Do you know that you can discover hidden gems and wondrous places other than its street food in Taiwan? Yes, of course, you can! As the third most attractive non-Muslim destination among Muslims around the world in 2019 according to MasterCard-CrescentRating’s Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), Taiwan offers diversity. In recent years, Taiwan’s capital, Taipei City has set its commitment and determination in creating a Muslim-friendly environment that can make Halal tourism possible to Muslims around the world.
One of the most amazing destinations and attractions that has been accredited by CrescentRating as Muslim-friendly in Taipei, Taiwan is Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden.
Curious? Let us tell you more about it!
Image Credit: Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden
Address: No. 120, Yusheng Street, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Postal Code: 111
Phone Number: +886 2 8866 6258
Facebook: @zcegarden8866
Website: https://www.zcegarden.org.tw/
Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden is perfectly located in Shilin District, Taipei. This one of the most unique attraction sites in Taipei is known to be the first cultural and ecological park in Taiwan. Before serving as an educational attraction site, there is a history about this destination that it was originally an ammunition depot for the Military Intelligence Bureau. After 2002, the building was later renovated by the Cultural Bureau of Taipei City Government and set to be an educational, leisure, and recreational space.
Operated by the Zhishanyan Management Office of the Taipei Wild Bird Society, Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden was officially opened in 2005. Furthermore, this site has also attained its certification in 2021 as an environmental education facility site by the Environmental Protection Agency of the Executive Yuan. Therefore, be rest assured because this educational tourist site will be the right destination for unforgettable family recreation in Taipei.
You can find various kinds of natural places on the site, from park grounds to aquariums and archaeological displays. However, let’s go to the park first. The park in Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden includes a lake that is surrounded by hundred-year-old fragrant trees. Entering this park, you would see another side of Taipei you can never imagine existing amidst the modern skyscrapers of Taipei. In fact, in this place, the Daliao layer was formed 20-22 million years ago and most of the ancient natural and geological phenomena still can be enjoyed at the site. Furthermore, looking back in the past, the Zhishanyan site was first discovered in 1896. Since then, it has been discovered that this place is actually the earliest prehistoric cultural site in the archaeological history of Taiwan. It is surprising how these elements of the natural landscape can be enjoyed in Taipei!
Image Credit: Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden
There are also plenty of other activities that can be done on this site. For outdoor activities itself, there are several activities that we would love to mention and one of them is hundreds-year-old Tree Climbing. You and your family can climb this gigantic tree with equipment that is guaranteed to be safe. Other than that, you can also observe magnificent-looking owls and their hollow from up close.
Next, let’s take a look at Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden’s Ecological Green House. Here, you can find various kinds of native plants from Taiwan. There are also aquariums where anyone can observe native animals like Taipei tree frogs and many types of unique insects from a close distance. Since located at the foot of Yangming Mountain where it is 52 meters above sea level, this place attracts a wide range of flora and fauna. You would be surprised what you can see and observe in this place. You can find mammals, birds, and amphibians like Taipei tree frogs and owls that we have mentioned.
Afterward, let’s take a walk at the archaeological exploration classroom where they display actual excavation in cross-section. In that way, cross-section enables you to notice that each level represents a different culture and learn about the cultural history of Taipei.
Well, isn't there a lot you, your children and your family can do here? Therefore, let's take a peek at their opening hours!
Image Credit: Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM
Moreover, Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden offers Muslim – friendly facilities like prayer rooms for Salah and water-usage friendly washrooms where you can take ablution beforehand. Hence, you can spend the whole day with your entire family on this site with no worries. However, to always know when the prayer times are wherever you are, you can try and download our app called HalalTrip in Play Store or App Store. There, you will be informed when the prayer times are in your current zone. Furthermore, you can also find out where the Qibla is based on your current location. This app will surely make your Halal Travel easier anywhere.
Other than being Muslim-friendly, this educational recreation site is absolutely family and children-friendly. What’s best is that this place also offers access for persons with disabilities.
Learn more about Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden here!
However, since Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden does not have any food outlets serving Halal food, you can visit our recommended Halal Restaurant called Masala Art where they serve Halal Indian Food. Here is the information about the restaurant:
Address: No.1, Yumen Street (Taipei Expo Park - Ma Ji Square), Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Phone Number: +886 2 2597 6960
Restaurant opening hours:
Mon-Thu: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Fri: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Sat & Sun: 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Finally, we have reached the end of our article. Thus, have you decided to put Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Garden as one of your recreational lists with your family and children? Be sure to add it to your list because this place is really worth the visit for every Muslim family who is looking to spend their vacation time in Taipei, Taiwan. Seriously, you do not want to miss out on this one of the best educational recreational sites in Taipei!
