Hydraulic Engineering Office

Rivers are akin to the “veins” of a city, a conduit that carries its cultural and historical fabric across time. Embracing this perspective, the Taipei City Government's Public Works Department, through its Hydraulic Engineering Office (HEO), initiated the "Yanping Riverside Park Embankment and Surrounding Facilities Planning and Design Project" between 2021 and 2022. By 2023, enhancements such as the beautification of the Dadaocheng floodgate walls and lighting upgrades were completed, reducing visual disruptions and revitalizing the surrounding area. This effort is part of ongoing projects aimed at reestablishing a closer connection between Taipei and its riverfronts, thereby fostering public engagement, reviving the area's cultural and historical heritage, and creating a continuous, accessible, and welcoming riverside corridor.

In major global cities, waterfront spaces have become a new urban appeal. In recent years, Dadaocheng Wharf has developed into a vibrant waterfront environment, featuring the Blue Highway, seasonal sea of flowers, riverside bike paths, container markets, and various sports facilities. The annual Taipei Summer Festival in Dadaocheng successfully connects citizens with the Tamsui River.

The "Tamsui River Waterfront Environmental Development Plan" advocated by the Taipei City Government aims to rejuvenate Taipei’s riverside areas through comprehensive regional planning and multiple construction initiatives, establishing a systematic and accessible waterfront corridor. This corridor will enhance urban connectivity to the river, fostering greater accessibility for residents to enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities more readily. Additionally, managing the influx of visitors during the Taipei Summer Festival in Dadaocheng and cultivating unique characteristics along various segments of the riverfront have led to the identification of four strategic zones; from south to north, the key strategic zones include the Western Waterfront Time Corridor Zone, the Dadaocheng Fireworks Reflection Recreation Zone, the Dadaocheng to Dunhuang Wharf Riverside Promenade, and the Dunhuang Water Recreation Base.

Western Waterfront Time Corridor Zone: A pedestrian bridge will be constructed in Yuquan Park, connecting the western district gateway to the waterfront. Adjustments to the existing parking lots and sports fields will create a continuous waterfront corridor and a green urban leisure space.

Dadaocheng Fireworks Reflection Recreation Zone: The Dadaocheng Wharf area will be moderately expanded to accommodate a wider range of activities.

Dadaocheng to Dunhuang Wharf Riverside Promenade: The width of the riverside walkway from Dadaocheng Wharf to Dunhuang Wharf will be increased, allowing pedestrians to leisurely stroll along the waterfront, taking in the expansive river views and beautiful sunsets.

Dunhuang Water Recreation Base: Dunhuang Wharf, located to the north, is the best spot for airplane watching. Plans include constructing a new yacht dock, observation stairs, and a light refreshment area. This area will be seamlessly connected with the North Datong Cultural Zone (Confucius Temple, Baoan Temple, and Chen Yueji Residence), integrating the culture and vibrancy of Nort Datong with the waterfront landscape.

Implementations will be phased and segmented to minimize disruption to local life, with community briefings scheduled to gather and incorporate resident feedback. The Taipei City Government invites all citizens to support this transformative project, helping Taipei to reemerge as a celebrated waterfront city.