Public Works Department, Taipei City Government

The Taipei City Government held the completion and opening ceremony for the Huanggang River Revitalization Project today (April 18, 2026) along Huanggang River and Huanggang Road in Beitou District. The event was presided over by Mayor Chiang Wan-an, with local borough chiefs, elected representatives, government officials, social organizations, and community residents invited to join a celebratory fair and witness the river’s transformation.

According to the Hydraulic Engineering Office (HEO) of the Public Works Department, Taipei City Government, the project is the first in Taiwan to implement a “returning land to the river” approach through urban plan amendment. It represents not only a breakthrough in hydraulic engineering, but also a milestone in urban sustainability and ecological integration. Moving away from the conventional concrete-lined channel design, the project restores the river to a more natural form. By integrating Qiyan Parks No. 1 and No. 2 with surrounding green spaces, it expands flood detention capacity while also enhancing pedestrian-friendly environments with new walkways and layered vegetation, creating a waterfront that balances flood safety, ecological value, and human-centered recreation.

The HEO noted that the overall revitalization plan aligns with multiple surrounding initiatives, including cultural connections to the New Beitou MRT Station, smart streetscape improvements along Guangming Road, and the redevelopment of Beitou Market. The HEO undertook the Section C Riverbank and Walkway Improvement Project (from Yanshou Bridge to Qiyan Pumping Station), progressing through stages such as urban planning amendments, design review, and construction to systematically enhance both the river channel and adjacent public spaces.

Guided by the principles of pedestrian-oriented design and resilient flood management, the project integrates the new river channel with park spaces while converting the former channel into single- and double-cell box culverts. This significantly increases flood conveyance capacity and overall flood resilience. At the same time, porous materials and nature-based revetment designs have been introduced to create a more hospitable ecological habitat. Pedestrian walkways, roadways, and park paths along the corridor have been widened and reconnected, establishing a safe and comfortable walking environment and opening the waterfront for shared public use.

According to the Public Works Section of the HEO, the project scope also includes river channel improvements, bridge landscape enhancements, and the creation of key public spaces, featuring landmarks such as Gongyue Bridge, Xiji Bridge, as well as pavilions and plazas. A cohesive design language has been applied to shape a distinctive and creative landscape identity. In addition, a large number of existing mature trees were preserved during construction, complemented by new plantings of trees and shrubs arranged in multi-layered compositions. Following the principle of year-round flowering, rich layering, and ecological harmony, the project creates a riverside landscape that is visually appealing throughout the seasons.

To allow residents to experience the revitalization firsthand, a community fair was held alongside the opening ceremony, featuring light and shadow installations along the river, live performances, and family-friendly activities. The event transforms the waterfront into a vibrant public space that blends natural scenery with urban life, enhancing civic engagement and community identity.

With the completion of the Huanggang River Revitalization Project, flood safety and environmental quality have been significantly improved. The project also provides high-quality recreational space for residents, establishing the area as a key green corridor and community hub in Beitou, and contributing to a more livable and sustainable urban environment.