Introduction to Taipei Botanical Garden
Nestled in the bustling center of Taipei, the Taipei Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape from the city’s fast pace. With its lush greenery, winding paths, and tranquil ponds, the garden serves as a green lung for the city and a haven for nature lovers. It’s a perfect retreat for locals seeking calm and tourists looking for a deeper, quieter side of the capital.
Conveniently located near Xiaonanmen MRT Station, the garden is easily accessible by public transport. Entry is free, and the atmosphere is quiet and well-maintained, ideal for a leisurely half-day visit.
A Garden with Historical Roots
Established during the Japanese colonial period in 1921, the garden holds nearly a century of botanical and cultural significance. Originally developed for scientific research and plant conservation, it now functions as both an educational resource and a public park.
Many of its original structures and layout remain intact, giving visitors a glimpse into Taiwan’s botanical heritage.
▼ Nanmending 323 (南門町三二三) is a Japanese-style wooden building located on the north side of the lotus pond in the Botanical Garden and was built in the 1930s.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 09:30–16:30
A Living Museum of Plant Diversity
Home to over 2,000 species of plants, the garden is divided into themed sections such as medicinal plants, aquatic plants, ferns, and tropical fruits. Each area is thoughtfully curated, offering an immersive way to explore Taiwan’s rich biodiversity.
Informational plaques throughout the garden make it easy for visitors to learn as they wander.
A Haven for Birds and Wildlife
Beyond its rich plant life, the Taipei Botanical Garden is also a thriving sanctuary for birds and small wildlife. Early mornings often bring sightings of egrets, kingfishers, and bulbuls flitting through the trees or resting near the lotus pond.
The garden’s calm, semi-natural environment provides a rare urban habitat for native species, making it a favorite spot for birdwatchers and photographers seeking to capture the city’s quieter, wilder residents.
A Hidden Gem in Taipei’s Cultural Landscape
While many travelers flock to Taipei’s night markets and towering landmarks, the Botanical Garden remains one of the city’s most underappreciated gems. It quietly blends nature, history, and education into one serene experience, making it ideal for slow travel and deeper exploration.
Visiting the garden allows you to connect with Taipei’s quieter rhythms—and maybe discover a side of the city you hadn’t expected.
A Blend of Nature and Heritage Architecture
What makes the Taipei Botanical Garden truly unique is its seamless integration of natural beauty with historical architecture. Scattered among the greenery are well-preserved structures from different eras, most notably the Guest House of Imperial Envoys (欽差行臺)—a rare wooden building from the Qing Dynasty.
Once used to receive imperial officials, this elegant structure now stands quietly among lotus ponds and towering palms, offering visitors a powerful visual contrast between Taiwan’s natural landscape and its layered political history.
Perfect for All Seasons and Visitors
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a student of botany, or simply looking for a relaxing stroll, the Taipei Botanical Garden offers something for everyone. The scenery shifts with the seasons, from cherry blossoms in spring to the vibrant green canopy of summer, making it a beautiful year-round destination.
Full-Day Taipei Itinerary
- 09:00 – Start at Longshan Temple
Begin your day at Longshan Temple, one of Taipei’s most iconic spiritual landmarks. Built in 1738, the temple showcases beautiful Chinese architecture, intricate carvings, and a deep connection to local folk religion.
MRT: Longshan Temple Station (Blue Line)
Time to spend: 30–45 minutes
- 09:50 – Explore Bopiliao Historical Block
Just a short walk from Longshan Temple, this restored heritage street offers a glimpse into Taipei’s past. Wander the red-brick lanes, visit the Culture Education Center, and enjoy street photography at its finest.
Tip: Check if there are any exhibitions or art workshops running during your visit.
Time to spend: 20–30 minutes
- 10:30 – Head to The Red House & Ximending
Take the MRT to Ximen Station, then walk to the Red House — a century-old market that’s now a lively art and design hub. You’ll find indie shops, artisan crafts, and creative boutiques.
Perfect for: Unique souvenirs and browsing local designer goods
Time to spend: 30–45 minutes
- 12:00 – Lunch at Ximending Walking District
Walk around the Ximending pedestrian zone, one of Taipei’s trendiest spots. From street food to modern cafés, there’s something for every craving.
Food to try: Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodles, Taiwanese fried chicken, bubble tea
Time to spend: 1 hour
- 13:30 – Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Take the MRT to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station. This grand national monument is a must-see, complete with traditional gardens, white marble steps, and the hourly guard changing ceremony.
Great spot for photos and a bit of modern history
Time to spend: 1–1.5 hours
- 15:00 – Stroll Through Taipei Botanical Garden
Just a 10-minute walk from the memorial, the Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape with lotus ponds, rare plant species, and historical pavilions.
A relaxing way to enjoy nature in the city
Time to spend: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- 16:30 – Rest or Explore Nearby Area
Before dinner, you can either:
Relax at a nearby café
Visit National Museum of History (optional) 10:00-18:00(Closed Mondays).
Browse shops around the Botanical Garden area
- 18:00 – Dinner at Nanjichang Night Market
End your day with dinner at Nanjichang Night Market, a hidden local favorite known for authentic, affordable eats. Unlike tourist-heavy markets, this one is popular with locals and full of flavor.
Must-try: Pork liver soup, rice noodles, pepper buns, glutinous rice cakes
Tip: Take a short taxi ride or bus from the Botanical Garden
Time to spend: 1–1.5 hours
- Getting Around
Use the Taipei MRT (easy, efficient, English-friendly)
Combine walking + short MRT/bus rides
All locations are within Taipei City
Things to Do in Taipei Botanical Garden
The Taipei Botanical Garden is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful escape in the city. Whether you’re exploring the diverse plant species, attending educational events, or simply relaxing in the tranquil atmosphere, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Make sure to take your time to enjoy the beauty of the garden and soak in the serenity it offers. The Taipei Botanical Garden is a peaceful and lush haven, offering visitors a variety of activities to explore and enjoy.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply looking to relax, there’s something for everyone.
Stroll Through the Themed Gardens
The Taipei Botanical Garden features more than 17 themed plant areas, each carefully designed to showcase a unique ecosystem or plant type. Some popular sections include the Medicinal Herb Garden, where traditional Chinese medicine plants are grown and labeled with their uses, and the Palm Garden, filled with tall palms from tropical regions.
You’ll also find zones dedicated to aquatic plants, succulents, native Taiwanese flora, and more. These zones are not only beautiful but also educational. Each plant is clearly labeled in Chinese and Latin, and many zones have signs in English for international visitors.
Whether you’re a botany enthusiast or a casual stroller, you’ll find yourself stopping often to admire the diversity of colors, shapes, and scents. The layout encourages slow exploration and offers something new around every bend.
Key Point:
Walk through themed zones featuring medicinal herbs, tropical plants, native species, and more — over 2000 types in total.
Watch Birds and Spot Wildlife
Due to its rich biodiversity and tranquil ponds, the garden has become a haven for urban wildlife. It’s a favorite destination for birdwatchers, with species like black-crowned night herons, Taiwan barbets, bulbuls, and kingfishers commonly seen in the early morning.
Frogs and turtles bask near the edges of the ponds, and dragonflies zip over the water lilies. Even if you’re not a wildlife expert, you’ll enjoy the sense of life all around you.
The natural presence of these creatures highlights the garden’s role not just as a plant sanctuary, but as a thriving mini-ecosystem within the city.
Key Point:
Spot native birds, butterflies, turtles, and frogs in their natural habitats throughout the garden.
Visit the Guest House of Imperial Envoys
Tucked within the garden is the Qing Dynasty-era Guest House of Imperial Envoys (欽差行臺), a wooden structure originally built in 1888. This rare surviving piece of traditional Chinese architecture served as lodging for visiting officials and is now preserved as a national historic site.
The building’s elegant woodwork, curved rooftops, and red pillars contrast beautifully with the surrounding greenery. Visitors can view the exterior and read interpretive signs that explain the building’s historical and political significance. Though the inside is not always open to the public, the site serves as a peaceful and thought-provoking stop.
It’s a perfect place to reflect on Taiwan’s transition from imperial rule to modern life, while surrounded by nature.
Key Point:
See a rare Qing-era wooden government building — a cultural gem hidden in a botanical setting.
▼ Due to structural damage from the 2024 Hualien Earthquake, the Guest House of Imperial Envoys (欽差行臺) is temporarily closed until repairs are complete.
Capture Seasonal Blooms
One of the most popular reasons to visit the Taipei Botanical Garden is its ever-changing seasonal scenery.
In spring, the cherry blossoms and azaleas create soft pink pathways.
Summer is famous for the blooming lotus ponds, where enormous green leaves cradle elegant flowers in white and pink.
Autumn brings golden foliage, and winter showcases evergreen trees and tropical blooms under greenhouse care.
This seasonal rotation makes every visit unique and keeps both locals and travelers coming back year-round. The garden is a favorite spot for photographers, sketch artists, and Instagrammers looking for peaceful and picturesque backgrounds. Don’t forget to check the garden’s seasonal bulletin boards to see what’s currently blooming.
Key Point:
Enjoy different floral landscapes throughout the year — from lotus flowers in summer to cherry blossoms in spring.
Take a Picnic
The Taipei Botanical Garden is a perfect place to enjoy a peaceful picnic, surrounded by nature and fresh air. There are multiple open lawns, shaded benches, and quiet corners where you can lay out a picnic mat or grab a seat and unwind.
While the garden doesn’t have food stalls inside, it’s easy to bring along snacks, bento boxes, or a takeaway coffee from a nearby café. Locals often come here with family or friends to relax under the trees, enjoy lunch, or just watch the lotus ponds while sipping tea.
If you’re traveling light, there are also a few convenience stores within walking distance where you can pick up ready-made meals. Just be sure to clean up after yourself — the garden emphasizes respect for nature and cleanliness, making it an ideal spot for a low-key outdoor meal.
Key Point:
Pack a light meal and enjoy a picnic among trees, ponds, and flowers in one of Taipei’s most relaxing green spaces.
Visit the Museum of History (Near the Garden)
Right next to the Taipei Botanical Garden is the National Museum of History — one of the city’s most underrated cultural gems. Established in 1955, the museum houses a rotating collection of Chinese imperial art, calligraphy, ceramics, and historic artifacts, as well as special exhibitions featuring Taiwanese history and Asian culture.
The elegant building itself is styled after traditional Chinese palace architecture, making it a great photo stop even from the outside. After a relaxing stroll through the garden, stepping into the museum adds an intellectual and cultural layer to your visit.
It’s ideal for those who want to combine nature and history in one trip. Many visitors appreciate how the museum’s exhibits echo the garden’s quiet, reflective vibe. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the garden’s main gate, making it a convenient and enriching add-on.
Key Point:
Explore art, antiques, and culture at the neighboring National Museum of History — just a short walk from the garden.
Different Flowers Blooming All Year
Taipei Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden in the city center with many botanical themed areas. The garden has different flowers blooming all year round, and many types of plants grow there. Every time you visit the garden, you can enjoy the beauty of different flowers.
Taipei Botanical Garden Map
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Taipei Botanical Garden Flower Season
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What to expect in each Themed Areas
Here’s a description for each themed area in the Taipei Botanical Garden:
Important Woody Plant Area
This section showcases Taiwan’s significant tree species, including hardwoods and broadleaf evergreens. It emphasizes the ecological and economic importance of native woody plants.
Bamboo Garden
A tranquil grove featuring multiple species of bamboo, representing one of Asia’s most versatile and symbolic plants. The rustling bamboo and shaded paths create a peaceful walking experience.
Succulent Plants Garden
This garden displays a wide variety of drought-tolerant succulents with unique shapes and textures. It’s a great spot to learn about plant survival in arid environments.
Idiom Plants Garden
Features plants mentioned in Chinese idioms and traditional sayings. This area creatively connects language, culture, and botany.
Taiwan Aquatic Plants Garden
Dedicated to native aquatic flora, including floating and submerged species. The garden helps raise awareness of Taiwan’s wetland ecosystems.
Dicotyledons
This area introduces dicotyledonous plants, which make up a large portion of flowering plant species. It’s laid out for easy educational comparison and study.
Chinese Classical Literature Botanical Garden
Displays plants referenced in ancient Chinese poetry and prose. Visitors can read literary quotes and see the associated plants in one space.
Economic Crops Garden
Highlights agricultural crops and plants with economic value such as cotton, tea, and sugarcane. This garden emphasizes the connection between botany and daily life.
Arena Glasshouse
A greenhouse featuring exotic tropical plants and orchids in a controlled environment. It’s especially popular during the rainy season and for rare plant enthusiasts.
Chinese Zodiac Plants Garden
Features plants symbolically linked to each of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals. It’s a fun and culturally engaging way to explore plant diversity.
Ethno-Plants Garden
This section showcases plants used by Taiwan’s indigenous peoples for food, tools, medicine, and rituals. It promotes understanding of traditional ecological knowledge.
Ginger Garden
A fragrant garden focusing on the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family, with both edible and ornamental varieties. The area highlights the culinary and medicinal uses of ginger plants.
Odes Plants Garden
Inspired by the “Book of Odes”, this area features plants mentioned in ancient Chinese poems. It merges botanical display with classical literary heritage.
Botanists Memorial Garden
A tribute to Taiwanese and international botanists who contributed to plant science. It’s both a commemorative space and a celebration of botanical discovery.
Buddhism Garden
This meditative space features plants with symbolic or ritual significance in Buddhism, such as the bodhi tree and lotus. It’s designed for reflection and spiritual calm.
Gramineae (Grass Family Garden)
This area highlights the diversity and ecological role of grasses, including rice and other grains. It’s educational for both students and home gardeners.
Zingiberaceae
Dedicated entirely to the ginger family, this garden goes beyond edibles to include colorful tropical varieties. It’s rich in fragrance and visual appeal.
Gymnosperms Garden
Displays non-flowering seed plants like pines, cypresses, and cycads. Visitors can explore ancient plant lineages with evolutionary significance.
Terminalia Catappa Plaza
Centered around the Terminalia catappa (tropical almond) trees, this open plaza is great for shade and rest. The trees are known for their wide canopies and colorful leaf changes.
Sympetalous Flowers Garden
This area features plants with fused petals, a key trait in plant taxonomy. It serves both aesthetic and educational purposes for plant classification.
Lotus Plaza
A wide-open space surrounding seasonal lotus blooms, especially vibrant in summer. It’s one of the most photographed and tranquil areas in the garden.
Palmae (Palm Garden)
An elegant display of tall and dwarf palms from tropical and subtropical regions. The towering fronds create a striking tropical atmosphere.
Fern Garden
This cool, shaded area features various native and tropical ferns. It’s perfect for appreciating the textures and patterns of these ancient plants.
Taxonomic Garden
Organized by plant families, this garden is ideal for students and researchers. It illustrates the classification system used in modern botany.
Senses Garden
An interactive garden designed to engage all five senses, especially smell and touch. It’s accessible and enjoyable for both kids and visually impaired visitors.
Lotus Pond
A peaceful pond filled with blooming lotus and lily pads during summer. It’s home to turtles, frogs, and a favorite spot for photography and relaxation.
Plants in Literature
This area collects plants referenced in Chinese and Taiwanese literature. It links botanical life to cultural stories and writings.
Palm Garden
Showcases diverse species of palms in a tropical-style setting. It provides shade and exotic visual interest year-round.
Guest House of Imperial Envoys
A restored Qing Dynasty wooden building used for receiving imperial officials. Surrounded by trees, it blends historical architecture with the natural landscape.
Opening Hours
Opening Hours: 05:30–20:00
Taipei Botanical Garden open from 05:30 but some plant areas are open later.
Tickets Price
Cost: Free Entrance
The Best Time to Visit
The Taipei Botanical Garden is open year-round, and each season offers something unique — but the best time to visit depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
For lotus lovers: Visit early summer, especially June and July.
Early mornings are always ideal for avoiding heat and crowds.
Spring (March–May)
Spring is arguably the most popular season to visit, when the weather is mild and the garden bursts into color. Cherry blossoms, azaleas, and fresh greenery attract photographers and flower lovers, and temperatures are perfect for long walks without the summer heat.
Summer (June–August)
Summer brings the stunning lotus bloom season, especially around June and July. While the weather can be hot and humid, visiting early in the morning allows you to enjoy the large, vibrant lotus flowers in full bloom and beat the midday heat.
Autumn (September–November)
Autumn offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Golden leaves and late-blooming flowers create a warm, peaceful atmosphere ideal for quiet strolls or sketching under the trees.
Winter (December–February)
Though cooler and less colorful, winter is a great time to explore the greenhouses and enjoy Taiwan’s milder climate. It’s also ideal for birdwatching, as many species are more active in the cool air.
How to Get to Taipei Botanical Garden
The Taipei Botanical Garden is centrally located and very easy to reach by public transportation, bike, or car — making it a convenient stop during your time in the city.
By MRT (Taipei Metro)
Option 1: The easiest way is to take the Green Line (Line 3) to Xiaonanmen Station. Use Exit 3, and it’s just a 3-minute walk to the garden entrance. North entrance
Option 2: You can get off at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall Station (serving both the Red and Green Lines). Exit 1 or 2, then walk south for about 10 minutes along Nanhai Road. South entrance
Option 3: You can get off at Longshan Temple Station (Blue Line BL10).Use Exit 3, and it’s just a 15-minute walk to the garden entrance. South entrance
By Bus
Several city buses stop right near the garden:
Botanical Garden Stop (植物園站) – buses 1, 242, 624, 907, and others.
Sanyuan Street (三元街口) – buses 204 and 630.
Jianguo High School area – additional nearby stops served by several lines.
These routes drop you off just a short walk from the garden’s entrances.