Those away from Taiwan for some years find on their return that Taipei city has an unexpected new look. It has a modernized international airport, six-lane avenues shaded by trees, skyscraper buildings and colorful red brick sidewalks.
In addition, they can see many cars and people busily coming and going. Well-decorated department stores, hotels and restaurants are thriving. These flourishing scenes point to the rapid development of Taipei in recent years. Some of the returnees even declare that today's Taipei seems to have been touched by magic. Yesterday's old houses and narrow lanes have given way to new buildings and broad avenues. Sewers have been covered and highways widened. Taipei once was the rather sleepy capital of Taiwan province and the center of Taiwan's politics, economy, communication and culture.
It was a young but constantly changing city. In 1967, the Government decided to transform Taipei into a special municipality, a modern city, and began to expand its area, at the same time seeking solutions to existing problems.
Since Taipei's elevation to the special municipality status, its area has enlarged to 274.14 square kilometers. Its political divisions have increased from 10 to 16 and its population is now over 2.1 million. During the past ten years, the construction of Taipei by its City Government has been steady. The outstanding achievements include the following:
(1) Urban Planning: Taipei City Government has three goals in this field:
1. To improve residential environment and the public welfare
2. To promote social prosperity and social appearance
3. To lift the efficiency of construction and adapt it to the necessity of wartime
So far, 86.4% of the city area is under detailed planning.
(2) Road Construction: Since the city was elevated to the special municipality status, a total of 5 million square meters of road space has been constructed. More road building is under way.
(3) Tunnel Projects: Since 1967, the city has completed three major tunnel projects: Hsinhai, Chuangching and Tzuchiang. Underpasses also have been built for pedestrians and for cars at major intersections, to improve traffic movement and safety.
(4) Bridges: The Taipei City Government has placed special emphasis on bridge building and expansion. At present, there are 435 bridges in Taipei, averaging 7.9 meters in width, with a combined length of 9,831 meters.
(5) Park Reserve Area: The Taipei City Government plans to build a park in every sub-ward. At present, there are 59 parks in this city, covering an area of 109 hectares (about 273 acres).
(6) Markets: There are 49 government-subsidized retail markets and two major wholesale markets in Taipei City.
(7) Tap Water: The present water supply is 1,160,000 metric tons per day or about 400 litres (105 gallons) per person. The Taipei Waterworks also is working to improve the quality of the water and to elevate the water pressure.
(8) Sewer Construction: The main task is to build underground sewers and to keep water flowing so that the citizens can have a more wholesome living environment.
(9) Education: Taipei has many schools with high standards. There are 23 universities and colleges, 100 secondary (high) schools, 116 primary (elementary) schools and 172 kindergartens within the city. The Taipei City Government also devotes strong measures to the prevention of air and water pollution, the improvement of transportation, the building of new residential units and the enlargement of old communities. All these efforts make Taipei the most improved city in Taiwan and move it toward the goal of becoming one of the most famous developed cities in the world.
The broad Tung Hwa S. Road, one of Taipei's finest
Air pollution test seeks environment improvement
Water pollution testing to help eliminate impurities
Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, an imposing memorial to the founding father
Buses stand by awaiting passengers
A clean, quiet street in Taipei
The assembly hall, where many meetings are held
Travelers linger about the Yang-ming-shan park in suburban Taipei
Roof-garden in Sung Shan District adds a scenic touch
The Ming-shen Community, part of Taipei
North Gate section of the Taipei elevated highway
Night Program draws crowd at Taipei Stadium
Modernized residential area
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