Between Time and Mountain Mist: A Tranquil Dragon Boat Festival at Marshal Zen Garden

Dragon Boat Festival is a time for commemoration and warding off evil, symbolized by the aroma of rice dumplings and the thrill of dragon boat races. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, if you seek a serene and historic retreat that offers both scenic views and a sense of tranquility, the Marshal Zen Garden in Beitou is an exceptional choice to harmonize your mind and soul with the seasonal spirit. Nestled in the secluded valley of Beitou, the Marshal Zen Garden was once the residence of Zhang Xueliang during his confinement. Today, it has transformed into a haven that blends history, Zen philosophy, and natural beauty. The winding paths leading to the garden are surrounded by lush greenery, with the air carrying the refreshing scent of early summer grass and the cool mist of distant mountain springs. During the Dragon Boat Festival, the abundant rainfall in Beitou adds a touch of steaming ambiance, making the journey feel like a stroll through the mists of history, as if encountering the Marshal himself. The garden's architecture is harmoniously integrated with the mountain terrain, featuring wooden corridors and Japanese-style tea pavilions that exude a tranquil elegance. Visiting during the Dragon Boat Festival, you might choose to sit by a tatami mat near the window, savoring a pot of fragrant tea while gazing at the drifting mountain mist and reflecting on the passage of history. Amid the tea's aroma, you can also enjoy the garden's special rice dumpling set, crafted with local ingredients and a focus on health. The savory taste carries subtle hints of bamboo leaves and medicinal herbs, perfectly aligning with the seasonal nourishment. The Marshal Zen Garden also offers hot spring baths, with water sourced from Beitou's geothermal springs, historically believed to have healing and purifying properties. A soak in the hot springs on a Dragon Boat Festival afternoon not only relieves travel fatigue but also feels like an intimate dialogue with the land—allowing your body to reconnect with the warmth of the mountains, the flow of energy, and the rhythm of the season. Throughout the garden, remnants of Zhang Xueliang's residence can be seen, including his desk, bed, and old photographs, quietly narrating a chapter of history. In the small Zhang Memorial Room, reading his handwritten notes while observing the birds in the green forest outside the window evokes thoughts on the intertwining of history and personal destiny. The Dragon Boat Festival, traditionally a day to defy fate, adds a poignant layer to this intersection of time and space. Here, the Dragon Boat Festival is not just a holiday but a journey of memory, healing, and renewal. At the Marshal Zen Garden, we step from the seasonal spirit into history and find a sense of peace in the present.