David on Formosa

The geography of Taipei combines dense urban living with forest clad mountain slopes. I have previously blogged about some of my hikes around Tucheng. While none of the places I have hiked could be described as wilderness, they are a stark contrast to the pollution and chaos of the nearby city.

I lament the failure of imagination that is evident in the new development in the Xinyi and Neihu districts of Taipei. While they might meet many people's idea of what a modern city should look like they are sterile and lifeless. Although other parts of Taipei might be a little crowded and chaotic, it is the random mixture of the residential and commercial that makes them vibrant and, dare I say it, convenient places to live.

There is a need for street vendors as much as there is a need for Sogo department stores. We need to value the marginal and realise it creates much needed space for a diverse range of activities. Not everyone in Taipei has a lifestyle that revolves around shopping in fashionable boutiques and sipping coffee at Starbucks; nor should they.

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Ricefields, old and new buildings and mountains

As the skies cleared briefly in the wake of Typhoon Bilis on Saturday afternoon I set out on my bike towards the industrial fringes of Tucheng. The area abutting the mountains is a curious mix of rice fields, apartment buildings and small factories.

Rice field somewhat flattened by the recent typhoon

The rice appeared to be close to ready for harvest, but the typhoon had flattened most of the plants. The bridge in the background of the photo above is the Number 3 freeway.

A hidden valley

I turned down a narrow alley next to a Hi-Life convenience store not knowing where the road would lead. The road gently twisted and climbed up a narrow valley. There was mixture of small temples, vegetable gardens, factories and even a karaoke place. The place could not really be described as remote or wild in any way. It was less than a kilometre to the nearest bus stop and convenience store.

Self portrait of David on his bike

I took this shot of myself in the mirror. The building in the background is a factory making cardboard boxes.

Vegetable garden in the mountains

After about ten minutes or so I came to the end of the road. There was hiking trail leading into the mountains. The map at the start of the trail showed that it lead to Yuantong Temple in Zhonghe. I had hiked there via another longer route a few weeks earlier.

Forest scene

More rain seemed imminent so I didn't walk too far up the trail. However, after a few hundred metres I discovered this tranqil scene.

Apartment buildings seen through the trees

A window through the trees showed the city was not far away.

Signpost on the mountain trail

One of the signs is pointing to the "International New City". Some of the others are pointing to mountain peaks.

Mossy rocks and tree roots

Beauty exists in our backyards. Get out and discover it.