TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei City Government unveiled a transformative NT$1.8 billion (around US$59 million) waterfront initiative Wednesday (Aug. 27) to create a European-style Tamsui (淡水) Riverbank experience for residents by late 2028. The ambitious project will unfold across four construction phases, spanning from downstream Zhongxing Bridge to the highway bridge's riverbank park. City planners will implement a build-first, dismantle-later approach to minimize disruption during the extensive riverside transformation.
The Water Resources Department (水利處) held a groundbreaking ceremony for expanding the waterfront trail from historic Dadaocheng (大稻埕) to Dunhuang Wharf (敦煌碼頭), widening the path by 6 meters (20 feet). The enhanced trail will feature scenic viewing platforms and modern leisure facilities, with completion scheduled for Wednesday (Oct. 30, 2026). Construction begins Monday (Sept. 30, 2025) on the new Dunhuang Water Recreation Base (敦煌水上遊憩基地), which will provide expanded yacht and sailboat docking facilities.
Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) expressed gratitude to the city government team during the ceremony, emphasizing the project will provide Taipei with an internationally competitive waterfront destination. Community leaders shared mixed reactions to the ambitious development plans. Taipei City Councilor Chen Bin-fu (陳炳甫) advocated for improved accessibility and enhanced facilities near Taipei Bridge, while Councilor Sabrina Lim (林亮君) raised concerns about insufficient cross-dike corridors potentially disrupting pedestrian flow patterns. ◼
