Taipei City Construction Management Office

Tucked at the base of Neihu’s Jinmian Mountain Range, Jinrui Flood Management Park is not only a key site for disaster prevention but also a thriving ecological haven. Since its transformation by the Taipei Hydraulic Engineering Office (Taipei HEO) late last year, the park has become a hidden gem for nature lovers across the city. Highlights include  the “JinRui Tshân-enn Multifunctional Classroom” named after the Taiwanese word for dragonfly, which is crafted entirely from locally sourced materials and infused with ecological design principles. Together with a striking entry plaza set against a backdrop of forest and water, Jinrui has evolved from a quiet neighborhood retreat into a rising star on Taipei’s nature tourism map. And it’s more than just a place for walking and scenic views—Jinrui has become a must-visit hotspot for dragonfly enthusiasts throughout Greater Taipei.

Both dragonflies and damselflies, commonly seen in Taiwan, belong to the insect order Odonata. There’s an easy trick to telling them apart. Dragonflies rest with their wings spread flat like airplane wings, have sturdy bodies, and eyes that sit close together—sometimes even touching. In contrast, damselflies are slenderer and more delicate. When at rest, their wings fold neatly along their back like hands in prayer. Their eyes are set farther apart, and their heads resemble tiny dumbbells. Interestingly, the life cycle of Odonata species is closely tied to aquatic environments. Their young, called naiads, are aquatic and thrive in watery habitats—where there’s water, you’ll often find dragonflies.

Jinrui Flood Management Park benefits from a prime location and has been further enhanced through habitat diversity projects by the Taipei HEO. As a result, the park now features a wide variety of aquatic zones. These range from clear mountain streams winding through valleys, to broad flood detention ponds filled with aquatic plants, and even hidden forest-edge runoffs and moist marshy areas. This rich array of habitats has successfully attracted a wide range of dragonfly species, each favoring a different type of water environment.

According to long-term ecological surveys commissioned by the Taipei HEO and observation records from the Neihu Community College Ecology Program, a remarkable 76 species of dragonflies have been identified at Jinrui Flood Management Park. This exciting figure represents nearly half of Taiwan’s 161 known dragonfly species and confirms the park as a major hotspot for Odonata diversity in Taipei. It also highlights the park’s exceptional ecological richness and value.

Summer is the best time to witness these aerial dancers in action. While most dragonflies enjoy warm weather, extreme heat may send them seeking shade. Based on accumulated observation experience, the golden window for dragonfly watching is from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., when it’s common to spot more than a dozen different species of dragonflies and damselflies. There are also species that prefer to emerge at dusk, such as fast-flying forest dragonflies like Aeshnidae, Tholymis tillarga (twister), and Zyxomma petiolatum Rambur (brown dusk hawk). These become active two to three hours before nightfall, offering a challenge for keen-eyed observers trying to track their swift, elegant movements. Recommended viewing spots include the shaded pond near the park entrance and the stone path along the flood detention basin—both ideal for a close-up encounter with these graceful fliers.

The Taipei HEO warmly invites all residents to visit Jinrui Flood Management Park this summer. Let the lush greenery and cool mountain springs bring a refreshing escape from the heat. Amid the chorus of birds and insects, enjoy a moment of wonder alongside dragonflies gliding at the water’s edge, and embark on a vibrant, life-filled journey into the heart of Taipei’s natural beauty.