Taipei maintains an extensive system of parks, green spaces, and nature preserves. Parks and forestry areas of note in and around the city include Yangmingshan National Park and Da-an Forest Park. Yangmingshan National Park (located 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) north of the central city) is famous for its cherry blossoms, hot springs, and sulfur deposits. It is the home of famous writer Lin Yutang, the summer residence of Chiang Kai-shek, residences of foreign diplomats, the Chinese Culture University, the meeting place of the now defunct National Assembly of the Republic of China, and the Kuomintang Party Archives.

Dajia Riverside Park is 12km of green parkway along the south bank of the Keelung River. There are exercise facilities of basketball, tennis, and more.

Activities

Water Sports

As an island with Taipei as a coastal city, there are multiple points of access to the ocean. beaches are accessible in several directions from Taipei.

Adventure Kayak Club (+886 2913 9752) offers sea, lake, and river canoeing for individuals and families around the island.

Hiking

There are a variety of terrains to enjoy around the city and many different paths to accommodate all skill levels. Guide to hiking paths: http://www.taipeitravel.net/user/Article.aspx?Lang=2&SNo=04000134.

Gyms

Taipei Gym- NT$8000/year. Good selection of weight equipment, but some locations have nicer amenities than others.

WorldGym- Multiple locations. NT$4000 to sign up and NT$1200 monthly on a 2 year agreement. Spin classes, nice locker rooms and towel service.

Alexander Fitness Clubs- Nankang (02) 2660-0033; Chunghsiao (02) 2762-3866; Chungshan (02) 2586-3850. Upscale, with all the amenities. NT$30,000+ p/yr

Oxy Gym- in Taipei 101.

California Fitness- pioneered the mega-gym concept in Asia.

Being Sport- next to Guting. Full scale gym with classes.

HX Gym- This gym is for gay members.

if you are in town temporarily, you can search hotels by gym space like this.

Professional Sports

America and Japan have influenced Taiwan in the world of sports and baseball is of particular importance. The first official baseball team in Taiwan was formed in 1906. Until the 1920s, most teams consist of Japanese players. The Taiwan Major League was founded in 1997, but was absorbed by the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) in 2003.

Chinese Taipei national football team is the official name given by FIFA to the national football team of the Republic of China.

Basketball is also popular on a local and national level.

Another popular sport is Chinese Taipei Ice Hockey League (CIHL).

Stadium

Taipei Arena
This baseball stadium has a capacity of over 15,000. Located at the site of the former Taipei Municipal Baseball Stadium, it was opened on December 1, 2005. The stadium also has many art and cultural events.
The Chinese Taipei Ice Hockey League (CIHL) also plays out of the auxiliary ice skating arena.

Zhongshan Soccer Stadium
This is the only football-specific stadium in Taiwan. It was established in 1923 as Maruyama Stadium under Japanese rule. It is here that qualifiers for the FIFA World and AFC regional cups are held. The stadium is able to hold 20,000 people for football games and 40,000 for concerts. Currently, there are plans by the Taipei City government to convert the stadium into a permanent exhibition hall after the conclusion of the Taipei International Flora Exposition.

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