臺北市政府文化局

Located beside Kunyang Park in Nangang, the Xinzhuangzi Pond wetland is one of Nangang’s three major ponds. This historically rich naturally formed pond is a hidden gem nestled within the urban jungle. Records dating back to the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty mention Xinzhuangzi Pond, and it appears in land deeds and documents left by early settlers. Back then, the pond covered a vast area, including today’s Yucheng Elementary School and the Taipei Bottle Cap Factory.

Unlike the artificial ponds commonly seen in Taiwan, Nangang’s ponds are a gift from Nature, not only serving as indispensable water sources for daily life and irrigation for early settlers but also playing a vital role in regulating water levels, thus protecting Nangang from flooding.

Xinzhuangzi Pond is one of Nangang’s most abundant freshwater resources, and its fate has been closely tied to the development of the local community. During the Qing and Japanese colonial periods, Xinzhuangzi Pond was an essential water resource for many villages, including Dongxin Zhuangzi Village. However, with modern urban development and economic transformation, the pond’s boundaries have inevitably shrunk, with decades of sedimentation significantly reducing its formerly expansive size. Fortunately, part of Xinzhuangzi Pond lies within military-controlled areas and private lands, allowing it to stay in a relatively natural state compared to other ponds that have disappeared entirely.

Today, Xinzhuangzi Pond has been designated as parkland and has become a paradise for birdwatchers. According to ecological surveys conducted by the Taipei City Parks and Streetlights Office, the area is home to 16 different species of waterfowl. With a bit of luck, visitors can even spot protected wildlife, such as the Formosan masked palm civet (classed as a vulnerable species), and the crab-eating mongoose  .