Yongkang Street in Taipei Transforms into a Weekend Pedestrian Paradise

Taipei City Tests Weekend Pedestrian Zone on Yongkang Street to Enhance Visitor Experience

Taipei, Taiwan – In a move to enhance the pedestrian experience and create a more welcoming environment, the Taipei City Government has initiated a trial pedestrian zone in the popular Yongkang Street area. The initiative, which began on Saturday, involves closing streets to most vehicles on weekends through June 10th.

The temporary pedestrian zone restricts vehicle access from 2 PM to 8 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. This covers approximately 250 meters of Yongkang Street, extending from its intersection with Xinyi Road Section 2 to Lane 14, and includes surrounding alleys. The goal is to prioritize pedestrians and create a more relaxed atmosphere for visitors to this renowned tourist destination.

During the trial period, only vehicles with local access permits and those making deliveries are permitted to enter. The Taipei City Government has deployed police and traffic volunteers to enforce the restrictions, ensuring a smooth transition.

Adding to the appeal, a series of weekend activities are planned in Yongkang Park throughout May and June. These include a Mother's Day event, flea markets, music performances, and outdoor movie screenings, designed to draw crowds and provide a richer experience for visitors.

Hsieh Ming-hung (謝銘鴻), head of the Taipei City Government Department of Transportation, reported that the first day of the trial was highly successful. The city plans to gather public feedback and adapt the plan as needed to optimize its impact. While supportive of the project, local ward chief Lee Ming-ying (李明螢) suggested that full street closures might be better suited for holidays or special events, given the mixed residential and commercial nature of the area.