Streets are like a city's lifeline. They serve not only as means of transportation but also to provide an important link to people's remembrance of their daily lives; the trees lining each street are undisputedly its soul. Taipei's three historical tree-lined boulevards, Zhongshan (中山), Ren'ai (仁愛) and Dunhua (敦化), all exude classic beauty and have each become unique scenic attractions in the city. The Taipei City Government is now planning to develop an additional 38 boulevards; amongst all, the brightest shining"star"will be the brand new tree-lined Xinyi (信義) Boulevard.
Zhongshan N. & S. Road – A Boulevard of Romance with Artistic Flair
Zhongshan N. & S. Road (中山北路、南路) is bisected by Zhongxiao E. Road (忠孝東路), passing through where the original Taipei City Wall was located. When the Wall was demolished, only the Jingfu Gate (景福門) remained. US Military Advisors were housed in areas along Zhongshan N. Road when the National Government was relocated to Taipei, and the many foreign consulates in this area created an international atmosphere, especially along Sections 6 & 7 in the Tianmu (天母) district. Today this area remains a preferred residential area for foreigners living in Taipei.
Zhongshan N. Road was established under Japanese rule and is a very charming thoroughfare. During the earlier days, this wide, tree-lined boulevard lay on the designated route when foreign dignitaries were received at the Presidential Office and the Grand Hotel (圓山大飯店). Trees planted along Zhongshan N. Road are mainly camphor trees combined with Liquidambar (sweetgum). Their beautiful presence helps to create a charming atmosphere, especially during the autumn season when the trees change color. Sections 2 & 3 are especially romantic due to the concentrated presence of the many wedding photography studios and their elaborate displays of wedding gowns dotting the shaded promenade.
There is an abundance of artistically inspired businesses along Zhongshan N. & S. Road, such as the Spot-Taipei Film House (光點台北) in Section 2 which was formerly the US Ambassador's Residence. It reflects southern colonial-style Western architecture and houses a movie theater and a cafe. At Section 3, there's the Taipei Fine Arts Museum (臺北市立美術館) and the Taipei Story House (台北故事館), both of which are landmark buildings in Taipei.
Ren'ai Road – A Wide, Tree-lined Boulevard
Ren'ai Road (仁愛路) was also built under Japanese rule, and it was developed as a tree-lined boulevard during the 1932 City Planning initiative, connecting the Presidential Office and Taipei City Hall. Many varieties of trees were grown along this broad expanse, including the royal palm, banyan, camphor & cotton trees, Lobular terminalia, sacred fig and Flamboyant. With the change of seasons, the trees paint a constantly evolving picture.
Especially worth mentioning is the pedestrian zone on Ren'ai Road between Xinsheng S. Road (新生南路) and Jianguo S. Road (建國南路). The zone, shaded by thick layers of tree leaves, is a true haven for residents nearby who meet for their morning exercise. During hot summer days, the scorching heat is muted by the layers of shade-giving trees. Look carefully and one can even spot birds dancing in the branches or squirrels scrimmaging for food. A few minutes here is as relaxing as strolling in a park.
There are also many historical buildings along Ren'ai Road. At western end, across from Katagalan Boulevard (凱達格蘭大道), is the Baroque-style Presidential Office, built under Japanese rule. The Taipei Guest House (台北賓館) (which resembles a private plantation villa), located on the other side of the Boulevard, is reflective of Renaissance style architecture and was built during the same era. On the corner with Zhongshan S. Road is the old building of the Taiwan University College of Medicine, built in 1904. It has a distinguished Mansard-style tilted roof which was very popular in 19th Century France. The elegant appearance of its first-floor arcade exterior wall and the second-floor Greek-style corridor often attract newlyweds for their wedding photos.
Dunhua N. & S. Road – a Fun-filled Boulevard complete with Public Art Displays
The tree-lined Dunhua N. & S. Road (敦化北路、南路) begins at Taipei Songshan Airport in the north, ends at Keelung Road (基隆路) to the south, and links the entire Nanjing E. Road (南京東路) and the Dunhua S. Road commercial districts. Divided by Ren'ai Road, camphor trees were planted in the north half, changing to Chinese Rain Trees further south.
Camphor trees have thick branches and are evergreen. They're indigenous to Taiwan and are ideal for combating both air and noise pollution along the city's streets. Chinese rain trees were planted mainly between Xinyi Road(信義路) and Keelung Road. During autumn, the entire street is decorated with trees bearing golden flowers and red fruit like red lanterns hanging high up along the tree-tops. Each year, this naturally becomes one of Taipei's hottest scenic spots.
The shaded tree-lined pedestrian zone along Dunhua N. & S. Road is like a protected, private world. The eight hidden public art works are pleasant surprises in this metropolis; the huge pieces called Gardens Beyond the Bird Cage, located between Ren'ai Road and Zhongxiao E. Road and Zebra Crossing of Time at the corner of Dunhua S. Road and Civic Boulevard (市民大道) are just two examples of such hidden treasures that bring a smile to everyone's face.
Xinyi Road – The Rising "Star" of a One-way Boulevard
The Xinyi MRT line, which is planned to open this year, will be the most important and quickest transportation corridor in the Xinyi District. Taipei City Government is heavily involved in the development of the Xinyi MRT line and the planting of 1,700 Formosan Ash and sweetgum trees between Keelung Road and Zhongshan S. Road. The Formosan Ash, to be planted on the median divider island, grow tall and straight and will not affect traffic safety. In the meantime, the sweetgum trees planned for the sidewalks will change color over the four seasons. The dancing maple-like leaves in autumn will undoubtedly make this the brightest "shining star" of all tree-lined boulevards in the city.
There are many well-known tourist attractions along Xinyi Road, including Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Daan Park and Taipei 101. One spot that is particularly worthy of mention is the Daan Park Station along the Xinyi MRT line. Its design focus is to create not only a functional station, but also a bright, sunken indoor garden connecting directly with the Daan Park, featuring, living trees and running water within the station. It will feature a transparent glass dome and glass walls to bring direct sunlight to the platforms inside the station. The sun-filled station hall will feature curved corridors, a pond, a waterfall and a market square. Once completed, this will become Taipei's most unique MRT station.
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