Taipei is a unique city in which there are so many things to do for so many different types of people. But whether you’re a nature-seeker, traveling with kids or looking for a nice date spot, I highly suggest you check out Taipei’s Daan Forest Park.
Daan Park is very much like New York’s Central Park. It’s a giant park (roughly 64 acres of land) that sits in the heart of the city. Likewise, you can compare it to London’s Hyde Park.
Situated in Daan District, Daan Park is consists of a few pavilions, two large ponds, an amphitheater, kid’s playground, basketball courts, skating rink, several benches and a path for joggers. There’s something to do for everyone.
RECOMMENDED: The Local’s Guide to Taipei
Table of Contents
History of Daan Park
Today, the park is a public space for residents and guests to use for various outdoor activities and events. But it wasn’t until the demolition of illegal buildings that Daan Forest Park was built in 1994 by Taiwanese mayor, Huang Ta-chou.
Despite the development starting in the early 90’s, there were already plans to build a park in the area in 1932. However, the Nationalist Party came to Taiwan in 1949 and dedicated the area as a residence for soldiers.
Years passed by and still no park. Instead, even more buildings were built on the land, such as a large dormitory for international students. After so many decades, plans for the park were finally moving again. And eventually, the park finally came to fruition.
A little story from a local: A part of the is soil from Okinawa, Japan… from 10,000 years ago. Taiwanese folklore says that a giant tsunami brought the soil to Taipei and much of it lies in Daan Park.
I haven’t been able to confirm whether this is true, but it sure is a cool story to tell your friends as you take them to Daan Forest Park.
Daan Park MRT Station
If you’ve ever seen the park for yourself, you know that it is a beautiful park. Everything from the park itself to the MRT station that connects is breathtaking. That’s because the MRT station was designed by a famous local architecture firm, Che Fu Chang.
From the moment you exit the gates, you’re greeted by this magnificent display of architecture. Underneath this marvel sits an amazing atrium where locals hang out. With this view, why wouldn’t you sit down, relax and enjoy the scenery for a bit?
Here’s a shot of the interior of Daan Park MRT station:
It’s not just stunning from the inside, but also from the outside. After exiting the station, you’re met with a unique sunken garden that bridges to the path to Daan Forest Park.
Here’s a shot of Daan Park MRT Station from the outside:
If you come here just for the atrium and garden of the MRT station, we wouldn’t blame you. As a tourist, it’s the perfect place to catch your breath. You can read a book on one of the many benches, charge your phone in one of the outlet stations or just escape the heat.
How to Get to Daan Park?
Getting to Daan Forest Park is as easy and convenient as getting to pretty much everywhere else in Taipei. You’ll want to take the MRT Red Line and get off at Daan Park Station. It’s that simple.
Don’t confuse Daan Park MRT Station with Daan MRT Station. They are different stations though right next to each other on the Red Line.
If you’re coming from the MRT Yellow Line, you can stop at Dongmen MRT Station and walk east for roughly 10 minutes. It’s a nice but easy walk and can sometimes be a little faster than transferring stations.
Similarly, If you’re coming from the MRT Brown Line, you can stop at Daan MRT Station and walk west for about 10 minutes.
For reference, the official address of the park is: Daan Forest Park, No. 1, Section 2, Xinsheng S Rd, Taipei, Taiwan
Inside Daan Forest Park
Upon entering the park, you’re immediately met by unique trees and lush greens. Not only is the park home to a wide variety of greenery, but also animals.
There are several species of ducks and turtles in the pond, including various birds (egrets), squirrels and of course, insects. The biodiversity of the park is as expected from this sub-tropical portion of the island.
Quickly, you’ll find a strolling path that takes you through the park. It’s shared by joggers, cyclists and people out enjoying a nice afternoon stroll.
If you get tired from all the walking, not to worry. There are plenty of benches along the path for you to stop and catch your breath. These benches are some of my favorite places to people-watch in Taipei City.
If you (or your kids) are looking for something more active, there are things for you too! Along with the nice scenery, Daan Forest Park offers a huge playground for the kids and some basketball courts if you want to break to sweat.
Towering over the playground area are some of Taipei’s most expensive apartment buildings. According to my local friends, a unit in this building costed around $500 million NTD in 2012. For reference, that’s $14 million USD!
After exiting Daan Park MRT Station, walks up the stairs and into the park. Continue straight and shortly after, you’ll need to turn right to get to the large pond (lake?) of the park.
A little ways down and you’ll see a much smaller pond with a ton of turtles. Though you can’t go (and I wouldn’t suggest) swimming in the pond, you’re able to check out the wildlife that surrounds it.
Around the main pond, you’ll likely get to see many egrets (a species of heron with a white plumage). They have a long neck and they’re pretty cool to watch.
Things to Do Near Daan Park
Daan Forest Park was cool. But now that you’re done, what should you do? Because the park sits in the heart of Taipei, you have a lot of great options. Here are just some awesome attractions you should be heading to next:
Elephant Mountain
Just a short MRT ride away is one of Taipei’s best nature attractions. Why? Because you get the best view of Taipei City, along with 101. Plus, it’s opened 24 hours with plenty of visitors during night time.
It’s about 25 minutes of hiking up a set of steep stairs, but definitely worth it if you still have the energy to do it. To get to Elephant Mountain, you’ll want to go back to Daan Park MRT Station and head east towards Xiangshan.
Take the Xiangshan Exit and follow this guide.
Taipei 101 Observatory
What Taipei trip is complete without visiting the greatest achievement in Taiwanese architecture. It’s not just a building to shop and marvel at, you can actually go to the top (or close enough)!
Also on the MRT Red Line, you’ll want to head east again (towards Xiangshan) and take the Taipei 101 Station Exit. From there, it’s pretty obvious how to get inside the building.
Head for the 5th floor and follow this guide.
Best Hotels Near Daan Forest Park
Because Daan District is in the heart of Taipei, you have many accommodation options. Everything from 5-star hotels to budget hotels and hostels are found near this park.
I’m guessing you’re not trying to break the bank, so here are some great options for the cost-effective traveler.
San Want Taipei (Budget Hotel)
San Want Hotel in Daan District is one of our favorites and we often recommend this. Though it may be a little old with outdated furnishing, it’s a superb budget hotel and definitely worth the price. The hotel is definitely clean, though.
It’s also on Zhongxiao East Road, where there’s a lot of buzz at all hours. It’s a little bit far to walk to Daan Park, but it’s just a short 5 – 10 minute taxi ride away. However, it’s a really safe area that the whole family can enjoy.
Dongmen 3 (Hostel)
If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay that’s clean and hip, consider checking out Dongmen 3 in Daan District. I love the wood accents of the furnishing and the common room is pretty unique.
At Dongmen 3 Hostel, you’re about a half mile away from Daan Forest Park. It should take you about 10 minutes or so to walk there – the same time it’d take to taxi over there. It’s a great hostel at a great price, in an even greater area.
Recommended Taipei Attractions:
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial
- Dahu Park in Taipei
- Taipei Zoo (Muzha Zoo)
- Taipei 101 Observatory
- Beitou Thermal Valley
- Wulai Mountain District