small. Only a moderate time investment is needed each ses s ion, but the resul ts are substant ial , improving qi and blood circulation, meridian flow, and flexibility of the joints.Beyond Taiji , Wi n g Chun is another excellent choice . A special character istic of Wing Chun is Chi Sau, often translated as“sticking hands,”referring to a sparring technique that requires acute sensitivity to the movements and power of an opponent, turning the opponent's strength against him, and making constant counter-adjustments while following the movements of the opponent. Defense and attack are part of a single system. If you'd like to get a closer look at the secrets of this system, the Neihu Sports Center offers beginner and intermediate courses. For a chance to study outdoors, head to the 228 Memorial Peace Park any morning; here, among others, you will find a master who formerly taught the guard force at the nearby Presidential Office Building the qinna technique, to which many foreign adherents come to learn. Self-Discipline and Sociability — Rich Harvest for Young Martial-Arts StudentsTraining in the martial arts results in improved strength and overall health, and many modern parents have taken note of the positive results that the ancient arts have on their children. One is in the area of discipline, because youngsters must follow a strict routine and attain clear standards. And because of the need to study with others, a sense of cooperative sociability is also developed.Taiwan's internationally famed dance troupe, Cloud Gate Dance Theat re , has also taken note of the benefits for youngsters in the area of suppleness and flexibility of body along with discipline of mind and will. Building a concrete kungfu foundation in the character of the individual helps youth both in the learning of various dance styles and various martial-arts styles. Cloud Gate has set up a special“Children's Martial Arts”study program for kids 6-9 year old, and a “Youth Martial Arts”program for youngsters 10-18. Through gradual yet systematic teaching and progress, emphasizing fun will deliver the necessary knowledge on basic movements and technique, the kids acquire a real affection for their training and for the multi-faceted world of martial arts.Here's a great idea for you—get up bright and early one morning and head over to Da'an Park , Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall , 228 Memorial Peace Park, or pretty much any park near where you live or are staying. You're almost sure to see groups of folks—old, young, male, female—moving in synchronized movements, faces intense with concentration, lost in the world of their chosen martial-arts genre. Watch closely and you'll see the slow and smooth forms of Taiji, or the fast and precise moves of Wing Chun. The martial arts are a part of everyday life for many of the Taipei citizens walking by you each day—and when in Taipei, why not try life the local way?",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Taipei City Government"
  },
  {
    "DataSN": "4141587",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=9F1000EACB22F5C6",
    "title": "Taiji Daoyin Master: Xiong Wei, Rambling Quitely Through the Big Busy City",
    "Content": "In this oasis space, the warm waves of the aftersummerdissipate. The hurried pace of the bustling cityoutside give way to silent steps. In the square are malesand females, from a 10-year-old boy to the silver-hairedset. All are intense with concentration, replicatingthe exact movements of the master before them.From wrists, elbows, and shoulders to waist, knees,and ankles, all points on the body are in synchronizedrhythm as a routine of sweeping movements andpositions are achieved. The actions are precise but theframe is not taut, and the body is seen as a spheroid,the qi or nature's invisible kinetic energy flowingthrough smoothly and without obstruction.“Taiji Daoyin  and Taiji Quan are not the same,”explains the master calmly andgently.“Quan means‘fist,’reflecting emphasis onthe martial arts. Daoyin places weight on breathingexercises and learning to control oneself.”The masteris Xiong Wei , creator of the 12 Moves of the TaijiDaoyin system.He was a weak boy, and took up Taiji to strengthenhis mind and body. Sixty years on, he exists on thehighest plateau of martial arts, and has the air of awise and learned sage. Xiong Wei has devoted himselfto the study of Daoism, incorporating its tenets intoTaiji Daoyin, and students from lands near and far,including from Korea and as far away as France andGermany, have come to study under him. He has goneon sojourns to pass on the concepts of Taiji Daoyin todevotees in South Africa, the US, Japan, Singapore,and many other lands, utilizing the dynamic approachof combining demonstration and Chinese poetry inhis teachings to unveil the magic and mystery of Taiji,leaving a deep impression with all he encounters. Heexpounds on the strength of Taiji and the never-endingflow of qi, which permeates all things by quoting afamous line of poetry—“Beyond Suzhou from theHanshan Temple, the tone of the bell finds my boat atmidnight”——qi is justlike sound, which permeates all things.Placing Taiji Daoyin within the boundaries of themartial arts, Xiong Wei states that“After you draw qiinto your body, you use the store of qi energy within,like wave after wave of water. Instead of meetingyour enemy head on when he attacks with force, likethe sea, you surround and absorb him, layer uponlayer, wave upon wave, transforming his strengthinto yours.”Taiji Daoyin is at one and the same timea display of strength and of subtle beauty; it is littlewonder, then, that local performance troupes suchas Golden Bough Theatre and U Theatrehave asked Xiong Wei to conduct trainingsessions for their members, teaching them how tokeep limbs supple and limber to promote flexibilityand rhythm. The special rotation movements of theTaiji Daoyin approach have also been incorporatedinto Cloud Gate Dance Theatre's celebrated workMoon Water , releasing a flow of beauty and alyrical, floating visual sensuality that—one might saydespite the vigorous flow of qi engendered—takesyour breath away.In earlier years, Xiong Wei would come to 228Memorial Peace Park to go through his routines, notfar from where the military police stand at attentionguarding the adjacent Presidential Office Building , where he worked. He also highly recommendsthe shaded tranquility of the grounds at the ShilinOfficial Residence . Now 83, he still lovesto throw his simple pack on his back and head outexploring the city's four corners via public transport,moving like the gentle breeze but with steps firmand assured. The Taiji master moves silently throughthe noisy, bustling metropolis, taking with him andspreading about him the serenity and tranquility ofthe martial arts world.Xiong Wei 熊衛＊Integrating classic writings, invented the 12 Movessystem of Taiji Daoyin; has written six books on thepractice of it.＊In 2001 he was granted the 9th Chinese Martial ArtsAward in the Global Chinese Culture and Arts Awards.",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Taipei City Government"
  },
  {
    "DataSN": "4141585",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=4D641FC9B65B5307",
    "title": "Let's Go Skateboarding!",
    "Content": "            The fashionably outfitted skateboarders steps atophis skateboard and goes sliding and gliding up anddown the large U-shaped half-pipe. When his speed isup, he goes hurtling into the air above one edge, andwith a deft movement grabs his board with one handand launches himself into a thrilling spin mid-air. Whenhe comes back down to Earth and lands safely again,the c rowd roars with appreciation, thenquickly goes silent again asthey await the next gravitydefyingacrobatic feats.This is skateboarding,which always getst h e bloodrushing in both theathlete and onlookers.Skateboardingbegan shooting up in popularityin the 1960s, catching on aroundthe wor ld. Fol lowing s teadyadvances in skateboard design, asthe increase in flexibility, durability, andturning ability enabled ever more difficultmaneuvers such as bounces, flips, andreverses with greater speed.The Rise of an Extreme Sport  Today skateboarding is an internationalphenomenon with global-scale competitions.The sport now features dedicated skatepark, the half-pipe, and other specialfacilities. The result is incredible speedand power, and taking BMX and rollerskates to extreme-sport status.Added to the mix today are also ultracoolskateboard graphics and baggystreet outfits. Punk, hip-hop, and otherrock music are also major influence,and mus t be played at topvolume. Skateboarders even havetheir own lingo. The special fusionof street, sports, and pop culture addsup to the one and only skateboardingculture, celebrated with the annual international GoSkateboarding Day, usually held on June 21.Taipei City has its own loyal corps of skateboardingaficionados and lovers of other extreme sports. In2000, the Taipei City Govt. launched the country’s firstinternational-standard extreme sports facility at ZhongshanSoccer Stadium. In the following year,the Chinese Taipei Extreme Sports Association was established. Although at the momentthe extreme sports park is closed because of the needsof this year’s Taipei International Flora Exposition, therewill be a trial run for the“Taipei Extreme Sports TrainingCenter” in August, making amore comprehensive array of first-rate facilities dedicatedfor the local skateboarding army.The new facility will have a park, half-pipe area, andmain building of 6,048 sq. ft. Inside will be dormitoryfacilities for athletes and coaches, and weighttrainingfacilities with a wide variety of equipment. Thesecretary-general of the Chinese Taipei Extreme SportsAssociation, Jiang Zhi-ming, says that“All threerail networks—MRT, High Speed Rail, and the regularrail system—converge at MRT Nangang Station, withthe new training center right beside it. When the timecomes, we invite skateboard devotees from around the country to come check out all the specialized facilities.When we are officially up and running in September, we’llexpand into popularizing the sport with classes, inviting groupsof students from elementary schools to come try their hand atthis fashionable sport.”Mountain Hike Tips:              For your safety, wear shoes with flat soles and a good grip,        and always wear a helmet and knee/elbow protectors.        Start off by taking lessons from a qualified instructor, who        can teach proper safety techniques for mounts, falls, etc.        Do not attempt acrobatics beyond the range of your        strength and endurance.            Information        Chinese Taipei Extreme Sports      Association                    Add: 1, Yumen St.          Tel: (02) 2594-4204              Taipei Extreme Sports Training Center                    Add:          No. 382, Sec. 7, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Nangang Dist.             ",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Taipei City Government"
  },
  {
    "DataSN": "4141584",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=6E2606B61B2B9407",
    "title": "The Joys of Tackling Taipei's Peaks with Mountain- Loving Friends",
    "Content": "                    Each weekend a certain group of people can be  spotted gathering at a MRT station or by a bus stop.  They all wear red Polo shirts, and they all love tackling a  good mountain. When all their companions have shown  up, they head out to next peak.“We climb not for the  joy of conquering. It's for the love of the great outdoors  and the joy of being with like-minded companions,  taking in nature's wonders.”So says Fang Xiu-mei, director-general of the Mountaineering Sport  Association, R.O.C.. Sometimes,  when the weather is not right, they all agree to head  uphill to one of the members' homes to brew some good  tea and have a good chat, for any day spent close toMother Nature is a good day.The number of people in Taiwan taking to high-hill  trails for healthy exercise increases by the day. More  and more trails are being maintained; many are located  The Joy of Tackling  Taipei’s Peaks with  Mountain-Loving  Friends  in suburban areas, and are being fitted out with rest  pavilions, information signage, and other facilities that  augment the hiking experience. Some are historical  trails, adding to the pleasure of an outing by enabling  hikers to literally follow in the footsteps of their forefatherswhile getting their day's dose of invigorating exercise.Mountaineering Sport Association groups“get  vertical”almost every Sunday. They extend a warm  welcome to foreign expatriates and visitors to join in the  fun, and promise the friendly hospitality that only Taiwan  mountaineers can bring.“We have people who can  speak English or Japanese, and along the way we'll  explain the lay of the land and explain local customs  and traditions. And whenever we stop for a rest, you'll  get to experience Taiwan's old-time tea and foodculture too.”Foreign friends are invited to join three upcoming  hikes specially arranged as easy outings introducing  the Taipei-area mountains. These will occur in May and  June, each will be of a different character, and each  will last two to three hours. On May 16 there will be an  outing to Mt. Wenjian and Mt. Dalunwei. The members  will proceed up the stone steps beside the Grand Hotel;  from the crest line in behind the hotel, Songshan Airport,  Taipei 101, and the rest of the city is laid out like a vast  model in miniature below. When a rest is needed, a  patch of level ground is found, tea equipment appears,  and a pot of fine brew is prepared. Your tea-time foodtidbits will be energy snacks you've brought yourself.Before reaching Mt. Wenjian, you make your way  through of patch of mixed forest, where the cool of the  shade will be most welcome and you can shake off  the heat and sweat of the steep trail sections you've  surmounted. After the summit has been mounted, your  group of friendly mountaineers will sometimes stop  to cook up a pot of tasty noodles, or dig into meals  they've each lugged up themselves. But sometimes  a feast emerges, individuals taking out surprises like  chicken stewed in rice wine, fish soup, pickled veggies,  and other goodies to share. Whatever the menu, what  always tastes best, you'll agree after your first outing, isthe hearty camaraderie. The fun will last until sunset.The two other climbs will happen on June 13 and 27,  to Qingtianggang on Yangmingshan and on Four Beasts  Mountains, respectively. Foreign friends are invited to  register beforehand, and associated mountaineers  with the appropriate language skills will be arranged.  A happy day getting up close and happy time withTaiwan's mountains is guaranteed.      Information        Mountain Hike Tips:              Before heading out on your first outing, get a good          idea of your stamina and leg strength; those who          regularly engage in walking, swimming, and sports          are more suited.         On the day before an outing call the association to         register.         Bring a towel, water, rain gear, change of clothing,         sun-protection articles, bowl and chopsticks,         alpenstock (optional), energy snacks, and gloves for         grabbing onto bushes and trees (ladies).            Mountaineering Sport Association, R.O.C.              Tel: (02) 2239-1669            ",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Taipei City Government"
  },
  {
    "DataSN": "4141582",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=6B83E3BCAAC2A6A2",
    "title": "Playing Relaxing Gateball at Very Friendly Prices",
    "Content": "Head out to the green expanses of Da'an Park  in the early morning, at about 7 or 8 o'clock,  and you'll hear the clear, crisp crack of balls being  struck, followed by the distinctive sound of cheers going  up and hands being clapped. Find the source and  you'll see clusters of people bending over with golf-like  clubs in golf-like putting poses. But they'll be whacking  red and white balls with numbers on them, knocking  them through small gate-like pegs. They're wielding  mal let s , not gol f  clubs, and they're  playing gatebal l ,  a game similar to  croquet that i s a  combination of golf  and bi l l iards and  i s fas t spreading  in popularity with  Taiwan's seniors.  According to the secretary-general of the Chinese  Taipei Gateball Association , Lin  Jin-fu , gateball originated in France, then  crossed over to England where it was developed and  expanded. It then migrated to Japan, where it was  streamlined to include five players per side and needed  just three goals, scored by shooting a ball through a  stylized“ㄇ”-shaped peg, to end a game. The game  caught on with school kids and seniors, and became  quite popular in Japan after WWII, achieving a high of  seven million players. The game was brought to Taiwan  from Japan about 30 years ago and, just two years  later, not only already had formal gateball organizations  formed but also teams participating in international  events. Today more than 200,000 people play, and there  are official gateball associations in just about every area  of the nation.Secretary-general Lin adds:“Gateball is a gentle  activity suitable for children and seniors. We see  many families forming teams with grandparents and  kids included to join competitions.”Though gateball  resembles golf in some ways, great strength and big  swings are not needed. It is more a putting game, played  on lawns, with balls tapped through gates. All you need  is a park with an open space of 15 by 20 meters to play,  and all the limited array of equipment needed can be  borrowed from the gateball facility on-site. You don't  need to bring anything by yourself, and you can start  playing gateball right away, no special training required.A game of gateball takes about 30 minutes. You can  chat and stroll around while play goes on, and while  striking the ball or picking up balls you have to either  bend over or bend your knees, or both—whatever is  most comfortable—making this an enjoyable, gentle  way to exercise the joints that is perfect for seniors. In  formal competition usually a white team plays against a  red team, with five players per side. Teams can choose  to play one-on-one or two-on-two, requiring players  to take turns hitting. Though the game appears easy,  players must strike their ball within a 10-second time limit,  making quick thinking and good judgement necessary  to compete well. With multiple balls in play, tactical  decisions are needed on how to set up your team's balls  for a chance at goal, protect them from being knocked  aside, and to block the other team. This is thus a great  form of exercise for both mind and body, for you have  to think twice before you really take action.Taipei City currently sports more than 30 formally  organized gateball teams and 10-plus practice facilities.  Beyond Da'an Park  in the center of the  city, there are places to play at Hedan Park   in Datong District, Youth Park , Wanhua Park  No. 402 , Xingyi Park in Beitou,  Bailing Bridge Sports Park , Wenxin Park  in Neihu  and Kangle S t .  Neighborhood Park  , and  at other locations. If  you' re interes ted in  this fascinating sport,  just wear some light and  comfortable athletic gear  and shoes and come out to any  of these spots for a look. According to  the Taipei Municipal Athletics Federation , to popularize the sport you just  need to phone them in advance, let them know you  want to learn, and they will supply an instructor and  all equipment free of charge. So, if you're looking for  a good way to loosen your stiff joints and looking for a  sport that isn't physically demanding that you can share  with old and new friends, it's time to give gateball—  which has been called “golf for the common man”—  a shot.      Information        Taipei Municipal Athletics Federation      Tel: (02) 2772-0232 , 0952-732-224      Website: www.tmaf.org.tw (Chinese)               Da'an Park Gateball Facility        Location: Park entrance facing the main branch of      Taipei Public Library, intersection of Jianguo      S. Rd. and Xinyi Rd., grassy lawn in palm-tree      section.      Datong Gateball Facility (Hedan Park)        Location: Section on river side of dike etween end of        Minsheng W. Rd. and Civil Blvd.       Wanhua Park No. 402      Location: Beside original Taipei Jen Chi Sanatorium, at      angle across from China Times building (132,      Dali St.)          Youth Park Gateball Facility    Location: 199, Shuiyuan Rd. (beside baseball field on      former parachute field)             Wanfu Elementary School Gateball Facility    Location: 32, Lane 170, Sec. 5, Roosevelt Rd.      Bailing Bridge Gateball Facility        Location: Grassy field below Bailing Bridge on west side  (pass through dike beside Tonghe W. St.)      Xingyi Park Gateball Facility      Location: 11-1, Lane 31, Xingyi Rd.    Minquan Park Gateball Facility    Location: Beside parking lot, 180, Sec. 4, Minquan E. Rd.      Wenxin Park Gateball Facility      Location: Park at Lane 282, Xinhu 2nd Rd.              Kangle St. Neighborhood Park      Location: Park opposite Lane 186, Kangle St.      ",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Taipei City Government"
  },
  {
    "DataSN": "4141583",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=C62BC6166AC4ECB5",
    "title": "Tianmu, A Walker's Paradise for Pets",
    "Content": "Taipei folk love to raise pets, but finding good places  to take them out for a walk or a run can be a  headache. For some pets, an outdoor outing means  competing with cars for space. This scene is obviously  dangerous. For pet owners in Tianmu, however, the  difficulty of finding friendly open spaces is never a  question, for the roads are wide here, the pathways  many, small neighbourhood parks abundant. This is a  veritable paradise for dog owners, especially those withlarge breeds.When the spring sun comes out to spread its carpet  of warmth over Tianmu, Labrador owners one by one  emerge with their precious friends and gather in Tianhe  Park No. 1 , at the intersection of Sec. 2,  Zhongcheng Rd. (at the end of Sec. 2) and Lane 69,  Tianmu E. Rd. Says Ms. Xu , who regularly meets  with friends who also love dogs.“The slope here is not  steep, perfect for dogs to exercise.”On most weekends  and holidays you'll find people leading their beloved  leashed dogs here, walking from the park all the way  to the entrance of the Tianmu Trail. If the weather is  good they'll sometimes tackle the trail's 1,000-plus stone  steps together. The parks, big and small, at which onecan stop off along the way to the trail entrance include Tianhe Park , Donghe Park , andsmall neighborhood parks. Dogs can ramble freely, andsome parks even have special drinking-water facilitiesfor them. These parks all also feature swings, seesaws,and other kid-friendly facilities, making them greatchoices for a day in the park for the whole family.Tianmu Trail we've mentioned above is also called  the Water Pipe Road Trail . You'll almost  always see hiking-lovers getting their exercise here,  especially on the initial section, which sports 1,400 stone  steps, perfect for tempering mind and body. Many  athletes come here to work on their footwork. After  you pass the first pavilion on the trail you find yourself  on a comparatively flat section, which heads off in the  direction of Chinese Culture University. “The  stone steps take about one hour to complete, but the  pathway is tree-lined and very shady, so dogs won't  overheat.”Above the pavilion is an adjustment well,  and on the hillside there is a water pipe out of which  comes sweet, fresh, free-flowing mountain-spring water.  Your dog will appreciate the breather and the cool,  crisp refreshment just as much as you do. Those in very  good physical condition will head all the way up toChinese Culture University and back down again.        There's also another choice you might consider,  a route the Tianmu locals call the“Huang Creek  Embankment Fitness Walking Trail”. The pathway is straight as an arrow, is wide  and comfortable, and is a paradise for you to walk  your dogs.“Local people refer to the Huang Creek  embankment as Tianmu's ultimate green belt. Here you  can see many rare varieties of bird life and abundant  native flora and fauna.”Huang Creek flows through  Tianmu and then Shilin; it flows out of the Datun Volcanic  Mountain Group  and contains hot-spring  mineral waters rich in iron oxides that have dyed the  surface of the creek's rocks a distinctive reddish-brown,creating an unusual and compelling natural landscape.The Tianmu section of Huang Creek can be said to  start at Tianmu Park , from which it flows all the  way to the Keelung River. Each night as dusk approaches  this section fills with area folk out to walk their dogs and  have a chat. Many like to walk their pets along the  embankment trail between Tianmu W. Rd. and the area  of Sec. 6 of Zhongshan N. Rd. and Ronghua Rd. Below the  embankment Huang Creek murmurs and gurgles on its  way by. On its right side you can see Cheng Hsin General  Hospital , and on the left opposite are the  embassy buildings of more than 10 countries. This special  embassy district is located along Lane 50 of Tianmu W.  Rd. and Lane 405 of Zhongshan N. Rd. Along the creek  you'll often see the family members of the ambassadors  stationed here walking their dogs, in addition to the wellknownlocal celebrities that live in the district.Tianmu, as you've seen, offers much in addition to the  zest of international cultural imports. This enclave is one  of the greenest neighborhoods in this busy metropolis,  and your dog will let you know just what happiness you  have brought to the day with a healthy jaunt into this  area's bursting trove of emerald-rich natural exercisespots.      Information        Tianhe Park No. 1      Location:            Intersection at end of Sec. 2, Zhongcheng Rd.      and Lane 69, Tianmu E. Rd.            Tianhe Park      Location:      Intersection of Lane 69, Tianmu E. Rd. and        Lane 14, Sec. 7, Zhongshan N. Rd.            Donghe ParkLocation:  Intersection of Lane 114, Sec. 7, Zhongshan N.    Rd. and Lane 14, Sec. 7, Zhongshan N. Rd. Tianmu TrailLocation:  Entrance found by walking straight from    Tianmu Traffic Circle along Sec. 7, Zhongshan    N. Rd. toward the end of roadTianmu ParkLocation:  Down Lane 181, Sec. 7, Zhongshan N. Rd.Huang Creek Embankment  TrailLocation:  Between Lane 95 and    Lane 101, Tianmu    W. Rd. / Sec. 6,    Zhongshan N. Rd.,    Ronghua 1st Rd.   ",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Taipei City Government"
  },
  {
    "DataSN": "4141581",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=1D6BEED233EB0F6D",
    "title": "The Joys of Taipei Winter Birdwatching",
    "Content": "In Taiwan, the true season for enjoyment of bird life is autumn and winter. From October through March each year birds in wondrous number come down from the north following their ancient rites of migratory passage. Taiwan is an attractive nature-friendly rest stop for them on their demanding journeys, and now we head off through the Taipei region to find the best places during the cool months for bird-appreciation and relaxation stops that do wonders to replenish the soul.A New Arrivals Party in the Urban Forest – Taipei Botanical GardenIn the countryside surrounding Taipei, wintertime can strike the visitor as a time of cold grey bleakness. But within city limits Taipei Botanical Garden is an oasis staging a big party for new arrivals. Take a walk through the woods here and you'll come across bird lovers, one after another, standing still and staring through cameras lenses or binoculars. Follow their line of sight and you too can enjoy the pretty plumage of many charming guests who have come from lands far away. There! Did you see that lone ranger of the migratory world, the Brown Shrike? Or those travelers from the high latitudes of the northern hemisphere, the Daurian Redstart, Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Arctic Warbler, and other birds? As you stroll the meandering paths you see a constant stream of chirping visitors landing in the garden to escape the crisp, cold air above, bringing a breath of fresh and warm air. The entire Botanical Garden is like a forest and birds are like splashes of color brightening the winter palette of the Lotus Pond, Taiwan Aquatic Plants Garden, Gramineae, and other attractions in the Botanical Garden—exotic birds, flowers, and plants working together in splendiferous visual concert.A Wetlands Greeting for Winter Migratory Avian Flyers – Huajiang Waterfowl Nature Park and Guandu Nature ParkIn addition to the Taipei Botanical Garden, Shih Jui-te, the director-general of the Wild Bird Society of Taipei, recommends Huajiang Water fowl Nature Park and Guandu Nature Park as two other superb birdwatching sites within city limits, in large part because each year from July to September, the Taipei City Government undertakes extensive dredging and cleanup operations at both wetlands sites to ensure optimal habitat for migrating birdlife.Located on the border of Taipei City and County on the west side of Huajiang Bridge, Huajiang Waterfowl Nature Park is a wide expanse of sandbank wetlands and dense grassy marsh, making it a thriving habitat for migrating birds. From October through to April each year you can spot birds that have come from thousands of kilometers, including wild geese and ducks such as Common Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, and many other types of waterfowl. The protected area outside the low-water revetments is characterized by marsh and mudflats, and offers first-rate observation opportunities. At high tide the birds congregate toward the middle of the river or feed on the water; at ebb tide they come in to the mudflats to rest. On the adjacent dry land an informative series of information boards has been put up, and a 600-meter birdwatching path created. Each Sunday from 09:00~12:00 and from 14:00~17:00 members of the Wild Bird Society of Taipei are on station and stage information activities; for detail, visit their website (www.wbst.org.tw). If you'd like to get up close and personal with the birds and the bees but don't care to climb over hills and mountains to do it, there are few better choices than this.Guandu Nature Park is home to Taipei's biggest natural wetlands reserve. The ecological environment here is mature and highly diverse, and draws migratory fowls in significant number. On an outing here you'll be blessed with encounters with Grey Herons of large size, clever White-breasted Waterhen, Common Moorhen, Common Sandpiper, and Common Greenshank, and Common Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail and other shorebirds. They come in great droves, filling land and sky, making the park an international airport for bird use. Whether winter birds, resident birds, or birds of passage, all bring great joy-generated warmth to the cold winter days of Taiwan, peacefully and at ease coming and going, going and coming, spreading pleasure to their flocks of human admirers.Calling on Taiwan's Four Seasons Fowl –Da'an Park and Neigouli TrailEnjoying the migratory bird species that grace Taiwan can become addictive, and you can also derive great enjoyment from spotting birds that live here through four seasons, such as Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Lightvented Bulbul, Japanese White-eye, Taiwan Barbet, and Grey Treepie. You need not go far to savor these beauties, for they are all residents in Da'an Park , smack in the city's middle. Not far away on the city's edge, on the Neihu District's Neigouli Trail, you can get to know over 80 species, including that iconic, unique star of the island's birding stage, the Taiwan Blue Magpie (Formosan Blue Magpie). This magnificent specimen is Taipei's official bird. If you're looking for an intensive birdwatching experience, note that volunteers at the Neigou Stream Ecology Exhibition Hall gives guided sessions, helping you make your flight to seasoned birdwatcher-specialist status.Birdwatching TipsFor proper birdwatching you need a good pair of binoculars, with a power of magnification of 7 to 10 to have best view.Illustrated bird guide: It is recommended that you write down the time and place that you first spotted each new bird in the guide, which will make a tremendous memento.Bird-spotting logbook or record chart: Record such detail as date of spotting, location, local environment, weather, description of bird spotted and number sighted, and other pertinent information, all invaluable background for later analysis.Wear light and comfortable clothing appropriate for time spent in the field, in appropriate colors, with greens, greys, and tans your best choice for blending into your surroundings. Clothing with big-mouth pockets is best, allowing storage of your guide and leaving hands free to handle your binoculars.Big round hat of dark color: Your best choice for protection from the sun and for effective camouflage.Happy frame of mind: Indispensable for being popular with both fellow nature-lovers and birds.The best time for bird-appreciation spotting is 7 to 10 in the morning, for the early bird catches the worm and the early bird-watchers catch birds in sights. For the best experience, be sure to bring a good telescope or pair of binoculars and a quality illustrated guide, then sit back and wait for your early-morning visual and musical entertainment to begin!(Photos courtesy of: Wild Bird Society of Taipei—Zeng Yun-long, Xiao Mu-ji, Huang Wen-xin, Lin Zhang-xin, Zhong Wen-sheng, Zhang Rui-lin; the Botanical Garden's Xu Jia-jin; Department of Economic Development, Taipei City Government)InformationBirdwatching Locations:Taipei Botanical GardenAdd: 53, Nanhai Rd.Tel: (02) 2303-9978 ext. 2521Hours: 04:00-22:00Website: tpbg.tfri.gov.tw (Chinese) Transportation:Take bus No. 1, 204, 242, or 259 to Botanical Garden stop. Or take the No. 12 bus of Kuo-Kuang Motor Transportation Company and get off at the Botanical Garden stop.Da'an ParkLocation: East side of Xinsheng S. Rd., south side of Sec. 3, Xinyi Rd.Tel: (02) 2303-2451, (02) 2700-3830Transportation:To Da'an Park stop (Xinyi Rd.): No. 0 East, 20, 22, 38, 204, 226, 294To Da'an Park stop (Heping E. Rd.): No. 3, 5, 18, 72, 74, 211, 235, 237, 278, 295, 626To stops along Xinsheng S. Rd. at mouth of Heping E. Rd. or Jinhua St.: 0 South Right, 253, 280, 290, 311, 505, 642 To Jianguo S. Rd. stop: 298Huajiang Waterfowl Nature ParkLocation: West side of Huajiang BridgeTransportation:Take bus No. 25, 49, 265, or 601 and get off on Guilin Rd. or Guiyang St., then walk toward the riverside dike or take bus No. 0 West, 1, 18, 24, 38, 231, 233, 234, 245, 263,or 310 and get off on Guilin Rd. and the China Times stop , then walk a short distance to the riverside dikeGuandu Nature ParkAdd: 55, Guandu Rd.Tel: (02) 2858-7417Hours: Cold months (Oct.-March)Weekdays 09:00-17:00 (ticket office closes at 16:30)Weekends/Holidays 09:00-17:30 (ticket office closes at 17:00)Closed Mon, Lunar New Year's Eve, first and second day of Lunar New Year holidays   Website: www.gd-park.org.tw (Chinese) Transportation:MRT: take Danshui Line to Guandu Station, exit on Dadu Rd., transfer to Bus Red 35, Small 23, for short ride to Guandu Nature Park stop; or walk from MRT stationapprox. 10 minutes.Bus: take the 302 to Guandu Junior High School stop, then walk along sidewalk beside the school's enclosure wall, arriving in approx. 3 minutes.Neigou Stream Ecology Exhibition HallAdd: 236-3, Kangle St.Tel: (02) 2634-7851Hours: 08:00~12:00, 13:30~17:00 (closed Mon)Website: www.ed.taipei.gov.tw/ngc/ (Chinese) Transportation:For MRT, take Bannan Line to Kunyang Station, then take Small 1 bus direct to venue; or take bus No. 203, 281, 284, 287, 630, or 903 to terminus, then transfer to Small 1bus direct to venue.Wild Bird Society of TaipeiAdd: 1F, 3, Lane 160, Sec. 2, Fuxing S. Rd.Tel: (02) 2325-9190Website: www.wbst.org.tw (Chinese) ",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Taipei City Government"
  },
  {
    "DataSN": "4141579",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=7053D8CB8353279C",
    "title": "Joys of Roller Skating, Getting Healthy Go Go Go!",
    "Content": "As the cool of the winter months settles in, many people bring their activities indoors. However, around parks in Taipei you'll find many roller-skating rinks, and these continue to be packed with happy skaters decked out in full protective regalia, especially on weekends and holidays. Da'an Park, Yingfeng Riverside Park , Youth Park, the area by Bailing Bridge , Tianmu Park , and numerous other locations all have highquality skating facilities, where roller-skating enthusiasts go to satisfy their need for speed. Skating in its broadest sense is taken to mean on ice, using knife-like blades attached to the bottom of boots that allow you to glide across smooth ice surfaces, and also include skating on paved surfaces using rollers attached to the underside of boots, either aligned in a row (in-line skating/roller-blading) or side by side (rollerskating). The roller variety was invented in 1760 by John Joseph Merlin, who wanted to continue to experience the joys of skating in summer. Nowadays the majority of skaters use in-line skates, an easier-to-learn style that has stimulated much greater interest in skating for exercise. Joys of Speed, Skating with the Wind in Different Rinks If you'd like to experience the fashionably“cool” swishing fun of a day of in-line skating in Taipei, you can participate in skating class with a coach, costing you around NT$200-300 every two hours. Also, don't forget that safety is the key. In addition to your skates you should have the full range of protective gears, including a safety helmet and protectors for wrists, elbows, and knees. First warm up for 5 to 10 minutes, slowly stretching all your joints, before heading out with others on the rink. Wherever you are—the rink at Da'an Park or elsewhere— you and your fellow skaters are seen to be part of an exotic legion of local derring-do types, learning from and teaching each other as you go. Or head over to the wide-open expanses at Yingfeng Riverside Park, where you can glide about in groups of friends and witness first-hand just how popular this pastime has become in Taipei. Or head to Bailing Left Bank Park , where there is a special facility used for competitions at the Bailing Bridge Skating Rink, where you'll see expert skaters practicing deft moves and, on occasion, thrilling flat-out racing, delicate yet powerful figure skating, or exciting roller-hockey games. Over at Youth Park you'll find a gourd-shaped rink, and Tianmu Park has a lovely shaded facility beside luxuriant, fragrant forest and the meandering Huang Stream (; Sulfur Stream); these rinks are especially well-suited for beginners, allowing you to get your feet and learn your moves at your own pace and with lots of space. Doing splendid acrobatic moves in a specialized skating facility If you'd like to try your hand at ice-skating, Taipei Arena Ice Land is conveniently close at hand. The ice sheet here is permanently in place, and it's cold inside, so make sure your clothes are both warm and comfy enough for ice-skating; that means long sleeves, long pants, a jacket, and gloves. Your set of protective gear will include a safety helmet and protectors for knees, hands, and elbows. Before heading out, make sure you do proper warmup exercises. Then it's smooth sailing over the 60-by- 30-meter snow-white ice surface, which was the first, and is the only, ice rink in Taiwan meeting international competition standards. There's figure skating here, and speed skating, and there are even leagues for ice hockey. For lessons, whether for hockey or skating, just register ahead of time. Because there is less friction on ice, the sensation of gliding is much more powerful compared to in-line skating. What better way to create for yourself a sweet set of“cool”memories of time well spent in cool Taipei! Reminders on Safe SkatingChoose a safe skating environmentWear full protective gear (including helmetand wrist, elbow, and knee protectors)Before your skate do a full set of stretching and warm-up exercises the Confucius Temple →Drinking black tea in the old style →Visiting city heritage site Linji Huguo Zen Buddhist Temple→Snacking at Dalongtong Night MarketInformationDa'an ParkLocation: East side of Xinsheng S. Rd., south side of Sec. 3, Xinyi Rd.Transportation:Take bus No. 0 East, 3, 5, 18, 20, 22, 38, 72, 74, 204, 211, 226, 235, 237, 278, 294, 295, or 626 and get off at Da-an Forest Park stop.Yingfeng Riverside ParkLocation: Along Keelung River between Dazhi Bridge and Sun Yat-sen FreewayTransportation:Take bus No. Brown 16, 72, or 222, get off at Dajia Elementary School stop, pass by gas station and enter via Binjiang Evacuation Gate.Bailing Bridge Skating RinkLocation: Sec. 1, Tonghe W. St.; outside riverside dikeTransportation:Take bus No. 223, 250, 302, 304, 601, or the Chongqing main line, and get off at Hudong and Chongqing intersection, then go through riverside-dike gate via Tonghe W. St., venue is immediately reached on outside of dike.Youth ParkLocation: 199, Shuiyuan Rd.Transportation:Take bus No. 12, 205, 212, 223, 630, or 670 and get off at Youth Park stop.Tianmu ParkLocation: Down Lane 181, Sec. 7, Zhongshan N. Rd.Transportation:Take bus No. 220, 224, 267, 601, 685, or Red 19, get off at Tianmu stop, enter lane on left side of traffic circle and walk about 5 minutes..Taipei Arena Ice LandAdd: 2, Sec. 4, Nanjing E. Rd.Tel: (02) 2578-3536, ext. 702, 703 Website: http://http://english.arena.taipei/np.asp?ctNode=63536&mp=12203BHours: Mon-Fri 10:00~21:00,Sat 09:00~21:00, Sun 09:00~18:00 (Ticket office closes 30 minutes before closure of facility) Ice-Skating Admission Fee: NT$190 for 2 hours Equipment Rental: Skates NT$80, full protective gear NT$50 (2 hours) ",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Taipei City Government"
  },
  {
    "DataSN": "4141578",
    "ArticleType": "0",
    "FileName": "",
    "Link": "",
    "Source": "https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=98E043681756D888&s=A347742BA94DF3DD",
    "title": "Paintball Competition: Challeng for Body and Mind",
    "Content": "There's nothing better than getting outside in the bright   sunshine, getting close to the earth and working up a   good sweat with some vigorous exercise. A form of fun   and vigorous outdoor exercise has of late become a   hot ticket on the local scene－ Paintball, a safe, healthy,   and splendid way to exercise the body, coordination skills, and tactical organization abilities.Paintball was developed in the United States back in  1981. It is a team sport that though extremely exciting  yet very safe. According to the Taiwan Paint-Ball Sport  Promoting Association, today  around the globe the number of paintball enthusiasts  surpasses 10 million. In vigorous Taipei, what better way  to get the blood flowing and the heart thumping than  to spend a day in paintball-games competition, which  brings together male and female, young and old,everyone competing on an equal playing field.A New Type of Recreational Adventure –147 Paintball Theme ParkNeihu's 147 Paintball Theme Park has already been  up and running for ten years. According to Peter, the  manager, each weekend many foreigners come  out to try the paintball experience in the sub-tropical  forest environment. The big draw with westerners is  the simulated Vietnam battleground, which greatly  heightens the realism of the battle challenge for them.It's a big jump with only six people needed for the virtual,computer-simulation games of the PK battle zone to the“real”reality of the outdoor battlegrounds with 100to 200 warriors. The park offers eight themed theatersof military operation spread over 20,000 ping (one pingequals 36 sq. ft.).The eight: a computer-simulation battlefield with  a tight network of lanes and alleys; the aggressive  guerilla-style and sniper attacks of the PK zone; the  treacherous, perilous rapid multi-change war zone; the  uphill battle up high slopes among a forest of murderous  pillboxes; the triangular delta theater of operations,  with thick forest cover; the Amazon natural-forest area;  the simulated Vietnam area of trenches; and the most  challenging area, the tropical-rainforest arena of war,  designed for expert players. Each brings out the best in  you, thrown into a thrilling, sweat-inducing battle of will  and wits. The park tries to accommodate people's many  needs, and it offers a Sunday service bringing together  small teams into larger units. It will also, with advance  notice, provide English-speaking instructors for foreign  players, enabling oreign and local players to cometogether in the dramatic sense-heightening action.                The park is located along the banks of the Antai  Stream, a pristine reserve of chirping birds and  dancing butterflies. Beyond the great paintball battles,  you can also avail yourself of a superbly designed group  of other adventures facilities, including rope-adventurearea, archery range a la Robin Hood, marksman shooting range, and more. It's a veritable feast of physicality you'll be forced to choose from. Time toround up your friends of adventure-loving buddies andhead for the 147 hills!A Pulse-Quickening Suite of Hot-Blooded Activities – Fighter ForceThe whistle goes, and soon you're hearing the bark   and crack of gunfire. You run ahead, head low, then   crawl along, hugging the ground. Listening. Watching.Waiting.The war-simulation combat zones of Fighter Force,  located in the Waishuangxi area (i.e., near the National   Palace Museum), are opened to you with a group   of just 10 or more players. The zones offer fascinating   possibilities to live out long-held fantasies. Hit the   simulated beaches of Normandy. Battle in open country   and forest in a war of annihilation. Go on a search and   destroy mission in dense forest. Join the great battle   for Hamburger Hill. Engage in a hair-raising war of   camouflage in the forest wilderness. Or battle for your  life on open grasslands, engage in a holding action to   defend your military's flag, or war in the Legend of the Three Kingdoms way. No? Looking for something a little different? Well, you can also choose Mainland China,engage in a SWAT tactical battle, or go on a DeadendMission. In the elaborately designed and staged mockups that the meticulous Fighter Force people offer, the incredible realism is, well, surreal. Foreign friends, be advised—whatever paintball you've played before, and wherever you've played it, Fighter Force will leave you feeling thunderstruck.                Fighter Force also offers a slew of other big-nature   attractions for those who love adventuring in the great   out-of-doors. Learn the art of camouflage or water   rocketry, sit and enjoy traditional Hakka leicha (ground tea), or learn simple self-defense techniques,   meeting the needs of groups of multiple likings, ensuring   you and band of merry men and women an unforgettable   day out of the house, out under the big sky, and with all the stresses of the workaday world out of the way.      Information        147 Paintball Theme Park      Add: 147, Antai St.      Tel: (02) 2631-7147      Hours: Mon~Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat~Sun 09:00-18:00      Website: www.147.com.tw (Chinese)            Transportation:            MRT: Take Neihu Line to Dahu Park Station, then walk 20-25 minutes.      Bus: No. 21, 247, 284, 287, 531, 620, 630, 645, 646, 903, Red 2, Red 32,      Brown 9, Brown 10, Blue 36, Small 1 to stop at KangNing Junior      College of Medical Care and Management, then walk about      20 minutes.      Fighter Force      Add: 20, Lane 150, Sec. 3, Zhishan Rd.      Tel: (02) 2841-1582      Hours: Tues~Sun 09:00-18:00 (closed Mon)      Website:www.fighterforce.tw (Chinese)            Transportation:             MRT Danshui line to Shilin Station; take Exit No.        1, transfer to the Small 18 bus to Bixi Bridge        stop, then walk 5 minutes.           ",
    "Files": [],
    "Links": [],
    "Pictures": [],
    "Movies": [],
    "Publish Department": "Taipei City Government"
  }
]