Fun Run / Windy Canal - Girl Skiers & Wakeboarders Chase the Wind on Bikes

Transformed from barren land to lush greenery, under the redevelopment by the New Taipei City Government, the 7.7-kilometer-long Erchong Floodway “Greater Taipei Metropolitan Park,” which spans Sanchong, Wugu, Luzhou, and Xinzhuang, has become the largest riverside sports park in New Taipei City. In addition to 68 multifunctional sports venues, it also features Taiwan’s longest circular bike path, a water sports center, a flea market, and various beautiful sceneries, making it the best leisure destination for New Taipei residents on holidays！

If you’ve never been to the Greater Taipei Metropolitan Park, don’t worry — let the cutest editor (self-proclaimed) of ETtoday News Cloud take you on a tour. Paired with our specially prepared one-day itinerary, come enjoy a relaxing and laid-back urban lifestyle. With such exciting content, hurry up and head out to experience all the fun that the Greater Taipei Metropolitan Park has to offer！

Life Center / New Taipei Report

What place offers multifunctional recreational sports facilities such as basketball courts, tennis courts, skating rinks, volleyball courts, and soccer fields, while also allowing you to experience thrilling water activities like canoeing, wakeboarding, and sailing? The answer is the Windy Canal within the “Greater Taipei Metropolitan Park” in New Taipei City！

The Windy Canal is located between Lu’an Bridge and Yong’an Bridge in the Greater Taipei Metropolitan Park (Erchong Floodway), stretching 1,200 meters in length, 140 meters in width, and with a water depth of up to 3 meters. It meets international standards for various water sports competitions. On weekday afternoons, athletes are often seen practicing here. If the general public also wants to get in the water, they can join clubs that promote related activities. After completing basic training and paying a certain fee, you can enjoy the thrill of riding the waves！ (For detailed information, please visit the website of the “Chinese Taipei Water Ski & Wakeboard Association”)

Ms. Yang, affiliated with the “Flying Fish Water Ski Club,” told reporters that a quick online comparison will show that the Windy Canal is the venue with the lowest cost and best environment for water activities in Taiwan — affordable and high-quality, making it perfect for beginners interested in these activities.

In addition to thrilling wakeboarding and sailing, there is also a “Water Activity Center” under Lu’an Bridge where the public can try canoeing for free. The activity center mainly accommodates corporate and school groups on weekdays, with individual lessons only available on Saturdays and Sundays.

Staff at the Water Activity Center mentioned that individual lessons on Saturdays and Sundays start at 9 AM, with one session per hour. As long as you follow the rules and wear a life jacket, even non-swimmers can have a great time. The day of the interview happened to coincide with a nearby school class taking lessons there. Mischievous boys in the pool kept trying to capsize the girls’ boats, resulting in bursts of laughter and screams — truly a lot of fun！

Those who don’t want to get in the water can also rent bicycles next to the Water Activity Center. Operating hours are from 8 AM to 5:30 PM, with a break from 12 PM to 2 PM. Both EasyCard and cash are accepted. Around the canal, there are also multiple sports courts, a dog-exclusive sports field, and a small sheep farm, offering a variety of options for exercise and leisure.

At dusk, the surface of the Windy Canal sparkles with golden light. The reporter rode a bicycle slowly along the canal path, admiring the riverside scenery and thinking to themselves — turns out New Taipei City has such a wonderful place.

% Note: The bike rental center is closed from 2 PM to 2 PM — you’ll find it closed if you come then！ (Photo / ETtoday)

% Tip: You can also apply for an urban recreation passport to enjoy more discounts！ (Photo / ETtoday)

% Reminder: The activity center staff primarily serve group customers during the day. If you want to join individual lessons, be sure to check the schedule in advance！ (Photo / ETtoday)

% Even if you don’t participate in activities, you can still enjoy the scenery here！ (Photo / ETtoday)

% For families with children, besides sports, you can also join parent-child courses and nature exploration activities by paying a small fee to enjoy discounted experiences！ (Photo / ETtoday)

% You wouldn’t imagine that the riverside is also a great spot for cycling enthusiasts. There are many sports facilities nearby, and the cycling paths are flat and scenic, with no steep slopes or difficult sections！ (Photo / ETtoday)