The 10km Ritual 🏃‍♀️

Leaving citizenM North Gate at dawn, the city is still shaking off the night. My route took me 10km through 228 Peace Park and down to Da’an Forest Park. In many cities, running is a solitary act of fitness. In Taipei, it’s a communal act of living.

The “Inclusive” Park Movement 🌳

Since 2017, Taipei has undergone a “Park Revolution,” transforming green spaces into “Inclusive Playgrounds.” As I ran, I saw 80-year-olds using the outdoor gym equipment with more flexibility than a teenager. These parks act as the city’s “Second Living Room”—a place where grandfathers play chess, groups practice Tai Chi, and young runners like me find our pace.

Resilience in the Rain ☔️

It started to drizzle, but in Taiwan, the infrastructure supports you. Between the “Qilou” (covered walkways) and the 24-hour convenience stores where you can grab a poncho in 30 seconds, the weather is never an excuse. I felt a deep sense of safety even in the dark corners of the park—the lighting and the constant presence of the community make it a runner’s sanctuary.