Strolling Through the Residual Charm of Ink: A Dialogue Between Zhang Daqian and Taipei

Day 1: The first stop of my journey was the Zhang Daqian Memorial Hall located in Waishuangxi, Taipei. Walking along the winding path into this tranquil garden felt like stepping into an ink wash painting. The memorial hall was once the residence of Zhang Daqian and has now become a small haven that blends art and nature. The hall houses many of his paintings and precious artifacts, each piece reflecting his love for nature and deep understanding of art. The bamboo and flowing water in the courtyard outside the window add a touch of poetic liveliness to the memorial hall. I lingered for a long time, as if I could feel the master's presence as he wielded his brush. In the afternoon, I headed to the nearby National Palace Museum, where the bronze and painting exhibits echoed Zhang Daqian's artistic philosophy in a fascinating way. By evening, I rode along the Tamsui River, watching the sunset paint the sky in brilliant shades of orange. The day's memories were imbued with a rich cultural essence. Day 2: On the second day, I continued my artistic journey through the relaxing natural landscapes. In the morning, I visited Yangmingshan, experiencing the serene atmosphere as the morning mist lingered in the mountains. The ever-changing natural scenery of Yangmingshan throughout the seasons is like a constantly evolving painting, refreshing the mind and spirit. Next, I took the Maokong Gondola, slowly ascending in a transparent cabin to overlook the tea plantations and the magnificent Taipei Basin. This expansive view reminded me of the grandeur in Zhang Daqian's paintings. In the afternoon, I strolled to a teahouse in Maokong, savoring a pot of oolong tea. The fragrance of the tea intertwined with the mountain breeze, bringing complete relaxation to the soul. By evening, I returned to the Huashan 1914 Creative Park in the city to enjoy a contemporary art exhibition. Here, modernity and tradition intersected, and I felt as if I was still wandering through Zhang Daqian's paintings. These two days were spent in a dialogue between art and nature. The residual charm of ink from the Zhang Daqian Memorial Hall seemed to become a cultural footnote of this city, deeply etched in my memory.