The Taipei Embankment Story initiative is unveiling yet another new mural artwork! Located near Chengde Bridge (Lane 2, Section 4, Chengde Road), the latest embankment beautification project draws on the area’s rich historical and cultural roots. The design features elements evoking scenes from the past—catching bloodworms in the Keelung River, dragon boat races, and the beloved Zaichun Swimming Pool—capturing the unique spirit of the Sanjiaodu Ferry neighborhood.
According to the Taipei Hydraulic Engineering Office (HEO), Zaichun Swimming Pool was once the largest public pool in the city and an important place where many longtime Taipei residents learned how to swim, overcoming their fear of water. The embankment murals vividly bring these memories to life, seamlessly incorporating local architecture and bridges alongside playful ducks, swimmers, and dragon boat paddlers on the water. Warm color tones evoke the cheerful, sun-soaked summer days of the past, rekindling fond memories in the hearts of the community.
According to the River Engineering Section of the HEO, Sanjiaodu Ferry was the last remaining ferry crossing in Taipei. The area still preserves and carries on its dragon boat traditions, reflecting the community’s remarkable sense of solidarity. Notably, this embankment beautification project saw enthusiastic participation from local residents, who were actively involved in both the design and construction processes. Their engagement not only deepened interpersonal connections and strengthened community bonds, but also enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the public space, imbuing the embankment with greater warmth and cultural character.
In 2020, the HEO launched the “Taipei Embankment Story” initiative, bringing together a team of artists and interdisciplinary designers to beautify the city’s riverbanks through creative expression. By transforming embankments into canvases, the project has turned flood walls into vibrant new landmarks. Emphasizing local engagement, the initiative involves in-depth dialogue with local borough chiefs, elders, and residents to uncover each area’s unique cultural and historical narratives, ultimately crafting embankment artworks rooted in place, and opening a new chapter for the riverside landscape of Taipei.
