Taipei Botanical Garden

Taipei Botanical Garden is a free public garden on Nanhai Road in Zhongzheng District, with themed planting areas, winding paths and a lotus pond. Look for bamboo groves, palms and plants native to Taiwan, with labels that help identify what you see. Birdwatching adds another reason to slow down: the garden attracts birds rarely spotted in urban areas. The Leaf Pavilion, built in 1924 to preserve plant specimens, connects the garden to Taiwan’s early forestry research. Allow time to wander beyond the main paths.

Plant collections and wildlife

The garden’s collections bring together more than 2,000 plant species in themed areas. Bamboo groves, palms and a lotus pond give the walk different textures and views. Paths branch through the grounds, so you can choose a short loop or spend longer looking at individual plants. Labels in English help identify species and explain their origins.

The ponds and trees also provide habitat for birds found less often in built-up parts of Taipei. Move quietly and watch the water’s edge and branches as you walk. Birdwatching is one reason to take your time instead of treating the garden as a quick crossing.

The Leaf Pavilion and plant research

The Leaf Pavilion was built in 1924 to store plant specimens collected during field research. Workers dried and preserved leaves so researchers could identify plant species. The building became Taiwan’s first herbarium designed specifically for this purpose and is associated with the early development of forestry research and plant surveys on the island.

The pavilion adds a historical dimension to a visit focused on living plants. Its role helps explain why the garden is more than a place for a stroll: the collections and research history are closely tied to the study of Taiwan’s plant life.