The first highlight is Saturn at opposition on October 4.  At opposition, Saturn lies opposite the Sun in the sky and is at its closest distance to Earth. As a result, it appears slightly larger and can be seen rising around sunset and setting around sunrise, making this one of the best times of the year to observe Saturn.

This year, Saturn has another attraction. Last year, Saturn’s rings were viewed almost edge-on from Earth, making them appear very thin and difficult to see clearly. This year, however, the tilt of the rings is gradually increasing, making their shape more prominent than last year. With a small astronomical telescope, observers may even be able to see Saturn’s beautiful rings.

From October 11 to 13, the red planet Mars will pass through the Beehive Cluster in the constellation Cancer, with the closest approach to the center of the cluster occurring on October 12. Also known as Praesepe, the Beehive Cluster is a famous open star cluster in Cancer. Before dawn on October 12, look toward the eastern sky to see red Mars alongside the Beehive Cluster, with bright Jupiter shining lower on the horizon. Binoculars are recommended, as they can reveal the dense collection of stars within the Beehive Cluster. With red Mars moving through the cluster, it will look like a brilliant ruby set inside a box of sparkling stars, making this one of October’s most distinctive celestial sights.

The Orionid meteor shower will take center stage in the latter part of October. It is expected to reach its peak in the early morning hours of October 22, with the light of a waxing gibbous Moon reducing visibility. Observers may see around 10 meteors per hour under favorable conditions. For the best chance of seeing meteors, it is recommended to watch from around 2 a.m., after the Moon has set, until dawn. No telescope is needed to observe a meteor shower. Simply find a location with a wide, unobstructed view and minimal city light pollution, and watch with the naked eye.

According to the Taipei Astronomical Museum, October offers a succession of three major celestial highlights—from Saturn and Mars to the Orionid meteor shower—making it an excellent time to look up at the sky on a clear autumn night. For more information about October’s astronomical events, please visit the Taipei Astronomical Museum website.

Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas around Exits 2 and 3 of MRT Taipei City Hall Station.

The Hakka Voice Awards recognize the outstanding contributions of Hakka radio professionals and independent creators, encouraging the production of high-caliber Hakka audio content. The two-time award winner, Noblen Association, takes its name from a phonetic play on the English phrase “no problem.” Hosted by Ying-Jen Li, the show is tailored specifically for teenagers as an engaging, situational legal program presented in Hakka, combining education and entertainment.

Noblen Association’s strength stems from a dual-track storytelling model that seamlessly merges “audio drama” with “situational legal analysis,” breaking away from traditional, formulaic legal instruction. With a keen eye for everyday observation, host Ying-Jen Li transforms relatable youth legal scenarios into compelling stories. Legal experts featured on the program further break down complex concepts into accessible insights, guiding young listeners from “empathizing with real-life situations” to “understanding the law,” and ultimately helping them build legal literacy and self-protection skills for daily life.

Reflecting on this consecutive win, host Ying-Jen Li shared: “I’m deeply grateful to the judges for recognizing us two years in a row, and especially thankful to TBS for giving us the creative freedom to present serious legal knowledge to young audiences through Hakka in such a vibrant and relatable way. This honor belongs to our entire production team, and we’ll keep using creative audio storytelling to guide and support our listeners through everyday life.”

Shao-Chien Hu, Director of TBS, emphasized the station’s ongoing dedication to promoting multiculturalism and ethnic languages, as well as its strong focus on delivering innovative, high-quality programming for children and youth. Winning the award for two years in a row stands as both a testament to the production team’s exceptional quality and a meaningful recognition of the program’s value in advancing legal education.

Noblen Association airs every Saturday from 13:00 to 13:30. Listeners can tune in to TBS on FM 93.1 and AM 1134. Listeners can also access on-demand episodes from the past year via the “T Radio” online radio platform (https://tradio.gov.taipei/). For the latest show updates, visit the official TBS Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/FM93.1AM1134/?locale=zh_TW)Noblen Association received recognition at the 5th Hakka Voice Awards for its production excellence in revitalizing the Hakka language and advancing youth education.

The Fire Department notes that common causes of kitchen fires include leaving the kitchen temporarily while cooking, forgetting to turn off the heat source, or elderly people forgetting that food is still being heated. These situations can cause food to burn or ignite grease accumulated in range hoods and exhaust ducts or other combustible materials nearby. In addition, spilled soup or liquids may extinguish the flame, resulting in an unnoticed gas leak. If a fire is not detected promptly, flames can quickly spread via grease-laden exhaust ducts, potentially causing serious property damage and casualties.

To enhance household and cooking safety, the Fire Department urges the public to follow the following “Complete Kitchen Fire Safety Guide”:

1.    Turn Off the Burner When You Leave: When cooking, always turn off the heat source before leaving the kitchen, even if you only need to walk away briefly.

2.    Choose Safer Cooking Equipment: Consider using a gas stove equipped with automatic flame shut-off or dry-boil/overheating protection. A gas supply timer can also be installed to automatically cut off the gas supply after a preset period has passed, reducing the risk of fires caused by forgetting to turn off the stove or prolonged heating.

3.    Clean Grease Regularly: Grease accumulated in range hoods and exhaust ducts can serve as highly combustible fuel. Clean and maintain these areas regularly to prevent grease from being ignited when exposed to heat.

4.    Keep Combustibles Away from the Stove: Do not place paper, plastic bags, cooking oil, or other combustible materials around the stove.

5.    Install Residential Fire Alarms: A fixed-temperature residential fire alarm is recommended to install in kitchens to provide early warning when the ambient temperature is rising abnormally.

If a cooking-oil fire occurs, the Fire Department advises the public to quickly cover the pan with a lid, turn off the gas supply, and leave it undisturbed to cool. Never pour water onto an oil fire, as the encounter between boiling oil and cold water can trigger violent splattering and fuel the flames. For more information on disaster preparedness and household safety, please visit the Taipei Disaster Prevention Immediately Go website:

Annual certification ceremony for foster families in Taipei City, bearing witness to the unwavering commitment of foster families to protecting children

The Taipei City team and Caring for the Future Together with Parents

Mayor Chiang Wan-an publicly commended certified institutions, for partnering with the city government to create gender-friendly environments

Opening ceremony of the “Mutual Prosperity and Love on the Double Ninth Festival” press conference

Mayor Chiang Wan-an commented that National Day in Taipei is about more than a formal ceremony—it is a time for people to come together with the city, family, and friends, and to create a National Day celebration that reflects Taipei’s unique character. In recent years, Taipei has gradually introduced dynamic new formats for its National Day celebrations. This year marked a significant milestone, as Shifu Road opened for the first time to host a collaborative public art installation. Participants with disabilities and volunteers from the Family of Joy Social Welfare Foundation took part in the creative process, transforming Shifu Road into a vibrant urban canvas that embodies the spirit of social inclusion. The celebration also embraced the pulse of street dance. Choreographed by the Taipei Street Dance Association, the “National Day Double Tenth Dance” was filmed at a series of notable landmarks across the city—including the Taipei Sightseeing Bus, the Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum, and the City Hall helipad—turning Taipei itself into a stage. In particular, the lineup featured a national breaking athlete set to compete in this year’s Asian Games, highlighting how the city’s younger generation is helping drive the energy of this year’s festivities.

Mayor Chiang further noted that this year’s official souvenir, the “National Day EVA Foam Chair,” is 100% made in Taiwan. Custom-manufactured by a local factory in Changhua from design and materials through final production, it incorporates Taipei’s vision of “Sustainable, Inclusive Capital of Hope” alongside classic Double Tenth motifs. The initiative celebrates National Day while supporting local domestic industry. A total of 3,000 chairs will be available through an online registration lottery. He emphasized that while the format of Taipei’s National Day celebrations may change each year, the goal stays the same—making sure everyone can “join in,” turning participation into a shared memory for the whole city.

[Online Registration for National Day EVA Foam Chair Opens September 24 — 3,000 Lucky Winners to Be Announced on October 6]

In response to the public’s anticipation for this year’s limited National Day gift—National Day EVA Foam Chair, the Department of Civil Affairs announced that the event will once again be conducted through “an online registration and lottery system with on-site check-in.” From 12:00 PM on September 24 (Thursday) until 11:59 PM on October 4 (Sunday), citizens may register via the Lohas event webpage (https://signup2.lohasnet.tw/system/#/signUp/L0011) to enter the drawing. The organizers will announce the list of 3,000 winners at 10:00 AM on October 6 (Tuesday) on the Department of Civil Affairs website (https://ca.gov.taipei/) and will also notify winners by SMS and email. Winners must check in by scanning their QR code at the National Day flag-raising venue between 7:00 AM and 7:50 AM on October 10 (Saturday). Upon verification, they will receive a “redemption voucher.” Those who fail to check in within the designated time will forfeit their eligibility. “Voucher” holders can redeem their National Day EVA Foam Chairs on-site between 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM on the same day.

[Multicultural Showcases and Dynamic Musical Performances Take the Stage]

The warm-up performance from 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM will feature music, dance, and cultural traditions presented by diverse community groups, including the Yuan Mei Huo Li nce Troupe, Taipei Jazz Vocals, Taipei Hakka Xiangyin Choir, and N.Y.F. Dance Group. The lineup invites early risers to experience Taipei’s vibrant, inclusive city spirit right from the start. The national anthem choir performance will feature custom musical arrangements. In addition, jazz-inspired renditions of the National Anthem and the National Flag Anthem will be played throughout the venue, bringing a fresh, contemporary touch to these traditional pieces. The entire musical lineup was curated and arranged by the Taipei Jazz Orchestra, delivering a fresh and delightful “musical surprise” for this year’s National Day celebrations.

[City Hall Public Art, Sustainable Craft Workshops, Giant Play Structures, and Photo-Friendly Spots: Non-Stop Fun for All]

The event offers rich interactive programming. Shifu Road is reimagined as an expansive urban canvas, enabling citizens to collaborate on a large-scale public art installation. Additionally, sustainable craft workshops will offer visitors easy-to-join, hands-on DIY activities in which they can make their own creations to take home while learning practical ideas for sustainable living. On-site registration will be open to all, encouraging broad community participation. For visitors seeking active, high-energy fun, the giant play structures are a highlight of the event. In addition, several signature photo spots will be available across the venue, including a “Mini Flag-Raising Platform” where visitors can try their hand at raising the flag, and an impressive 6-meter-tall “Bravo” mascot. Complete the photo check-in challenge to score a free ice cream while supplies last. The widely acclaimed “Fresh Milk for Every Student” initiative also joins the National Day festivities—simply present your digital redemption voucher on the event day to claim free milk. The event also integrates disaster preparedness education through interactive earthquake and disaster response simulation vehicles, enabling the public to learn vital safety knowledge and skills while enjoying the festivities. The main stage will showcase lively children’s theater performances, ensuring an engaging and enjoyable experience for families from the stage shows to the interactive booths.

[National Day Flag-Raising Ceremony: Traffic Controls on Shifu Road and Xinren’ai Road]

The Department of Civil Affairs, Taipei City Government reminds the public that traffic controls will be in effect on Shifu Road from 10:00 AM on October 9 (Friday), to 3:00 PM on October 10 (Saturday), to ensure the smooth execution of the National Day flag-raising ceremony and related celebrations. Citizens are encouraged to make use of the MRT and other public transportation to help ease traffic congestion.

                                                      Issuing Unit: Animal Management Division

Date of Issue: September 8, 2026

Time of Issue: 14:30

Contact Person: Chen Wei-Lun, Division Chief

Contact No.: (02) 8789-7129, 0975663050

Taipei City Subsidies for Pet Dog and Cat Neutering and Pet Insurance Still Available! Last Chance Before Year-End—Apply Now!

To encourage pet registration and rabies vaccination this year (2026), the Taipei City Animal Protection Office has raised the pet dog and cat neutering subsidy to up to NT$2,000 and expanded pet insurance subsidies up to NT$3,000 for non-adopted pets. As of the end of August, neutering subsidy quotas remains available, while pet insurance subsidies are now limited to pets adopted from the Taipei Animal Shelter. Eligible owners are urged to apply promptly with the Office or submit applications online via Taipei Service before quotas run out.

The Animal Protection Office noted that due to higher subsidy amounts this year, pet dog and cat neutering applications have surged, with funds expected to be used up by late November. With limited quotas remaining, owners are urged to have their pets neutered and apply without delay. The public are reminded that the Animal Protection Act requires pet owners to complete pet registration and neutering. To be eligible for this year’s pet dog and cat neutering subsidy, or the pet insurance subsidy for animals adopted from the Taipei Animal Shelter, owners must also complete pet registration and a rabies vaccination within the past year to support disease prevention.

The Animal Protection Office added that rabies is a zoonotic disease with a fatality rate near 100% once clinical signs appear. Although nationwide regulations have exempted strictly indoor cats from mandatory annual rabies vaccination, provided they are kept in secure carriers without physical exposure or risk of escape when outdoors, domestic cats remain a designated species required to be vaccinated under the Act on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Diseases. Owners wishing to administer booster shots may use the Office’s annual free rabies vaccination services held in cooperation with the private sector. For rabies details and event schedules, visit TCAPO’s dedicated rabies prevention webpage.(https://www.tcapo.gov.taipei/cp.aspx?n=9057309941FFFA22)

表格標題

Figure 1: Pet Dog and Cat Neutering Subsidy Poster	Figure 2: Pet Insurance Subsidy Poster
Figure 3: Pet Cats Must Complete Rabies Vaccination to Apply for Subsidies

The New Construction Office said the project is divided into three parts: the “New Vocational Training Building” on the north side, and the “Vocational Experience and Continuing Education Hall” and “University of Taipei Dormitory” on the south side. The design concept brings the greenery of the Yangmingshan mountain range east of the site into the campus. By setting the buildings back to create a corner plaza and open spaces, the project forms an urban green corridor that is both practical and sustainable.

The New Construction Office explained that the “New Vocational Training Building” is vertically organized by vocational training category. Outdoor colorful staircases and open, transparent large balconies make the building space more inviting, create a distinctive architectural character, and reflect the diverse, open, and inclusive spirit of Taipei City Vocational Development Institute. The floors of the “Vocational Experience and Continuing Education Hall” connect multi-level open spaces with direct outdoor stairways. Its fair-faced concrete exterior echoes the low-saturation facade of the neighboring teaching building, giving it a friendly, understated, and composed character. The balconies in each unit of the “University of Taipei Dormitory” extend the indoor space into semi-outdoor areas, creating green spaces for interaction and exchange. In addition, the stepped-back design on the east side of the building allows students to look out toward Yangmingshan and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The New Construction Office noted that once completed, the project will provide Taipei City Vocational Development Institute with a more complete training environment. It will become an ideal place for Taipei to train students, strengthen their employment competitiveness, and promote a wide range of skills, creating a new public space that combines empowerment, learning, daily life, and sustainability.

To celebrate the calf's one-month milestone, the keepers prepared a refreshing, juicy watermelon. The brown-and-white striped tapir calf posed alongside the yellow-and-green striped watermelon, creating an amusing "pair of melons"—one brown and one green—for a memorable photo. Afterwards, the watermelon was shared by the mother and calf. At first, the little tapir merely sniffed the watermelon and cautiously touched it with her mouth. Only after the keepers cut the watermelon open and her mother, Putri, took several big bites did the calf begin tasting the pieces of fruit that had fallen to the ground, tentatively sampling the watermelon for the first time. The one-month celebration thus became a joyful moment of sharing a tasty treat between mother and daughter.

The calf is currently covered with white spots and stripes, making her look just like a dark brown watermelon. This distinctive coat pattern helps newborn Malayan tapir calves stay hidden in the wild. Before long, her coat will begin changing around the rump, and over the following months it will gradually transform into the adult coloration of a black front and white hindquarters, changing from looking like a watermelon hidden among the bushes to resembling a rock beside a stream. Keepers recently noticed that the calf has begun teething. In addition to nursing, she has started following her mother to explore and nibble on branches and leaves, and has also been observed eating leafy vegetables. Exploring food alongside her mother not only satisfies her curiosity but also helps her gradually learn about her surroundings and the foods she will eat as she grows. For now, the calf remains in the zoo's off-exhibit animal care area, please stay tuned to the zoo's baby animal updates for more news about her growth.

The HEO noted that the area around Guting Riverside Park once played an important role in supplying water to Taipei. Drawing on this historical connection, the HEO incorporated the familiar physical states of water, solid, liquid, and gas, into the design of the playground equipment and ground surfaces. Stepping into the playground is like entering a living picture book of science and nature, where children can experience the wonders of the natural world through running, jumping, and climbing.

The first feature visitors encounter is the Cloud Landscape Play Structure, representing water in its gaseous state. The structure features a soft, whimsical palette inspired by blue skies and white clouds, with varying shades of blue set against pure white landscape elements, as though clouds had drifted down from the sky and settled on the riverside lawn. Slides at different heights and woven rope nets create a multi-level play environment where children can move freely between the cloud-inspired structures and enjoy exploring at different heights.

Nearby is the Ripple Landscape Play Area, representing water in its liquid state. Colorful, durable safety surfacing forms concentric ripples across the ground, evoking the patterns created when a drop of water hits the surface. At the center of the ripples are three in-ground trampolines sure to delight young visitors. As children bounce up and down, their movements resemble splashes dancing across the rippling water, capturing the carefree energy of childhood.

The greatest physical challenge, however, comes from the Ice Crystal Climbing Frame, representing water in its solid state. Inspired by the geometric beauty of snowflakes and ice crystals, its silvery structure and angular lines shimmer with a cool brilliance beneath the summer sun. For adventurous and curious children, the climbing frame puts coordination and balance to the test as they use both hands and feet to navigate its intersecting structure. Every step upward presents a new challenge, with reaching the top bringing the confidence and satisfaction that make childhood adventures so memorable.

As the sun begins to set, the banks of the Xindian River are bathed in a warm golden glow. Parents and children can sit together on the terraced viewing steps, looking downstream over the shimmering river and changing clouds while enjoying the tranquility of sunset. After dark, the park takes on a romantic atmosphere. The well-known "Four Layers of Wishes" heart-shaped archway installation and globe lights across the lawn illuminate the riverside, creating a sparkling landscape beneath the night sky. Visitors can stroll along the park's pathways, with the peaceful river on one side and city lights on the other, leaving the urban bustle behind to enjoy the charm of Taipei's waterfront at night.

Residents can also plan a refreshing summer family outing combining two nearby attractions. During the day, families can cool off and enjoy the water attractions at the Museum of Drinking Water. Once the afternoon heat begins to ease, they can stroll along Siyuan Street, pass through the Gongguan Waterfront Plaza, and continue to the children's playground at Guting Riverside Park, where children can embark on a creative journey through the different states of water. This holiday, consider leaving the air conditioning and screens behind and spending time with the family along Guting's sunny riverbank. Amid the breeze and beautiful scenery, rediscover the simple sounds of children at play and create lasting family memories.

The HEO said that the Xindian River and Jingmei River Confluence Revetment and Landscape Improvement Project received an Excellence Award in the Best Planning and Design category. Centered on river safety, the ecological environment, and residents' waterfront needs, the project integrates revetment improvements at the river confluence with landscape planning. The design balances flood protection, riverfront views, and recreational circulation, transforming the waterfront from purely urban flood-control infrastructure into a high-quality public space connecting nature with everyday life.

The Mifenken Creek Drainage Improvement Project (Dahu Shanzhuang Street Flood Detention and Sedimentation Basin B) received an Excellence Award in the Best Construction Quality category. Flood detention and sedimentation facilities have strengthened the area's capacity to regulate stormwater runoff. During construction, the project team also took into account the existing environment, coordination between construction stages, and quality control. Inspection and safety management requirements were rigorously implemented despite constrained construction conditions, helping reduce the burden that runoff and sediment place on downstream drainage systems during heavy rainfall.

The Dalong Pumping Station Expansion Project received an Excellence Award in the Best Construction Quality category. Designed to enhance local flood protection and drainage capacity, the project encompasses the main pumping station structure, forebay, pumping and drainage equipment, and related ancillary facilities. Faced with complex challenges including integration with the existing station, deep excavation, mechanical and electrical systems integration, and flood preparedness during the flood season, the project team coordinated construction interfaces, implemented phased controls, and conducted quality inspections to ensure both effective flood protection and construction quality.

The Bailing Pumping Station Project received a Gold Award in the Best Planning and Design category. With enhanced regional flood resilience at the heart of its planning and design, the project integrates pumping and drainage functions, operational and maintenance requirements, the urban landscape, and surrounding environmental conditions. Comprehensive consideration was given to everything from equipment configuration and maintenance access to the building's exterior design, creating a modern pumping station that combines safety, efficiency, and integration with its surroundings.

The Shezi Island Wetland received an Excellence Award in the Best Management and Maintenance category, recognizing its outstanding ecological and sustainable management. To date, 142 bird species and 25 protected species have been recorded at the wetland, which also serves as a wintering ground for the common snipe. Microtopographic management is being used to protect the critically endangered four-spotted midget damselfly, a species found at only three habitats in Taiwan, while a public-private restoration initiative has brought back the native mangrove fern, which had disappeared from the Tamsui River for three centuries. In addition, the wetland sequesters 11.19 metric tons of carbon per hectare annually, providing tangible carbon-sink benefits. Results from its science-based sediment management practices were also presented at the 2024 international wetland science conference, demonstrating the HEO's expertise in integrating hydraulic engineering with environmental sustainability.

The HEO noted that the five award-winning projects span planning and design, construction quality, and management and maintenance, covering riverfront improvements, mountain-area drainage, pumping station construction, and wetland management. Together, they demonstrate Taipei City's achievements in managing hydraulic infrastructure throughout its entire life cycle. The awards recognize not only the efforts of the project teams and their partners but also the City Government's continued commitment to strengthening flood resilience, improving public works quality, and enhancing the value of waterfront environments.

Looking ahead, the HEO will continue to uphold the principles of high quality, safety, and sustainable development while introducing innovative technologies and refining its management practices. By balancing disaster prevention, ecological conservation, and residents' needs, the HEO aims to create a safer, more livable, and more resilient water environment for Taipei.

On the 15th, Commissioner Hu, Hsiao-Lan of the Department of Finance (DOF) presented the award at the city council meeting. Mayor Chiang not only praised the long-term efforts of the DOF and the Taipei team in promoting fiscal works, but also stated that sound finances are the cornerstone of sustainable urban development. Maximizing the effectiveness of limited budgets requires joint oversight and cooperation among all departments to maintain fiscal discipline while steadily advancing various administrative initiatives. Mayor hopes the Taipei team will continue to pursue steady progress and lay a more solid foundation for the city's long-term development.

Commissioner Hu, Hsiao-Lan of the DOF explained that Taipei stood out among the six special municipalities, achieving excellent results in both financial management and debt management, demonstrating the city government's concrete achievements in implementing fiscal discipline, actively increasing revenue and reducing expenses, and properly managing debt. In addition to achieving excellent performance in assessments, the Taipei City Government (TCG) was also invited to share experiences at the Local Finance Meeting, exchanging innovative fiscal management practices with other counties and cities and sharing Taipei's experience in promoting sustainable finance nationwide.

In terms of financial management, the TCG is promoting "fiscal sustainability, fiscal innovation, and smart governance," actively revitalizing city-owned assets, promoting investment promotion, and public urban renewal, continuously expanding diversified financial sources, and improving resource utilization efficiency through cross-departmental collaboration. Among them, the Department of Education has promoted the "Green Power Energy Generation and Revenue Generation - Revitalizing Sustainable Campuses" project, successfully introducing private resources to invest in campus green energy transformation, balancing environmental sustainability and fiscal efficiency. It has been recognized by local governments and voted the nation's top case of increase in revenue and reduction in expenditure, fully demonstrating the city's cross-departmental efforts to increase revenue and reduce expenses.

In debt management, the TCG continues to implement medium- and long-term debt planning and various principal repayment measures. Since Mayor Chiang took office at the end of 2022, the total debt reduction has reached 43 billion NTD, ranking first among local governments nationwide. The debt balance has dropped from 89.8 billion NTD to 46.8 billion NTD, and the average debt per citizen has dropped significantly from 36,000 NTD to 19,000 NTD. Through active debt reduction, not only can the overall debt scale be lowered, but the pressure on debt interest expenditures can also be gradually eased, allowing limited fiscal resources to be invested in municipal construction and various measures to enhance citizens' welfare, achieving a balance between fiscal discipline and urban development.

Commissioner Hu, Hsiao-Lan concluded by stating that winning the dual achievements of the Ministry of Finance in financial management and debt management is the result of joint efforts by all city government agencies and schools. From revenue reduction and asset activation to debt management, the Taipei team demonstrates their determination to implement fiscal discipline and improve resource utilization efficiency. Facing future urban development and environmental changes, the TCG will continue to uphold the concept of fiscal sustainability, maximizing the effectiveness of limited fiscal resources and building a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable capital city.

On the morning of August 30 at Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station, the opening ceremony was held for the grand completion of Xinyi eastern extension, described as the most difficult construction project in the history of the MRT. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an presided over the opening ceremony and gathered together with distinguished VIP guests to witness and celebrate the addition of the new MRT line to the city’s transit network. DORTS explained that the completion of construction on this section of the line not only successfully extends the Tamsui-Xinyi line further to the east and enables the public to directly travel from Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station to Tamsui Station but is also an implementation of the national green transportation development policy which enhances transportation capabilities in the eastern part of the Taipei Metropolitan Area.  

In his speech, Mayor Chiang stated that although this section of the MRT line is only 1.4 km long, the geological conditions and construction environment were extremely challenging. He expressed special gratitude to the entire MRT construction team for their professionalism and perseverance in overcoming a wide range of hardships including complex underground geology, environmental challenges, and labor and material shortages. He also thanked the teams for upholding quality standards to complete this key project and boost the resilience of the city’s transportation network. 

DORTS stated that Xinyi eastern extension has been hailed as “one of the most difficult construction projects in the history of the MRT,” and the construction team successfully overcame extreme spatial and geological challenges during the construction. The construction was carried out beneath Fude Street, which is only 25 meters in width, and the excavation of the massive station structure extended 10 floors underground. Furthermore, the required construction accuracy left no room for error with heavy machinery in use at a distance of only 60 centimeters from residential buildings on either side. In addition to the spatial constraints, the construction team also faced extreme geological challenges characterized by soft materials in the upper layers and hard materials in the lower layers. The shallow layers were formerly wetlands; therefore, the equipment would sink into the soft ground, and more than 5,000 bags of cement were required to strengthen the foundation before construction could commence. At greater depths, the construction teams encountered ultra-hard rock formations which were four times harder than expected. With a single compressive strength of up to 1,324 kgf/cm², the shield tunnel machine could only advance 2.5 meters per day with great difficulty. After overcoming numerous challenges, including utility pipeline relocation and nighttime construction restrictions, the construction team managed to ensure the safety of neighboring buildings and complete the excavation tasks by employing a wide variety of sophisticated construction techniques. 

Mayor Chiang stated that following the completion of Xinyi eastern extension, Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station will be a formal addition to the Taipei MRT route network and be directly connected to the other existing 117 MRT stations; furthermore, as an important link in the realization of the vision of a “Sustainable Taipei,” it will also be the first step in the city government’s promotion of the “Development of Six Lines 2.0.” The scheduled completion of Wanda line Phase I construction by the end of next year is further proof of the Taipei team’s determination and capacity to execute projects. 

DORTS pointed out that the Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station structure was designed in accordance with a “Rising Water” design concept which combines the flow of people through the MRT station with imagery from the local Liugongjun. Through the visual applications of blue flooring, walls, and ceilings, the concept of flowing water is transformed into architectural forms with horizontal and curved imagery which cleverly blend the dual urban and natural landscape imagery of Four Beasts Mountain and Liugongjun. This creates a cultural landmark for the public that embodies the concepts of ecological sustainability and local characteristics.

DORTS explained that the public can board the MRT at Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station, and arrive at Xiangshan Station in just 2 minutes and Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station in 4 minutes before continuing onward to Taipei Main Station and Tamsui. This significantly reduces daily commuting and transfer times. In addition, the opening of Xinyi eastern extension dramatically expands the living circle for local residents, with the station exit/entrance directly connecting to Guangci Charity Park and Xinyi District Administration Center. This renders business and social welfare resources easily accessible and facilitates the achievement of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) urban governance objectives.

DORTS also mentioned that Taipei City Government is currently making every effort to promote the construction of the Circular line, which forms a full loop around the capital city. In the future, after the Circular line east section connects with Xinyi line for transfers at Xiangshan Station, the original commute time from Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station to Neihu Technology Park will be dramatically reduced from 40 minutes to just 17 minutes! In addition to alleviating traffic bottlenecks in Neihu Technology Park, this will also be a key driver in our collective journey toward the creation of a sustainable green city with net-zero emissions.  

Born on April 20, the chick is the offspring of the zoo's resident Red-crowned Cranes, KIKA (female) and BIG (male), and is the second chick successfully hatched by the pair after a four-year interval. At birth, its tiny body was covered in light brown down, making it look much like a little chick. Growing rapidly, it reached the height of its parents' legs at around one month of age. By nearly two months old, white and brown feathers began to emerge as its fluffy down was gradually replaced. Now at four and a half months old, the young crane has developed a strong, slender body and nearly full plumage. It looks almost like a differently colored version of its parents, with body proportions nearly identical to theirs, while its feather coloration is still distinct.

Recently, the father crane, BIG, has continued to keep a close watch and actively warn off anyone approaching the enclosure. The young crane, however, no longer stays close beside its mother as it did when it was younger. Instead, it has become curious and will cautiously approach unfamiliar people to observe them. The area behind the chick's rump is now covered with dark feathers similar to those of an adult. Although this may look like a tail, it is actually formed by elongated tertial flight feathers extending from the wings rather than true tail feathers. Now that its wings are almost fully grown, the young crane occasionally flaps them and briefly lifts off the ground, providing an excellent opportunity to see this distinctive feature.

As the young crane continues to grow, the yellowish-brown feathers on its head and neck will gradually darken until they become the characteristic black plumage of an adult. At the same time, the bare patch of skin on the top of its head will gradually develop into the species' distinctive red crown. Once these features have fully developed, the young crane will be one step closer to reaching adulthood.

Labor Standards Act

Article 39

Wages shall be paid by an employer to a worker for taking leaves for regular leaves and rest days as stipulated by Article 36, for holidays as stipulated under Article 37, and annual paid leaves as stipulated by Article 38. When an employer has obtained the consent of a worker to work on a holiday, the employer shall pay the worker at double the regular rate for such work. This shall also apply when, with the consent of the worker or the labor union, the worker is required to work to meet seasonal needs.

Birth and death are natural parts of life. Through daily care, veterinary medicine, quality-of-life assessments, and other animal welfare practices, Taipei Zoo accompanies animals throughout every stage of their lives. As new animals are born, others inevitably pass away due to old age or illness, including Xi-Hui the white rhinoceros, gray wolves Wolf and Lola, leopard cat Xiao-Mu, koala Wolverine, pangolin Guo-Ran-Weng, and the elderly eastern gray kangaroo, "Grandma". The memorial also remembers animals such as pangolin Run-Hou-Tang and red panda Croissant, which departed for other institutions as part of genetic exchange and conservation breeding programs. Facing the loss of animal companions is an important part of the zoo's life education mission, and the Animal Memorial Service provides an opportunity to express remembrance, blessings, and gratitude for the companionship these animals shared with us.

The zoo's Animal Memorial Service dates back to the 1920s, when memorial ceremonies were held periodically for animals that had passed away. In the 1950s, the Asian elephant Malan even served as the symbolic animal representative during one of the ceremonies. However, as awareness of and commitment to animal welfare grew, live animals were no longer included in the rituals. Today, the Animal Memorial Service has become an annual event held in conjunction with Ghost Festival traditions and has evolved into a more inclusive practice. For example, online ceremonies were held during the COVID-19 pandemic to overcome space limitations, and different forms of ceremonies have been organized to respect diverse religious beliefs. On September 9, 2026, Mucha Zhongshun Temple was invited to conduct the memorial, universal offering, and blessing ceremony, commemorating the animals that once lived at the zoo and praying for the safety and well-being of both the animals and people at Taipei Zoo.

The year 2026 marks the 112th anniversary of Taipei Zoo and the 40th anniversary of its relocation from its former Yuanshan site to its current home in Mucha. Over the past 40 years, the zoo has welcomed the birth of new animals while also bidding farewell to others as they reached the end of their lives. During this time, Taipei Zoo has evolved from a traditional zoo primarily focused on exhibiting exotic animals into a modern institution dedicated to conservation education. By integrating both in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts, the zoo now places wildlife conservation and animal welfare at the core of its mission.

Source: Industry and Business Division of the Department of Economic Development, Taipei City Government

Time: 10:30-12:00

Date: Sep. 17, 2026

Venue: Meeting room 206, 2F , North Wing, Taipei City Hall

Taipei City DORTS stated that the overall construction progress of Wanda line (Phase I) is currently over 85.6%. Dynamic testing of the main line commenced in May, symbolizing that construction on this civil engineering project had entered the key stage of system integration testing. On August 3, Taipei City Mayor Chiang Wan-an and New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih rode for a train test together as a testament to the impressive results of dynamic train testing on the main line. They also expressed their gratitude to the construction team for their long hours of diligent efforts on the project.

Mayor Chiang stated the roll out of dynamic testing on the main line not only represents the forward momentum of progress on the construction but also symbolizes another step toward the future opening of the line. As an important MRT construction linking Taipei City and New Taipei City, in the future Wanda line will connect various living circles together including Zhongzheng and Wanhua Districts in Taipei City and Yonghe, Zhonghe, and Tucheng Districts in New Taipei City; furthermore, it will also provide transfer connections with Tamsui-Xinyi line, Songshan-Xindian line, and the Circular line. In addition, the current 40 minutes of time needed to commute from Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station to Zhonghe Senior High School Station will be reduced to just 14 minutes, dramatically improving the convenience of public transportation and making further improvements to the MRT network in Taipei City and New Taipei City.

DORTS pointed out that the dynamic testing currently underway on the main line is a key milestone in the construction of the Wanda line and also represents the movement of the project from the civil construction phase to the system integration and validation phase. DORTS will adhere to the planned testing schedule covering the entire line and conduct gradual verification of EMUs, the power supply, signals, communications, and platform doors; moreover, they will complete construction and be prepared to meet the standards for the subsequent opening of the line for operations through the accumulated results of validation testing. 

DORTS also mentioned that investor solicitation has been completed for eight development sites, including those at Jincheng Depot and Juguang Station, with the investment total exceeding NT$50 billion. The building planning, design, and construction for each of the joint development projects at each station have begun one after another, and following the completion of construction, the works will bring about further improvements to the overall surrounding area.

DORTS further elaborated that Wanda line (Phase I) construction is proceeding at breakneck speed, with civil engineering continually underway at all stations, including structural tasks, building renovation, work on electrical and water systems, environmental controls, and road updates. Electromechanical systems facilities are also being completed step by step in accordance with planning; furthermore, the mass-produced EMUs have also been arriving at Jincheng Depot one after another, with 19 trains set to be ready by the end of the year. To that end, train operations and the functionality of all electromechanical equipment are continually being monitored.

Mayor Chiang stated that local representatives and other distinguished guests had been invited to participate in the event, and in addition to letting them bear witness to the current achievements of the Wanda line, he also express his gratitude for the long-term support from all sectors of society for enabling the project to move forward steadily step-by-step. There are no administrative boundaries for MRT construction, and it is only through strengthened cooperation between Taipei and New Taipei City that residents will be able to enjoy a more convenient transportation system which promotes balanced urban development. 

DORTS emphasized that they will continue to promote a wide variety of operations to ensure that construction works at each station proceed according to schedule. During the process of gradually removing fencing toward the end of the year, DORTS will ensure that safety is maintained at the construction sites and on the roads. This will enable citizens to feel that “returning the roads to the people” is more than just an empty slogan, both prior to and after the routes have been opened for operations, and that it will convey tangible changes in their everyday lives. The Taipei City and New Taipei City teams are working in close cooperation to enable “safety, convenience, and tangible improvements” to be the most lasting impressions left on residents of Taipei and New Taipei City following the opening of Wanda line (Phase I).

At birth, Malayan tapir calves have black coats covered with white spots and stripes. These markings resemble the dappled sunlight filtering through forest leaves and branches, helping camouflage the calves in the wild. At around one and a half to two months of age, the coat begins to lighten starting around the rump. By five to six months of age, the calf will have developed the species' characteristic black-and-white coloration, with white markings remaining across the back, sides, and the tips of the ears.

This year's Malayan tapir calf is the offspring of Mo-Shu, who was born at Taipei Zoo, and Putri, who came from Singapore's Mandai Wildlife Group. The calf is currently staying with her mother at the zoo's Conservation and Research Center, which is not open to the public. Under the attentive care of Putri and the keepers, everyone hopes the calf will continue to grow up healthy.

On May 20 this year, a young male Malayan tapir named Bintang ("Star"), also from Singapore, arrived at Taipei Zoo. He is currently living in the Tropical Rainforest Area, next to the Kookaburra exhibit, and visitors are welcome to stop by and see him.

This designation is made in accordance with Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 4 of Article 19 of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act.

Violators will be subject to a fine ranging from NTD 2,000 to NTD 10,000, as stipulated in Paragraph 2 of Article 40 of the aforementioned Act. 

As part of this year's birthday celebration, keepers once again created a seasonal food-based behavioral enrichment activity for Yuan Yuan. Using pineapples, carrots, grapes, kiwifruit, sugarcane, and cantaloupe—along with pumpkins and cucumbers introduced for the first time—they combined these ingredients with golden bamboo and arrow bamboo to create a colorful "Fruit and Vegetable Train." The design not only encourages healthy eating by highlighting fruits and vegetables, but also commemorates the 40th anniversary of Taipei Zoo's relocation from its former Yuanshan site to its current location in Wenshan District.

For Yuan Yuan, this birthday gift is more than simply a nutritious seasonal treat. The entire process—from discovering and sniffing the food to exploring and figuring out how to reach her favorite items—is itself an important form of behavioral enrichment that enhances her daily life.

Bamboo remains the primary component of a giant panda's diet, so their "birthday feast" is quite different from what many people might imagine. Fruits and vegetables are offered as supplementary items to provide dietary variety and behavioral enrichment rather than serving as the main part of the daily diet. As Yuan Yuan has grown older, the husbandry team has paid even closer attention to the variety, palatability, and actual intake of her food, making adjustments based on her appetite, activity level, and overall health each day. This year's selection of ingredients with different colors, aromas, textures, and tastes was intended to provide Yuan Yuan with a refreshing experience while maintaining appropriate nutritional management.

At 22 years of age, Yuan Yuan has entered her senior years. Caring for an elderly giant panda involves far more than simply ensuring she eats well and gets enough rest. Keepers routinely monitor her body weight, appetite, fecal condition, activity level, and behavior. Through regular health monitoring, medical training, dietary adjustments, and environmental and behavioral enrichment, they closely track the physiological and behavioral changes that may accompany aging. They also record her daily consumption of bamboo leaves and formulated diet, comparing these records with changes in body weight and fecal condition to adjust food quantities and bamboo species when needed, helping maintain a healthy gut environment. Because dental health becomes increasingly important in older animals, keepers also carefully monitor the amount of bamboo stalks Yuan Yuan eats. While bamboo stalks provide essential fiber, they also contribute to tooth wear, so a greater variety of bamboo leaves is offered to supplement her fiber intake.

Through long-term, consistent training, keepers build trust and cooperation with the pandas, allowing routine healthcare procedures and health monitoring to be carried out. These include oral examinations, dental cleaning, blood pressure measurement, X-rays, and ultrasound examinations. Regular medical training enables veterinarians and keepers to monitor the pandas' health without the need for anesthesia. In addition, keepers conduct giant panda training demonstrations and educational talks at 3:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at the Giant Panda House. Visitors are welcome to attend, and further information is available on the Taipei Zoo website.

For senior animals, maintaining a high quality of life is an essential part of their care. Appropriate behavioral enrichment is not simply about providing toys or special treats; it involves creating opportunities through changes in the environment, sensory experiences, food presentation, and activities that allow animals to make choices, explore, and express natural behaviors. The husbandry team tailors enrichment activities to Yuan Yuan's age, physical condition, and individual preferences. Rather than pursuing greater activity or more complex challenges, the goal is to encourage her to participate voluntarily and enjoy appropriate stimulation throughout the experience.

Yuan Yuan's 22nd birthday behavioral enrichment display reflects the husbandry team's year-round commitment to her health and well-being, while also serving as an opportunity to thank the many visitors who have accompanied the pandas over the years. May this specially prepared "Fruit and Vegetable Train" carry everyone's warm wishes as we celebrate Yuan Yuan's birthday and wish her many more healthy, comfortable, and joyful days ahead, lived at her own pace.

At Qianshan Park, located next to the bus terminal, a clear stream winds its way through the rocks, gurgling gently and bringing waves of refreshing coolness; the stream flows under Shamao Bridge, where it converges to form the tranquil Yangmingshan Lake. Along the lakeshore, there are long, bench-style seats made of andesite rock where visitors can sit back and enjoy the scenic views of the lake and mountains, listen to the natural symphony woven by the stream and the mountain breeze, admire Penglai Island in the lake, and gaze at the lush, layered peaks of Qixing Mountain in the distance. The clear, flowing water reflects the mountain scenery, creating a serene autumn atmosphere that compels visitors to slow their pace and savor the cool, refreshing moments amidst the mountains and forests.

From Qianshan Park, the trail connects to Yangmingshan Park’s “pedestrian-vehicle separated” path, where the intertwining tree shade forms a green corridor. A gentle mountain breeze blows in your face, and the fresh phytoncides instantly soothe both body and mind. Even after the start of autumn, Yangmingshan still retains its summer vitality; as long as you slow your pace and observe carefully along the way, you’ll have the chance to encounter many of the forest’s delicate inhabitants. Among the treetops, flocks of Taiwan blue magpies with their brilliant sapphire-blue wings dart back and forth from time to time; along the streams, the elegant silhouettes and piercing whistles of the Taiwan purple-throated thrush add boundless vitality to the verdant mountains.

As you continue along the trail, the serene Xiaoyin Tan Waterfall comes into view. With Yangmingshan’s pleasant and comfortable autumn temperatures, you can relax in a pavilion, listen to the crisp sound of the stream flowing over the rocks, and feel the gentle coolness of the mountain breeze rustling through the treetops—allowing you to temporarily forget the hustle and bustle of the city. The Park Authority reminds visitors that the rocks around the waterfall and along the stream are damp and slippery year-round. When enjoying the scenery, please stay on the trail or within the pavilions, maintain a safe distance from the stream, and watch your step to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and pleasant time in the mountains.

This weekend, why not take a bus from the terminal and leisurely explore Qianshan Park and Yangming Park? Accompanied by the mountain breeze, the babbling brook, and lush greenery, treat yourself to a little autumn getaway!

The “FADA Award” aims to recognize outstanding design and innovative projects worldwide that demonstrate foresight, practicality, and social value. Receiving this international accolade demonstrates that the project has set a global benchmark for excellence across technical logic, social engagement, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sustainability.

TBS Director Shao-Chien Hu remarked that the award-winning energy-saving control project at the Shilin Transmitting Station marks a major milestone for the station. The engineering team successfully transformed the energy-intensive facility into a highly resilient transmitting station boasting low operating costs. This project not only introduced smart monitoring and energy storage systems but also ensured uninterrupted public broadcasting service during construction, highlighting the station’s strong sense of responsibility and effective execution.

TBS further noted that the smart modernization of the transmitting station implemented a pragmatic power management strategy, achieving outstanding energy-saving performance. First, the facility transitioned from a high-voltage to a low-voltage power supply while optimizing and lowering its Taipower contracted capacity. Simultaneously, spatial reconfigurations and a reduced air-conditioned footprint significantly decreased overall power consumption. Furthermore, an energy storage strategy was implemented to charge during off-peak night hours and discharge during daytime peak hours, lowering effective electricity unit costs by approximately 15%. Integrating these three energy management initiatives is estimated to save approximately NT$150,000 in annual electricity costs. This forward-thinking sustainable design not only effectively decreases energy consumption and operational costs, but also ensures the stability of broadcast signals under various emergency situations, significantly enhancing overall operational resilience. This project exemplifies TBS’s commitment to pursuing technological innovation and sustainable development.

For high-quality radio programming, tune in to FM 93.1 or AM 1134, or stream live online via “T Radio” at tradio.gov.taipei.

Official Award Website Link: https://www.fadauk.com/winners/building-high-resilience-broadcast-stations-via-ems-and-space-optimization

2026 Future Art & Design Award UK (FADA) - Award Certificate2026 Future Art & Design Award UK (FADA) - Award Certificate and Trophy

The HEO noted the four-spotted midget damselfly is a tiny odonate measuring just over two centimeters in length. Since it was first discovered at Wugu Wetland in 2005, it has been recorded at only three locations in Taiwan, all within the Tamsui River watershed: Wugu Wetland, Shezi Island Wetland, and the Huanggang River estuary.

To conserve this rare species associated with estuarine marsh wetlands, the HEO launched population monitoring and habitat surveys at Shezi Island Wetland and the Huanggang River estuary. Drawing on published research and findings from these surveys, the Office established a restoration habitat beside the Huanggang River estuary in 2018, creating a tidal pond at the site's off-road bicycle course specifically to support the species' recovery.

The HEO also noted that, through continuous microhabitat management and monitoring by the site management team and the Society of Wilderness, the four-spotted midget damselfly population at the Huanggang River estuary restoration pond grew from none at all to a stable population by 2022 and 2023, with adults or nymphs recorded during every monthly survey. However, continued sediment accumulation and terrestrialization of the pond began to seriously affect the survival of the aquatic nymphs, with monitoring data showing a significant decline in their numbers.

In response, the HEO carried out habitat improvement work in early 2024, enlarging and deepening the pond while removing overgrown trees and shrubs. These measures improved tidal exchange and water retention, but also created another challenge: the dense reed marshes used by adult four-spotted midget damselflies for shelter and habitat had disappeared. Larger potential predators, including species of skimmers and darners, subsequently moved into the area in considerable numbers.

To accelerate the recovery of suitable habitat for the four-spotted midget damselfly, the HEO worked with the Society of Wilderness, the Dragonfly Association of Taiwan, and the ecological monitoring team. Following multiple site inspections, discussions, and planning sessions, the partners carried out two rounds of supplemental planting of reeds and sedges, in September 2024 and February 2025. Sandbags were also placed at the pond's inlet and outlet to regulate water levels.

Through these collaborative efforts, the restoration pond has gradually transitioned from an open habitat with sparse vegetation back into the dense marsh vegetation preferred by the four-spotted midget damselfly. Ongoing monitoring of adult odonates and aquatic nymphs has also shown that, as the vegetation has recovered, the restoration pond at the Huanggang River estuary has gradually returned to an odonate community in which the four-spotted midget damselfly is the dominant species.

In the latest survey completed this July, the monitoring team recorded abundant adults and nymphs at the Huanggang River estuary, with mating pairs also observed repeatedly among the reeds. The results represent not only a successful example of the HEO's sustained investment in habitat restoration and species conservation, but also a rewarding outcome for the monitoring teams who have spent long summer days in waders conducting surveys through tidal channels and muddy wetlands.

According to the Taipei Hydraulic Engineering Office (HEO), Taipei is increasingly facing extreme, short-duration rainfall brought about by climate change. As a highly developed city with extensive impervious surfaces and dense networks of underground utilities, Taipei faces significant constraints in expanding conventional drainage channels. To address these challenges, the HEO drew inspiration from Tokyo's renowned Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel and adopted a new approach centered on stormwater storage. With an investment of approximately NT$1.7 billion, the City is constructing an underground tubular stormwater detention facility, the Dunbei Underground Trunk Drain, to strengthen flood protection along Dunhua North Road and in areas surrounding Taipei Arena during extreme weather events.

The HEO noted that, with space at a premium in Taipei, urban flood control presents significant challenges. To overcome the constraints of limited surface space, the city is making use of deep underground space beneath existing roads to construct Taiwan's first underground tubular stormwater detention facility. The facility will provide a total storage capacity of 32,000 metric tons, equivalent to approximately 16 standard swimming pools. The storage tunnel will have an internal diameter of 6.1 meters and extend approximately 1.1 kilometers from Dunbei Park to Nanjing East Road near Taipei Arena. Using shield tunneling technology, construction will take place approximately 20 to 35 meters underground. Much like performing "minimally invasive surgery" beneath the city, the technique enables excavation deep underground while minimizing disruption to surface traffic and nearby commercial activities.

The HEO also pointed out that during his tenure as a legislator representing Zhongshan and northern Songshan, Mayor Chiang Wan-an took to heart residents' longstanding concerns over flooding and water accumulation. After taking office as mayor, Chiang committed substantial funding to advance the Dunbei Underground Trunk Drain Project, turning residents' concerns into concrete infrastructure improvements. The project is expected to alleviate flooding and create a safer, more livable, and resilient urban environment for residents.

The Dunbei Underground Trunk Drain Project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029. Once completed, it will become Taiwan's first large-scale underground flood control system equipped with automated monitoring and a new landmark for urban disaster resilience in Taipei. During heavy rainfall, the system will temporarily store stormwater that exceeds the capacity of the existing drainage network and release it gradually after the peak rainfall period, increasing the city's capacity to accommodate extreme rainfall. In addition to better protecting lives and property, the project will further strengthen Taipei's urban resilience in the face of the growing challenges posed by climate change.

According to Taipei Zoo, the calf's father, Mo-Shu, was paired with Putri throughout 2025. During a routine ultrasound training session in November, keepers and veterinarians confirmed that Putri was pregnant. After more than half a year of careful preparation and eager anticipation, Putri gave birth to a healthy, robust female calf on August 17, 2026.

While Putri was eating breakfast, keepers took the opportunity to weigh the calf and record her basic body measurements. The female calf weighed 8.6 kilograms, almost the same as her older brother Treeda, who weighed 8.66 kilograms when he was born on July 26, 2023. She measured 72.5 centimeters in body length and 23.8 centimeters in head length. The calf appeared slightly nervous while being carried, weighed, and measured by the keepers. As the veterinarian treated Putri's umbilical stump following the birth, the calf sat quietly nearby. After the veterinary examination confirmed that the calf was in good overall condition and that her umbilical cord was healing well, the keepers were finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.

Beginning in early July, the veterinary team conducted weekly prenatal examinations for Putri, monitoring the fetus's heartbeat, size, position, and posture in the uterus. During an ultrasound examination on August 11, they observed a significant decrease in amniotic fluid and concluded that delivery was likely to occur soon. As expected, the calf was born safely at 11:51 p.m. on August 17. Because the birth was so recent, both mother and calf remain sensitive to their surroundings. Keepers have prepared a quiet and comfortable nursery area so that Putri can focus on caring for and bonding with her calf. Over the coming days, they will continue to closely monitor the health and condition of both mother and calf, hoping the youngster continues to grow safely and thrive.

【Malayan Tapir Profile】

Putri, the mother, was born on June 3, 2013, and arrived at Taipei Zoo from the Singapore Zoo in 2021. The father, Mo-Shu, was born on May 30, 2014. The pair welcomed their first calf, a male named Treeda, in 2023, successfully bred again in 2025, and welcomed their second calf—a healthy female—on August 17, 2026.

In early 2025, Taiwan officially recognized a newly described endangered endemic frog species. Previously regarded as the Taiwanese population of the Harpist frog, it was confirmed as a distinct species through research conducted by teams from National Taiwan Normal University, the Biodiversity Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Forestry Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture. The species was named the Yuchi Music Frog (Nidirana shyhhuangi) after the area where it is found, while its specific name honors Professor Shyh-Huang Chen, who first discovered the species. Today, the Yuchi Music Frog is known from only two wetland habitats—Lianhuachi and Sun Moon Lake in Yuchi Township, Nantou County. At one point, the adult wild population was estimated to have declined to only a few hundred individuals. Because of its extremely restricted range, the species is highly vulnerable to human disturbance, environmental pollution, climate change, invasive species, and habitat loss caused by land development.

As part of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture 's Endangered Species Conservation Action Plan, Taipei Zoo has participated in conservation efforts for the Yuchi Music Frog since 2022. The zoo received tadpoles rescued by the Biodiversity Research Institute after falling autumn water levels left them stranded outside shrinking wetlands. Through captive breeding, the zoo established an ex situ assurance population and successfully bred adult frogs beginning in 2023. By 2026, more than 3,000 juvenile frogs had successfully completed metamorphosis, providing an important source population for future reintroduction efforts. The Yuchi Music Frog displays a unique mud-nesting behavior. Male frogs dig flask-shaped mud chambers, where they call to attract females for breeding. Eggs are laid inside these nests and develop into tadpoles. When rainfall breaks open the mud nests, the tadpoles are washed naturally into nearby water, where they continue their development. To recreate the frogs' natural habitat, zoo keepers carefully selected suitable clay-rich soil and provided leaf litter, sheltering vegetation, and rocks to simulate the moist, soft mudflats found along forest streams. These conditions allow the frogs to settle comfortably and encourage natural nest-building and breeding behavior.

The newly renovated Yuchi Music Frog exhibit near the exit of the Amphibian and Reptile House recreates the environmental conditions needed for the species to grow and breed. This area already features exhibits for Taipei frog and Asiatic Banded Water Snake, and the relocation of the Yuchi Music Frog exhibit creates a dedicated space introducing Taiwan's native endangered amphibians and reptiles. Through close-up observation, visitors can learn about these unique native species while also gaining a deeper understanding that conserving wild populations depends on the long-term collaboration and research efforts of local communities, conservation organizations, and scientists.

As the last eastern grey kangaroo at the zoo, she had become like an old friend who had witnessed the zoo's changes over the years. Born at Taipei Zoo, she spent her energetic younger years hopping across the grassy enclosure, accompanying generations of visitors as they grew up.

As she grew older, Grandma Kangaroo gradually developed age-related eye conditions, while her digestive function and other bodily systems also began to decline. Despite the dedicated care and constant companionship of the keepers and veterinary team, her body continued to age with time, eventually peacefully passed away on August 15, 2026.

Thank you, Grandma Eastern Grey Kangaroo. Through your 20 years and 11 months of life, you taught us valuable lessons about life, aging, and the meaning of companionship.

Ke-Yi has recovered well following her Cesarean section. After a period of rest and observation, she has gradually returned to her normal enclosure and daily routine. Yi Bao, however, was born prematurely with underdeveloped lungs and other organs, requiring a higher level of medical support. He therefore remains the veterinary team's highest priority for intensive care.

Because Yi Bao was born prematurely, his lungs and other organs were not yet fully developed at birth. He initially required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation to support his breathing. As his ability to breathe independently gradually improved, the medical team determined that he was ready for extubation. He is now receiving oxygen therapy through a high-flow nasal cannula while his breathing and overall physical condition continue to be closely monitored.

With continuous care, Yi Bao has been steadily gaining weight. His activity level, limb movements, and responses to external stimuli have all become more noticeable than they were shortly after birth. He has also recently begun bottle-feeding sessions with assistance from his caregivers to practice sucking and swallowing. For Yi Bao, who was born prematurely, every seemingly small improvement—from breathing and feeding to increasing activity—marks an important milestone in his development.

However, the immaturity of Yi Bao's lungs resulting from his premature birth remains the greatest medical challenge. During his recovery, he has experienced episodes of lung collapse and inflammation, and he still requires respiratory support through a high-flow nasal cannula. His digestive system is also not yet fully developed, and he has experienced bloating and digestive difficulties. The veterinary team continues to monitor his lungs and overall physical condition through clinical observation, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory testing, adjusting his treatment and care plan on a daily basis. Because all of his organs are still developing, his condition may change as he grows. Although encouraging progress has been seen in his weight, activity level, and feeding, it is still too early to say that he is out of danger.

Since Yi Bao was born on June 29, the Taipei Zoo's medical team has provided round-the-clock care through a three-shift schedule. While continuing to meet the daily medical needs of the zoo's other animals, the team has remained dedicated to Yi Bao's care, adjusting his treatment plan according to his clinical condition each day. They have watched him progress from requiring intensive life support to gradually developing the ability to breathe, suck independently, and become more active. Every milestone has been hard earned.

This unique medical journey has also benefited from valuable interdisciplinary collaboration. The Taipei Zoo sincerely thanks the Neonatology team at National Taiwan University Hospital for providing ongoing professional support and clinical advice. Their expertise in respiratory care, nutrition, gastrointestinal tolerance, and the assessment of premature newborns has offered invaluable guidance. This collaboration between human and veterinary medicine has provided the zoo's medical team with additional expertise to support clinical decision-making while caring for this rare and complex premature case.

Annually on August 19, International Orangutan Day raises awareness of the conservation challenges orangutans face in the wild. The Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) is listed as Critically Endangered, with wild populations continuing to decline due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, illegal hunting, and wildlife trafficking. Orangutans reproduce slowly, and their young depend on their mothers for many years to learn essential survival skills such as foraging and nest building. As a result, once wild populations decline, recovery can take many decades.

Yi Bao's story is still unfolding. The Taipei Zoo's veterinary and animal care teams will continue supporting him every step of the way as he overcomes the challenges associated with premature birth. Everyone hopes that one day, when Yi Bao is physically mature and medically stable, he will be able to reunite with his mother, Ke-Yi. Until then, every decision will continue to be made with his health and welfare as the highest priorities and based on careful assessment of his condition. We sincerely thank everyone for their continued care and encouragement, and hope that International Orangutan Day will inspire greater awareness not only of Ke-Yi and Yi Bao, but also gain a deeper understanding of the conservation challenges facing orangutans and the habitats they depend on.

The Shida Road Pedestrian Environment Improvement Project, which won the Excellent Award in the 2026 Walkable Roads engineering category, is a recent model project in Taipei that uses sidewalk widening and road dieting as the core of people-oriented environment improvement. Shida Road is located near the main campus of National Taiwan Normal University, Shida Night Market, and Shida Park, and is also an important daily route for residents of nearby Guzhuang, Gufeng, and Longquan villages. The project integrates and optimizes various aspects of daily life, including food, clothing, housing, transport, work, commerce, and learning. It also incorporates the planning of pedestrian priority areas and friendly zones in the three surrounding villages, expanding the improvement scope from a single corridor to a broader area and extending people-oriented connectivity throughout the entire Shida living circle. The project also won the top prize in the “Impact of the Year Award” category at CommonWealth Magazine’s 2025 Excellence in City Governance Awards last year. It is hoped that the renewed Shida Road will serve as a pioneer in gradually transforming road design from a car-centered approach into a spatial concept centered on people.

The Pedestrian Environment Improvement Project on Sec. 3, Zhongxiao East Road, from Jianguo South Road to Fuxing South Road, which received a Merit Award, continues eastward from the earlier pedestrian environment improvements along Sec. 1 to Sec. 3 of Zhongxiao East Road. With green roads, people-oriented roads, resilient roads, and smart roads as its four core improvement goals, the project includes measures such as sidewalk widening, parking bay installation, new refuge islands, improved accessible environments, and cable duct installation along the route. It also uses permeable pavement to strengthen rainwater infiltration and pavement water retention, while increasing green coverage to effectively improve the safety of the people-oriented environment, green coverage, and urban microclimate regulation.

The Liugong Green Corridor Pedestrian Environment Improvement Project, which also received a Merit Award, is located in a prime area of Taipei’s East District. Before the improvement project, the site consisted of back lanes behind Zhongxiao East Road and parking areas in the local commercial district, where pedestrian space had long been constrained. The New Construction Office used a “people-oriented walking environment” and “East District green corridor connectivity” as its core concepts, stitching together the road and plaza on the south side of Lane 135, Sec. 1, Fuxing South Road. A large-scale shared plaza was introduced to connect pedestrian circulation, while a mist ring recreates the historical hydrological imagery of the former Dawan River. Multilayered green space and rain gardens were also used to create an urban ecological green island in Taipei’s East District.

In addition, the Chongqing South Road Sec. 3 Traffic Environment Improvement project, which received an Honorable Mention, was carried out in conjunction with the Zhongzheng Bridge Reconstruction Project, taking the opportunity to also demolish the Chongqing South Road overpass. After the overpass was removed, a people-oriented design concept was adopted. Spacious pedestrian areas and plantings were arranged along the corridor and extended to the new cross-river bridge section, fully connecting pedestrian and bicycle networks. The project improved the local streetscape, opened up the previously blocked skyline, reshaped an urban landscape suited to modern life, and helped drive local commercial development. Another Honorable Mention project, the Xinsheng-Heping Pedestrian Overpass Demolition Project, mainly involved removing the existing pedestrian overpass and improving the overall intersection. Measures included setting back crosswalks, giving pedestrians an early start signal, adding refuge islands, and installing corner guardrails. The original overpass piers and stair structures were located at the intersection corners, where they easily created blind spots for turning vehicles. After demolition, visual obstructions were reduced, improving pedestrian and traffic safety and putting people-oriented transport principles into practice.

In addition, Chi-Wei Chang, Assistant Engineer of the New Construction Office, and Hsiu-Ho Han, Chief of Guangwu Village in Da’an District, received the Individual Contribution Award and the Public Service Enthusiasm Award, respectively, for their long-term enthusiasm and active involvement in promoting Walkable Roads related work, with significant results.

It is also worth noting that Kun-Hu Lin, Director of the New Construction Office, shared Taipei’s experience with the “Pedestrian Environment Improvement Project on Shida Road, Da’an District, from Sec. 3, Roosevelt Road to Sec. 1, Heping East Road” during the morning forum, exchanging views with representatives from other counties and cities. Director Lin emphasized that Taipei’s New Construction Office has in recent years been committed to promoting people-oriented environmental development. In addition to continuously improving the quality of urban road and sidewalk maintenance, it has also transformed past car-centered road design into a people-centered spatial concept. Beyond improvements at the engineering level, the Office has in recent years continued to use measures such as PCI testing, performance-based contracts, and visualized management systems to move Taipei’s roads toward smarter and more precise management. Looking ahead, the New Construction Office will not become complacent because of these awards. It will continue to promote, optimize, and upgrade pedestrian and vehicle safety in Taipei, providing residents with a livable, sustainable, and safe living environment. Through changes in the road environment, the public will see Taipei’s progress and the vision of “walkable roads for a more accessible Taipei” will be realized.

Time: 14:00-17:30

Date: Aug.27, 2026

Venue: Meeting room 206, 2F , North Wing, Taipei City Hall

The New Construction Office said the “Chenggong Market Redevelopment Project”, winner of the Special Award, centers on both shopping convenience and quality of life. To meet the land use objectives of the urban plan, the project adopts an innovative “semi-underground market” design, with 196 modern stalls on the first basement level and underground parking planned from the second to fourth basement levels. The ground level has been transformed into a broad, lush landscaped park plaza. Through a continuous open space that connects the terrain and plantings, the design not only greatly reduces the visual pressure of the underground structure, but also creates a diverse, multifunctional leisure space for residents, reshaping the traditional image of a market.

The “Reconstruction Project for Yong-Fu Home of the Taipei Municipal Yang-Ming Home for the Disabled”, winner of the Gold Award, is located at the intersection of Sec. 2, Yangde Boulevard and Zhuangding Road in Shilin District. The project is planned as a modern care facility with two underground floors and seven above-ground floors. The project will comprehensively address issues in the original aging building, including insufficient seismic resistance, poor ventilation and natural lighting, and inadequate sound insulation. It will also integrate complete public service spaces, including a community activity center, multi-purpose classrooms, rehabilitation rooms, and medical consultation rooms. The building exterior and landscape design make special use of local Yangmingshan andesite and a green-toned color palette, allowing the facility to blend seamlessly into its surrounding natural environment. The project will create a warm “home” for people with physical, mental, and mobility disabilities, combining daily care, skills guidance, and medical care.

The New Construction Office emphasized that the recognition of these two projects shows that, in promoting public works, Taipei City not only pursues construction quality, but also deepens its vision of coexistence with the local environment and social welfare care. Looking ahead, the Office will continue to uphold high standards in design and construction and accelerate project completion, bringing residents a more comfortable, inclusive, and modern living environment.

Cotton-top tamarins are small, tree-dwelling primates found primarily in the forests of Colombia. They have hairless black faces and are best known for the striking crest of long white hair on the tops of their heads. When alarmed, they raise this crest to make themselves appear larger. Their backs and tails are black, while their undersides are white. Their small, agile bodies are equipped with sharp claws that allow them to grip slender branches securely and move effortlessly through the forest canopy. As omnivores, they feed on fruits, young shoots, insects, spiders, bird eggs, and small vertebrates, and they occasionally forage among the leaf litter on the forest floor. They also play an important role in forest ecosystems as seed dispersers.

Following the zoo's temporary closure in late June 2026, keepers introduced two lively cotton-top tamarins to roam freely inside the Tropical Rainforest Indoor House (Pangolin Dome). Visitors may spot them moving through the dense vegetation, running along the handrails, or even resting on the roof near the entrance. Taipei Zoo reminds visitors to keep all personal food securely stored while enjoying these charming primates to prevent them from accidentally eating inappropriate food, and asks everyone not to feed the animals. Feeding animals can lead to nutritional imbalances and negatively affect both their health and their natural behaviors. An immersive wildlife experience depends on everyone's cooperation in following the Three No's—No Feeding, No Touching, and No Disturbing—while maintaining an appropriate "social distance" from the animals. By doing so, visitors can enjoy an unforgettable experience without disturbing the animals.

The fire department stated that the event was themed "Shop with Peace of Mind, GO for Disaster Prevention!" It was held in conjunction with Shin Kong Mitsukoshi's "Little Firefighter Experience" activity, leveraging the crowded commercial area and high participation from local families to allow citizens to easily acquire disaster prevention knowledge while enjoying shopping, leisure, and quality family time. Through educational and interactive experiences, disaster prevention education is woven into daily life, strengthening citizens' self-help, mutual help, and public cooperation capabilities, while building a universal consensus on disaster prevention to jointly create a safe and resilient living environment.

The event featured a variety of disaster prevention experience booths, including CPR and AED operation training, residential fire alarm promotion, residential fire safety, electricity, cooking fire, and gas safety education, water safety guidance, and emergency reporting practice. Additionally, participants used the Fire Safety Demonstration Vehicle to practice initial fire suppression and experienced the Earthquake Simulator Vehicle to learn earthquake evacuation techniques. Through hands-on operation and scenario simulation, participants gained disaster prevention knowledge and response skills, further enhancing their self-protection abilities and disaster response concepts.

The fire department pointed out that Shilin District is a major commercial, educational, and tourist hub in Taipei City, with a high density of department stores, commercial districts, markets, schools, and residential communities, attracting large crowds on both weekdays and weekends. Therefore, public venue fire safety and community disaster prevention are particularly vital. Beyond commercial venues implementing strict fire safety management, citizens should also establish correct home fire prevention and emergency response concepts, preparing for disasters in advance to effectively reduce losses when disasters occur and jointly protect lives and property.

According to the fire department's 2025 fire statistics, electrical factors were the leading cause of fires. The fire department reminds the public to adhere to the "5 No's and 1 Must-Have" principle when using electrical appliances and extension cords: "No overloading, No bundling wires, No keeping plugged in when not in use, No dirty or damaged plugs, No flammable materials around appliances, and Must-Have a safety certification label." Citizens should also regularly inspect home electrical equipment and wiring conditions, replacing old or damaged items immediately to reduce the risk of fire.

The firedepartment emphasized that disaster prevention relies on joint efforts between the government and local communities; more preparation during normal times leads to fewer losses during disasters. In the future, the department will continue to combine community resources and local characteristic activities to promote disaster prevention education, deepen public risk awareness and response capabilities, and work together to build a safe, livable, and resilient living environment.

To support the health of the zoo's well-loved and aging animals, Taipei Zoo invited experts in veterinary medicine and animal science from National Taiwan University, together with the zoo's nutritionists and veterinarians, to participate in an Animal Nutrition Expert Panel on August 13, 2026. The meeting focused on the nutritional management and health care of giant pandas, white rhinos, and giraffes. Drawing on long-term records—including body weight, food intake, fecal output, activity levels, and health examination results—the participants reviewed the current diets and explored ways to further develop individualized precision nutrition plans.

The three giant pandas currently cared for at Taipei Zoo are at different life stages and each has its own health condition and digestive characteristics. As they age, it is not appropriate to apply the same fixed proportions of bamboo shoots, bamboo leaves, and formulated feed to every individual. Instead, each diet should be adjusted according to the animal's age, health status, activity level, seasonal conditions, and previous digestive responses—an approach that reflects the core concept of precision nutrition.

Many visitors ask, "How much bamboo shoots, bamboo leaves, and bamboo culms should giant pandas eat?" In the wild, the composition of a giant panda's diet naturally changes with the seasons. During the bamboo shoot season, pandas consume more shoots, while bamboo leaves and culms make up a larger proportion of their diet at other times. Therefore, there is no single diet ratio that applies throughout the year. The moisture content, fiber, energy, and digestibility of bamboo shoots, leaves, and culms are not the same for every giant panda. As a result, evaluating a panda's diet involves much more than simply comparing how many kilograms it eats. Nutrition must be assessed together with the bamboo species and plant parts provided, body weight, actual food intake, fecal output, and overall health. For example, the recent decrease in appetite among the zoo's giant pandas during pseudopregnancy has led some fans to worry that the pandas are hungry. In addition, the zoo's three giant pandas have shown individual differences in digestive conditions, including the occurrence of mucus stools. In the future, gut microbiome analyses will provide additional scientific evidence to support further dietary adjustments.

Regarding the nutritional management of aging herbivores, experts noted that advancing age may affect dental condition, digestion and nutrient absorption, muscle metabolism, joint health, and mobility. As a result, even when animals consume the same diet, they may no longer absorb nutrients as efficiently as before. For elderly white rhinos, weight management involves more than monitoring body weight alone. Body Condition Score (BCS), muscle mass, dental and oral health, gait, and mobility are all evaluated to determine whether changes in body weight are part of the normal aging process or are associated with underlying health issues before any dietary adjustments are made. Likewise, dietary management is not simply a matter of increasing protein when an animal loses weight; energy, protein, fiber, and nutrient digestibility must all be considered together. For giraffes experiencing watery stools, keepers also evaluate the balance between concentrate feed and roughage, digestive responses to different forage types, and conditions within the gastrointestinal fermentation system, while first ruling out any underlying disease before gradually adjusting the diet.

Animal care is a complex discipline that combines professional expertise with practical experience. It involves many factors, including each animal's physical condition, behavior, health, environment, and daily management. All care practices and adjustments at Taipei Zoo are carefully determined by interdisciplinary teams based on scientific evaluation, each animal's health status, and established husbandry protocols. We appreciate the public's trust and continued support for our science-based animal care.

Taipei Zoo respects the public's concern for animal welfare and for the work of our animal keepers. We also understand and appreciate the public's care and expectations for the animals living at the zoo. Visitors' observations and suggestions will continue to be collected and incorporated into ongoing reviews so that husbandry practices, health care, habitat management, and operational procedures can be continuously improved based on each animal's condition and professional recommendations. The zoo also reminds everyone to respect personal privacy when interacting online. Please do not photograph, publish, or repost images or personal information of staff members without their permission, and avoid placing inappropriate pressure on frontline staff through online comments or images.

Taipei Zoo appreciates the public's continued concern for the animals and sincerely thanks everyone for their long-standing support of wildlife conservation. The zoo will remain committed to animal welfare and professional care while safeguarding the right of all staff to carry out their work in a respectful, supportive, and interference-free environment. Together, we hope to create a zoo where both animals and people are treated with care and respect.

During the 2026 breeding season, four pairs of African penguins produced six fertile eggs. The oldest and largest chick hatched in mid-May, while the youngest emerged from its egg at the end of June. Even a one-week age difference can lead to significant differences in the chicks' growth. Keepers introduce the chicks to the Penguin House colony only after they are about two months old and have begun replacing their insulating gray down with juvenile feathers. So far, three of this year's African penguin chicks have made their public debut!

The oldest chick, now approaching three months of age, has almost completely replaced its gray down with sleek gray-and-black juvenile plumage and has officially entered the subadult stage. Keepers have also begun helping the chick learn to swim. Curious about visitors, it often presses close to the viewing glass to watch people passing by. Visitors are kindly reminded not to tap on the glass or use flash photography, allowing the chick to explore its new surroundings without being disturbed. The other two chicks, a pair of nestmates that have just reached two months of age, still retain small patches of grayish-brown down on the backs of their necks and around their rumps. Having been inseparable since hatching, the brothers spend nearly the entire day side by side, making them especially delightful to watch.

The three young chicks are still getting acquainted with the mature penguins in the colony. Visitors are encouraged to observe their behaviors and interactions to see how penguins gradually integrate into the group through social behavior. Three younger chicks are still under two months of age. Keepers will continue to monitor their development and introduce them to the new activity area gradually when they are ready.

African penguin chicks grow quickly, and their appearance changes noticeably as they molt from day to day. This brief transition from fluffy chicks to sleek young penguins is a special stage that won't last long. The Temperate Zone Animal Area has prepared a new indoor activity area for the African penguins, located just outside the Penguin House (diagonally opposite the Penguin Shop). Be sure to visit the right location if you'd like to watch these adorable chicks as they grow and molt!

The Department of Finance Commissioner Hu Hsiao-lan said that from 2023 through June 2026, the Taipei City Government completed 60 investment solicitation projects, attracting NT$98.3 billion in private-sector investment in Taipei, with significant results in investment promotion. This year, the City Government continues to promote six investment solicitation projects, including the Yongjian and Xiushan Long-Term Care Park BOT project, the public urban renewal project in the Linyi Section of Zhongzheng District, the land development project at Y20 Station (Jie 4) on the MRT Northern Loop Line, the ROT project for the Neihu Sports Center, the grant of superficies rights for the former site of the Taipei City Council, and the ROT project for space provided for use free of charge. These projects will accelerate urban development, stimulate local economic growth, and generate additional revenue for the city treasury, helping Taipei’s self-financing resources remain steadily above NT$120 billion for three consecutive years, the highest ratio of annual revenues among the six capital.

Commissioner Hu further stated that, while actively promoting major infrastructure projects and municipal services, the City Government has consistently adhered to the fiscal management principles of increasing revenue, reducing expenditures, and paying down debt. On the one hand, it has expanded sources of revenue through proactive investment promotion; on the other, it has prudently managed the level of debt and reduced interest expenses, thereby strengthening the City’s overall fiscal resilience. Following the repayment of NT$10.6 billion in debt in May this year, the Taipei City Government today (August 7th) completed an additional NT$3 billion debt repayment appropriated under the first supplemental budget for fiscal year 2026, demonstrating its continued commitment to fiscal discipline and sound financial management.

Since Mayor Chiang took office at the end of 2022, the Taipei City Government has reduced its debt by a total of NT$43 billion, the largest reduction among local governments nationwide. The outstanding debt balance has fallen substantially from NT$89.8 billion to NT$46.8 billion, while per capita debt has declined from NT$36,000 to NT$19,000, a reduction of approximately NT$17,000 over the past four years. The City’s fiscal position continues to improve, laying a stronger foundation for municipal development.

The Department of Finance further stated that sound fiscal management is the strongest foundation for advancing municipal development. In recent years, the Taipei City Government has actively attracted investment, expanded sources of revenue, continued to reduce debt, and enhanced the efficiency of fiscal management. These efforts have not only effectively reduced the City’s debt burden but also further strengthened Taipei’s fiscal resilience in responding to changes in the external economic environment and the demands of major infrastructure projects. Going forward, the City Government will continue to uphold fiscal discipline and, while balancing municipal development with fiscal sustainability, make prudent use of fiscal resources to accelerate major infrastructure projects and advance various municipal policies, thereby continuously improving residents’ well-being and Taipei City’s overall competitiveness.

Xisong Elementary School has a long history dating back to the Japanese colonial period. However, some of its school buildings have aged over time, and the campus has long lacked a large indoor venue and adequate sports facilities. To meet the teaching and learning needs of teachers and students while easing parking demand among nearby residents, the city government has actively planned this new smart and green building, realizing the shared goal of allowing the campus and the community to benefit together.

Ming-Shen Kao, Section Chief of the Construction Section of the New Construction Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government, noted that the project is planned as a steel structure with two underground floors and six above-ground floors. The interior will include parking facilities on the two underground floors, while the above-ground floors will house a swimming pool, preschool, auditorium, rhythmic classroom, multi-purpose ball court, and other facilities. In the future, the center will not only lay the foundation for the school’s diverse development, but also effectively ease the shortage of parking spaces in nearby areas.

Wen-Yen Chen Architects & Associates, which is responsible for design and supervision, has also shown thoughtful attention to architectural aesthetics. Chia-Wei Huang, Director of the Nangang Construction Office of the Taipei New Construction Office, explained that the activity center’s main design is built around three core concepts, “water ripples”, “dynamic musical notes”, and “speed and energy”, which correspond respectively to the swimming pool, auditorium, and multi-purpose ball court. High-saturation blue, red, and yellow frames and grilles are used to accent the light-gray exterior walls, creating a vivid, modern, and functional architectural appearance.

Director Huang said the project officially broke ground on May 20, 2024, and today’s successful topping-out ceremony marks a key milestone in the construction process. The overall project is expected to be completed in 2027. Once completed, it is expected to fulfill Xisong Elementary School’s vision for diverse education, create a new highlight for education in Taipei, and provide teachers, students, and community residents with a high-quality, sustainable, friendly, and safe activity space.

Youths Standing on the City’s Stage – Every Performance is the Beginning of a Dream

This year’s Youth Diversity Performance Stage featured over thirty groups of youth performers, with performances ranging from singing, rapping, self-accompanied vocals, street dancing, K-Pop Covers, DJ performances, handpan performances, freestyle basketball, and acrobatics. Last year’s well-received “Open Stage” attracted nearly fifty groups of young participants, showcasing their endless creativity through music composition, dance, and street performances. At the event, world-champion wotagei performance group CHROnoZ fused glow stick dance with the art of light and shadow, delivering an unforgettable visual experience. 

Furthermore, new-generation singer KezINE highlighted her unique electronic pop style, while creative singer Pika Chiu (邱振哲) performed his well-known song “Sun”, which has surpassed 100 million views, to the festival. The audience sang along in unison, bringing the atmosphere to its peak. Freestyle basketball performer Shenwei (Kao Mu-Kai) showcased his high-difficulty interactive performance, earning applause from audiences. This year also marked the debut of the Encore Stage, where the festival invited popular youth performers from last year to return to the stage. Through this platform, more youth performers and creators gained valuable performance experience, exposure, and opportunity to showcase their talents.

Free Creator’s Market Stalls – Encouraging Youth Brands to Enter the Market and Engage with Consumers

Commissioner Yi-Hsi Chou of the Department for Youth stated that the Youth Dream Life festival is not only an opportunity for performances, but also an important starting point for youth entrepreneurship. This year’s festival featured more than thirty-five youth-created brands, spanning from sustainable design, stationery products, culture creativity, and unique culinary experiences. Among these brands were the Venusians (金星男子), FUXING MART (福星超市), and YO-SI (酉時喝酒), which are supported by the Department for Youth. These brands demonstrate young people’s ability to transform creativity into products and their aspirations into achievements through entrepreneurship.

The Youth Creator’s Market also incorporated interactive booths by reinterpreting classic elements such as Beyblade and Mini FWD (Mini Four-Wheel Drive), allowing youths from different age groups to collaborate together through teamwork and competitions, bridging generations through laughter and shared memories. Many Youth Creator’s Market vendors state that providing free market stalls helped alleviate the financial pressure of rental costs. More importantly, the initiative created opportunities for them to gain exposure in Xinyi District – the area with the most foot traffic – while directly engaging with consumers and receiving valuable feedback.  During the event, members of the public even followed the brands’ social media accounts on the spot and inquired about purchasing information, allowing the two-day event to become an important source of momentum for the continued growth of these brands.

From Monster Look-Alike Portraits to International Collaboration – Creativity Becoming an International Language for Communication.

Beyond the Creator’s Market and performance stages, this year’s festival incorporated elements that supported youths' self-exploration and broadened their horizons through interactive exhibitions and international artist collaborations. The Golden Melody Award-winning design team Blob Club’s “Be Unique – Mysterious House” and the limited edition “monster look-alike portrait” attracted large crowds eager to line up and experience the exhibition. Each youth received their unique monster character, symbolizing the core concept of “be your unique self”. Meanwhile, through the four interactive zones – “Ideal Divination Station,” “Future Telecom,” “Co-Creation Graffiti Wall,” and “Youth Photo Booth” – youths were able to discover themselves and envision their future. Many youths took selfies with their fortune poems, and also wrote letters to their future selves, creating meaningful and lasting memories of their youth.

This year, the festival also invited artists from the United States, Spain, Malaysia, and the Philippines to participate in the International Art Experience Workshop, bringing diverse  artistic experiences including breathing-inspired art, collage, 3D printing model painting, keychain collages, city hero collaborations, and portrait sketching. During the workshop, artists and youths shared their cultures and life stories, transforming art into an international language of communication and turning Xinyi Xiangti Avenue Plaza into an important platform for international youth collaboration.

Commissioner Yi-Hsi Chou explained that the theme “Youths are the Main Character” is not only the theme of the festival, but also the guiding principle for the Department for Youth. What youths need is not merely performance opportunities, creator’s markets, or exhibitions, but rather a stage that believes in and supports their potential. The Department for Youth will continue to provide resources in entrepreneurship, performances, career development, and international collaboration, accompanying young people as they transform creativity into creations, ideas into actions. Through these efforts, more youths in Taipei City discover their unique stage, making the city shine through the energy and creativity of youths.

Animals in nature display a remarkable variety of family structures and parenting roles. Greater flamingos are an excellent example of shared parenting. After laying an egg, both parents take turns incubating it. Flamingo chicks are semi-precocial, meaning they cannot move around freely immediately after hatching, but within a few days they begin following their parents to explore their surroundings. Both male and female greater flamingos produce crop milk in their upper digestive tract to feed their chicks, so visitors can often observe chicks begging for food while either parent bends down to feed them. African penguins also share parenting duties. After a pair lays an egg, the male and female take turns incubating it. While one remains at the nest, the other heads out to sea to forage before returning to switch roles—a wonderful example of cooperative parenting. Although male and female emus look very similar, their parenting roles are quite different. After laying her eggs, the female leaves, and the male takes over, incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks on his own for several months. Emus demonstrate that fathers can be both gentle and devoted caregivers. The pumas in the Temperate Zone Animal Area showcase another parenting strategy—that of a full-time mother. After mating, the male leaves, and the female takes sole responsibility for raising the cubs. From finding a safe den and hunting each day to feed her young, to teaching them essential survival skills , the mother puma takes on every aspect of raising her young, highlighting the remarkable resilience and independence often displayed by female animals in nature.

Unlike animals, humans have the ability to make choices and communicate, giving us even greater opportunities to build diverse and inclusive families through mutual understanding and respect. No matter what a family looks like or how responsibilities are shared, wherever people support one another and share responsibilities, that is home. Taipei Zoo warmly invites visitors of all ages to discover the diversity and warmth of family through the parenting strategies of these remarkable animals, and to see that there is no single definition of what a family should be. By learning about the many different family structures found in nature, children can also be inspired to appreciate their parents' love and care, and lend a helping hand with household chores.

Fully focusing on AI applications and technological innovation while prioritizing robotics-related products, this year's contest drew 76 startup teams from 17 countries—an increase of 4 countries and 26 international teams compared to last year, reaching a record high. While Singapore led the entries with 13 teams, the event attracted startups across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia—including Germany, Italy, and the UK in Europe; Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, the UAE, and Iraq in Asia; Canada, the US, and Chile in the Americas; as well as Australia—demonstrating the competition's growing international visibility.

The applicants represented seven diverse sectors, including newly added categories for fintech and energy technology. Healthcare led the field with 11 teams, followed by manufacturing, education and HR, AI and enterprise software, and transportation and logistics, showing strong interest from global startups across various industries in Taipei’s business market.

A panel of judges—representing AppWorks, ASUS, and Wistron—evaluated the applicants based on technological innovation, market potential, and international scalability. Following an initial document review by the three judges, 10 teams from Canada, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, and the UAE advanced to the online pitch round, and ultimately, six international startups were selected to travel to Taipei from October 14 to 16 for the Taipei AI+ Startup Demo Day, corporate visits, and tailored business-matching sessions. The six selected startups are (Sorted alphabetically):

• Ailytics (Singapore): Applying AI video analytics to improve construction-site safety and productivity.
• ASKaFOX (Canada): Using AI to support supplier sourcing and factory audits.
• Autonomique (Canada): Bringing physical AI to robotics for the precise manipulation tasks required in manufacturing.
• IMBdx (South Korea): Developing AI-powered liquid-biopsy solutions for cancer diagnostics.
• LAgentBot (Singapore): Providing AI-agent and workflow-automation solutions for enterprises.
• Tilda (South Korea): Delivering AI optimization solutions for manufacturing and energy operations.

Together, the selected startups represent a broad range of AI applications, including physical AI, supply chains, medical diagnostics, video analytics, manufacturing, energy, and enterprise automation. Their selection reflects both the diversity of global AI innovation and Taipei’s continued efforts to connect with international startup ecosystems.

The six teams will join a three-day Taipei business visit from October 14 to 16. The program will include in-person pitches at the Taipei AI+ Startup Demo Day, corporate visits, and customized matchmaking sessions. Notably, three local Taipei-based startups aligned with this year’s AI theme will also be invited to present alongside the international teams, fostering technology matching and cross-border collaboration. These activities are designed to help founders understand local industry needs, with the aim of attracting foreign startups to set up operations in Taipei and boosting the city's global competitiveness.

The Fire Department advises residents to take advantage of the re-maining preparation time before the typhoon arrives by thoroughly inspecting their homes and surroundings. Secure or bring indoors potted plants, hanging objects, signboards, and other items that may become airborne in strong winds. Clean balconies, rooftop drains, and nearby drainage ditches to reduce the risk of flooding caused by blocked drainage. Construction site fences, scaffolding, and large billboards should also be inspected and reinforced. Residents living in low-lying areas, on hillsides, or near rivers should prepare sand-bags and flood barriers in advance, remain alert for landslides and debris flows, and immediately comply with any evacuation orders is-sued by the authorities.

In addition, residents are encouraged to prepare an emergency go-bag containing at least a three-day supply of drinking water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a portable radio, a power bank, and other daily necessities in case of power outages or emer-gency evacuation. During the typhoon, avoid going outdoors unless absolutely necessary, and do not visit mountainous, river, or coastal areas for sightseeing, wave watching, fishing, or other recreational activities. During power outages, avoid using open flames for light-ing to reduce the risk of fire. In an emergency, call 1999, 119, or 110 for assistance.

The Fire Department also reminds residents to stay informed through the Disaster Prevention Taipei website (eoc.gov.taipei), download the Taipei City Disaster Prevention App, and subscribe to the Taipei City Government's official LINE account to receive the latest updates on weather conditions, flooding, evacuation shelters, school and office closures, floodgate operations, and temporary parking regulations. By staying informed and well prepared, everyone can help safeguard lives and property.

Source: Industry and Business Division of the Department of Economic Development, Taipei City Government