Yangmingshan National Park in Taipei has been designated the world’s first official urban quiet park. This unique space is defined as a natural area in or near a city that provides culturally relevant quiet experiences for urban dwellers.
The park spans an impressive 11,338 square kilometers and has welcomed more than four million visitors annually since 2011. It boasts a diverse landscape that includes forested mountains, hot springs, and rolling grass hills, along with a variety of stunning butterfly and bird species. Additionally, the park’s location offers easy access from downtown Taipei, thanks to frequent bus services. Its esteemed certification was awarded by Taiwan’s government in partnership with Quiet Parks International, a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles.
Discovering Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike who cherish the soothing experience of hot springs. Moreover, it features notable heritage sites, including Grass Mountain Chateau, which was once a mountain retreat for a Japanese prince. “With its lush forests, ice-cold springs, and the natural sounds of birds and insects accompanying the trails, Yangmingshan is a wonderland that can rejuvenate our bodies, clear our minds, and restore our spirits,” states Laila Fan, founder of the Soundscape Association of Taiwan.
The Future of Urban Quiet Parks
Looking ahead, plans are underway for additional urban quiet parks in cities like Stockholm, New York, London, and Portland, among others. As many as 50 more urban quiet parks are anticipated within the next decade. “Every individual should have access to natural spaces dedicated to silence and stillness,” remarks Ulf Bohman, executive director of Urban Quiet Parks, QPI. “Cities globally must identify, protect, and promote natural places that offer quietness and inner tranquility.”
As global lockdowns are easing, the world is adapting to a new normal.
