Swim and watch fish in summer, admire bald cypress trees in fall — the lush greenery and clear waters of Sifen Creek in Nangang

▲ Lishan Farmers’ Plaza features comfortable pavilions and is surrounded by gently flowing streams, making it a great resting spot for hikers. (Photo/Taipei City Government Public Works Bureau, Department of Urban Development. The same applies to the following images.)

Reported by Yu Jia-yun / Taipei

As autumn and winter approach, Jiuru Community by Sifen Creek in Nangang District, Taipei City, is about to welcome the golden season of bald cypress trees. The bald cypress trees standing around Lishan Farmers’ Plaza in Jiuru Community are actually deciduous conifers from the cypress family. They have an elegant tree shape and delicate, soft leaves that resemble feathers. Whenever the northeast monsoon arrives, the feathery leaves turn from green to yellow, then from yellow to amber, and finally from amber to red — the rich colors are always breathtaking.

▲ The bald cypress trees are expected to be at their most beautiful towards the end of the year.

Sifen Creek spans Nangang, Xinyi, and Wenshan districts, and is surrounded by rugged cliffs, offering abundant natural scenery and ecological environments. Every summer, community residents hold the “Stream Closure for Fish Protection” event at Lishan Farmers’ Plaza, combining cultural industry with ecological restoration. The Sifen Creek trail is serene, free from the noise and chaos of the city, and full of lush greenery and murmuring streams — making it a great place for weekend walks and hikes.

▲ The creek section between Lishan Bridge and China University of Technology has many water-friendly bridges and steps, allowing visitors to observe the river’s ecosystem up close.

In the past, Sifen Creek was often subject to landslides and was subsequently restored. After the restoration, the creek now features walking trails, stepping stones across the stream, and fish ladders, balancing ecological restoration and environmental beautification. It is a rare woodland leisure spot within bustling Taipei.

▲ Current status of Sifen Creek’s ecological engineering restoration.

Transportation information for the Sifen Creek Trail
1. Take the MRT to “Kunyang” Station, transfer to bus routes 205, 620, 270, Blue 25, or Mini 12, and get off at “China University of Technology” Station. Walk up Section 4 of Yuanlin Road to stroll alongside the creek.
2. Drive to Section 4 of Yuanlin Road