Today, the Tamsui River is still a vital water resource and an important part of the local ecosystem. It’s also a favorite spot for tourists and locals, with riverside promenades and parks for walking, cycling, and picnicking.
Near the river’s mouth is the historic district of Tamsui, known for its charming old streets, local markets, and colonial-era buildings. It’s a great place to experience Taiwan’s cultural heritage and enjoy local snacks with a view of the river.
向向 xiàng + target + concrete verb
向向 xiàng can introduce the person an action is directed at.
我的狗向我撒嬌我的狗向我撒娇
My dog cuddles up to me.
請你向我仔細說明情況请你向我仔细说明情况
Please explain the situation to me in detail.
事情已經發生了，你向我大吼也沒用事情已经发生了，你向我大吼也没用
It’s already happened. Yelling at me won’t help.
孩子向媽媽吵著要吃糖孩子向妈妈吵着要吃糖
The child is pestering his mom for candy.
向向 xiàng + target + abstract verb
With abstract actions like apologizing, greeting, or learning, 向向 xiàng marks who the action is directed to.
我們應該向他道歉我们应该向他道歉
We should apologize to him.
學生向老師問好学生向老师问好
The students greet the teacher.
你應該多向前輩請教你应该多向前辈请教
You should ask your seniors for advice more often.
我要多向貓學習，跟貓一樣不在意別人的眼光我要多向猫学习，跟猫一样不在意别人的眼光
I want to learn more from cats and, just like them, not care what other people think.
📌 向向 xiàng vs. 往往 wǎng
With a direction, they’re usually interchangeable:
向前走向前走
Go forward.
往前走往前走
Go forward. (same meaning)
With a person as the target, only 向向 xiàng works:
孩子跑向媽媽孩子跑向妈妈
The child runs towards Mom.
2Common Mistakes
❌他是不是往我眨了一下眼？他是不是往我眨了一下眼？
✅他是不是向我眨了一下眼？他是不是向我眨了一下眼？
“Did he wink at me?” Only 向向 xiàng can mark the target of an action (target + V).
❌狗跑往我狗跑往我
✅狗跑向我狗跑向我
“The dog is running towards me.” Only 向向 xiàng can be followed directly by a person.
3Practice
Translate each sentence into Chinese, then tap the card to check your answer.
01But now, I’ve decided to quit and fly towards freedom.
