Free and low-cost leisure activities in Taiwan

A list of fee or low-cost leisure activities in Taipei:

1. The privately-run, city-owned community or sports centers offering swimming, gym, yoga classes, badminton, ping pong etc. e.g. NT$110 + NT$10 for locker per admission to swimming.
2. Hillwalking in Taipei including paths from Tienmu to Chinese Cultural U., hiking path along the MRT track to Tamshueh (Fisherman's Wharf."
3. Ping pong table at private-run centers are available for about NT$180 hourly or pay an on-site partner hourly fee to play.
4. Badminton courts may be booked at schools but expect line-ups due to high demand. Check with Taipei City hall.
5. U-Bikes is a low cost way to cycle for about NT$30 an hour.
6. Various neighborhood parks, albeit generally very small, offer basic exercise equipment for free. The larger parks, public schools and colleges suit jogging or power walking.
7. Tennis courts are rare but exist in Taipei for free or relatively low rental of maybe NT$200 hourly. The tennis center at Dunhwa and Nanking is one example.
8. Squash courts are rare but also exist for relatively low hourly rental of about NT$100 or less. I played at one near the traffic circle at Mingshen E. and Sanming Rd. years ago in Taipei.
9. Basketball courts are available in some parks and schools for free. Go to the unpopular parks to avoid crowds.

Note of caution to those with respiratory issues. Smog is a SERIOUS problem in Taipei and most major cities in Taiwan, especially in the south and cities near industrial facilities. News reports say that lung cancer due to smog is now a leading killer in Taiwan.