Taipei Botanical Garden with an area of about eight hectares was an important site for studying plants during the Japanese rule. Many different plant species were introduced into the site from Taiwan Japan China and Southeast Asia for the purposes of experimentation and research. So far the buildings and plant species at the site have far exceeded past glory with a collection of more than 2000 plant species. According to plant classification system and characteristics each area of the Botanical Garden is presented under a different theme and explanatory signs are set up for each exotic flower and rare herb for visitors. These areas include: Lotus Pond Chinese Zodiac Garden Succulent Plants Garden Fern Garden Poetry and Literature Garden Ethno-Plants Garden Arecaceae Garden etc. With the changing seasons the plants within the Botanical Garden also change and each season brings with it a whole new treescape. If visiting in the afternoon the tourists will be treated to the comfort of dimming light and cooling temperature.