Pingjing Street isn’t just for cherry blossom viewing – “Zhenzaitou Nature Park” creates a new hidden gem in Yangmingshan

▲ Zhenzaitou Nature Park preserves the charm of old rural life and rich natural ecology. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Bureau of Urban Development)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

Yangmingshan now has a new hidden gem! Nestled within the alleys of Pingjing Street in Pingdingshi, Yangmingshan, there’s actually a babbling brook flowing through it all along. Renovated by Taipei City’s Bureau of Urban Development, it integrates local ecology, rural culture, and the cherry blossom features of Pingjing Street Lane 42, becoming a new weekend destination in Yangmingshan – Zhenzaitou Nature Park.

Cherry blossoms and ancient irrigation channels are the first impressions locals have of Shilin’s Pingdingshi area, but most people don’t know that the small alleys there preserve a natural riverside farmland environment. To allow the public to get closer to this hidden streamside oasis, the Taipei City Bureau of Urban Development specially designed a creatively conceived bus stop entrance feature to guide visitors in for exploration.

▲ %Agent助手% Starting from the upper left), the rest area with imitation bamboo flower stands and the green bamboo and cherry blossom alley not only let you experience the life of old-time farmers but also incorporate environmental concepts such as ecological conservation.

In order to combine local culture with advocacy for ecological conservation and eco-friendly practices such as energy saving and carbon reduction, the bureau has also set up a renewable green energy tree outlook plaza and a floating ecological pond for conservation in the park. The dragon bone waterwheel by the stream allows visitors to personally experience the hard work of farmers fetching water during the old rural days. The green bamboo and cherry blossom alley, the rest area with imitation bamboo flower stands, and the cultural art gallery area are all landscape and cultural designs that blend local heritage.

Chen Tianli, the neighborhood chief of Pingdingshi, said that locals have deep affection for Zhenzaitou Stream. The renewed planning and renovation of Zhenzaitou Stream, with its completely refreshed look, allow for the continuation of local cultural heritage and the conservation of the stream’s ecology. Environmental education can naturally integrate into daily life, and it can also be combined with attractions such as the Pingdingshi Ancient Irrigation Channel Trail, Pingjing Street cherry blossoms, and Pingdingshi sightseeing orchards, providing the public with a great leisure and tourism spot. Here, visitors can temporarily put aside all life worries and enjoy rare tranquility and leisure amidst the mountains and forests.