Department of Cultural Affairs

Name: Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden
Date of establishment: December 31, 2005
Construction type: General building
Telephone: 02-8866-6258
Address: No.120, Yusheng St., Shilin Dist., Taipei City 111, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Website: http://www.zcegarden.org.tw/e2001.php

The Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden in the north of Taipei used to be an ammunition depot for the Military Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of National Defense. Taipei City's Department of Cultural Affairs took charge of the garden in 2002 and since then has renovated buildings and facilities in the garden.

Opening on December 31, 2005 the garden has transformed into a place for education and recreation, run by the Zhishan Administration for the Wild Bird Society of Taipei.

In 1993, the Zhishanyan Site was designated as a grade-two national historic site by the Ministry of the Interior. Located in the Zhishanyan Site, the garden has become Taiwan's first cultural and ecological park with a wide variety of facilities intended to preserve its rich resources including Zhiwuyuan, Yuanshan, Zhishanyan, Xuntangpu, and Tapenkeng cultures from the prehistoric period.

The Zhishanyan Site, situated on the Daliao Layer formed 20 or 22 million years ago, had many giant trees during the Qing Dynasty, which ruled China from 1644 to 1911, and the era of Japanese rule between 1895 and 1945. It is not easy to find such a forest canopy in Taipei.

A visit to the garden is like a key to a secret treasure trove with rich natural and cultural resources. A short walk to a pond, greenhouse, plant area, and wild bird rehab center in the garden will allow visitors to get closer to nature. Additionally, they can also visit the Zhishan or archaeological exhibition rooms to gain a better understanding of ancient life in the city.