Buzz
Public parks serve as a sanctuary for those seeking to exercise, admire scenic beauty, or simply stroll. However, in cities, the constant noise from traffic, construction, and other disturbances can diminish the tranquility of these spaces.
Near Taipei, Taiwan, Yangmingshan National Park offers a unique escape. As reported by Condé Nast Traveler, the park is set to receive certification this week from Taiwan’s government and Quiet Parks International, a nonprofit based in California, as the world’s first Quiet Urban Park. Despite being just two hours from bustling Taipei, the ambient noise levels stay below 45 decibels, equivalent to a hushed conversation.
The park’s serene environment allows visitors to immerse themselves in natural sounds, from the croaking of frogs to the melodies of birds. During the early mornings, when Taipei is still quiet, the gentle splashes of ducks gliding across the water can be heard. This peaceful setting aims to provide urban dwellers with a space to unwind. Laila Chin-Hui Fan, the environmental journalist who championed Yangmingshan’s certification, describes it as a “magical retreat that rejuvenates the body, clears the mind, and uplifts the spirit.”
Quiet Parks International aims to certify up to 50 additional parks over the next ten years, targeting cities like New York City, London, Stockholm, and Portland, Oregon. On June 5, Yangmingshan National Park will receive its official designation, alongside a mile-long forest trail recognized by QPI as a Quiet Urban Trail. Visitors are encouraged to maintain silence while walking and observing the endangered Taiwanese isoetes, a rare aquatic quillwort.
