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This photo captures the scenery from the summit of Mt. Yuan (Yuan Mountain). The Yuan Mountain Hiking Trail is in Sanxia District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, near the famous Sanxia Old Street. The mountain is named “Yuan” because its shape resembles a flying bird. With an elevation of 291 meters, the trail is surrounded by lush green trees, and it takes only about 30 minutes of walking to reach the top. It’s a great place for exercise and relaxation on weekends.

From the summit, you can enjoy a view of Sanxia, Yingge, and Bade, and on clear days, you can even see Taipei 101. I think the scenery on Yuan Mountain has the characteristics of a public good. First, it is non-excludable—everyone can enjoy it, as the hiking trail is freely accessible without an entrance fee. Second, it is non-rivalrous, meaning one person’s enjoyment does not reduce another’s right to enjoy it. However, when there are too many visitors, overcrowding can affect the experience of others. If you ever visit Sanxia, be sure to take a trip to Yuan Mountain and enjoy its beautiful views.

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This photo was taken at my university — National Taipei University, often referred to as the “Grand Park of New Taipei City.”

The blue sky and white clouds in this photo present one of the purest beauties of nature. From an economic perspective, the blue sky and white clouds are a typical example of a public good. Public goods possess two main characteristics：nonexcludability and nonrivalry. No one can be excluded from enjoying the beauty of the sky, and one person’s enjoyment does not reduce the opportunity for others to appreciate it as well. These features make this beautiful scenery a natural resource shared by everyone.

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This picture shows a beautiful green spot in our city—a place for rest surrounded by tall buildings. Even though it is not a huge park, its many trees and that one very big old tree create a safe, natural haven for people living nearby.In economics, this park is an example of a public good,because everyone can use it, and one person using it does not really take it away from another person,it represents non-excludable and non-rival.

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This photo is the Hsinchu Park I went to when I traveled to Hsinchu alone last month. The sidewalk outside the park was very beautiful, so I took a photo. The sidewalk is a public good provided by the government. It has the characteristics of public good. Although it may be partially rival, it is still open to all and non-exclusive.

The installation of sidewalks not only makes pedestrians safer, but also beautifies the cityscape, reduces traffic accidents, and produces positive externality. However, these positive impacts cannot be reflected by the market, so the government needs to invest funds for construction and maintenance to ensure the overall safety of society.

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This picture was taken outside National Taipei University on a rainy evening. The streetlights shine on the wet sidewalk and road so drivers and pedestrians can see better. In economics, street lighting is a public good: it is hard to stop people from using the light (non-excludable), and one person’s use does not reduce the light for others (non-rival). Because many people can enjoy it without paying, private companies would not provide enough, so the city builds and maintains the lamps with taxes. On rainy nights the benefit is even bigger, because the light helps people notice puddles, curbs, and cars, so accidents are less likely. The bright walkway make me feel safe when I wait for the bus after class, and they make me more want to walk and use public transport at night instead of asking for a ride. This shows why governments provide public goods and how they improve daily life.

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This picture shows the National Palace Museum in Taiwan. The museum’s exterior is considered a public good because it is non-excludable and non-rivalrous—anyone can freely admire its architecture without affecting others. However, entering the museum is a club good, since it is excludable (an entrance ticket is required) but still non-rivalrous, meaning one person’s visit does not prevent others from enjoying the exhibits. Overall, the museum’s elegant architecture and rich collection of historical artifacts showcase the profound beauty of culture and serve as an important symbol of Taiwan.

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Free Phone Stand – A Public Good in Everyday Life

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Free Phone Stand – A Public Good in Everyday Life

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This image shows a basket of phone stands labeled “Free to Use.” It is provided in a public space so that anyone can use it without paying. This small item represents the idea of a public good because it is non-excludable and non-rivalrous.

No one can be prevented from using the phone stand, and one person’s temporary use does not reduce others’ opportunity to enjoy the same benefit. Just like street lighting or public parks, this simple service relies on people’s honesty and cooperation.

It reminds us that even small public goods in daily life require social responsibility to be sustained — if users stop returning the stands, the benefit for everyone will disappear.

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I saw an empty priority seat on the train. It is not a public good but a common resource because it is rivalrous and partly non-excludable. It can also create both positive and negative externalities. When passengers offer the seat to those in need, it promotes kindness and respect in society, creating a positive externality. However, if someone occupies the seat and refuses to give it up, it causes inconvenience to people who truly need it and may even lead to conflict, resulting in a negative externality.

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This captivating scene was taken from my dormitory at National Taipei University in Sanxia, New Taipei City, facing the well-known Yanshan. The calm evening sky and crescent moon in the photo represent public goods, which are non-excludable and non-rivalrous—everyone can enjoy the beauty of the sky without diminishing others’ enjoyment. The clear air and open view also illustrate common resources that need protection from overuse and pollution. The transmission tower in the image symbolizes human infrastructure that generates both positive and negative externalities. While electricity supports social and economic activities, its production may cause pollution or visual impacts, affecting overall public welfare.

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This photo was taken during my summer vacation in Penghu, Taiwan, capturing a beautiful sunset.

The sunset is a type of public good because everyone can enjoy its beauty at the same time and no one can be excluded from viewing it. It is non-rivalrous and non-excludable.

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This is a trash bin and ashtray I saw on the streets of Turkey, which can be considered part of public goods. These facilities are designed for public convenience, and the compact size of the trash bin also helps prevent people from disposing of household waste. The ashtray has an adorable design that blends harmoniously with the street scenery, adding a touch of charm that makes people smile (I took this photo simply because I found it so cute!). Such thoughtful design allows citizens to experience both practicality and aesthetic pleasure when using public facilities. Since many people in Turkey smoke, it also helps prevent cigarette littering and reduces potential safety hazards.

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The scene in my university illustrates how shared spaces and government infrastructure contribute to community welfare.Everyone can enjoy the view, breathe the fresh air, and appreciate the natural environment without limiting others’ enjoyment.

This environment also produces positive externalities where the presence of greenery and clean water improves air quality and local biodiversity, benefiting everyone nearby.Additionally, the aesthetic and recreational value of the area can increase residents’ mental well-being and potentially raise nearby property values.

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This photograph capturing the sunset was taken at the entrance of the university cafeteria at National Taipei University. The scene depicted here perfectly exemplifies the characteristics of a public good in economics.

It fulfills the non-excludability principle of public goods—you cannot demand payment from others to view this scenery. Anyone can enter the university and witness this view.

It also satisfies the non-rivalry principle, as others viewing it does not diminish the benefits enjoyed by others.

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This photo was taken at my school, National Taipei University. The traffic lights and road signs in the picture are examples of public goods. They are non-excludable, because all pedestrians and drivers can use them without paying or being restricted, and they are non-rivalrous, since one person following the signal does not prevent others from using it at the same time. These public traffic facilities help maintain safety, reduce accidents, and improve traffic efficiency. Since private markets have little incentive to provide them, they are usually built and maintained by the government for the benefit of everyone.

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The photo shows a crosswalk that I pass by on my way to school. From an economic perspective, the crosswalk can be seen as a public good because it is both non-rivalrous and non-excludable. One person’s use does not reduce others’ ability to use it, and it is difficult and costly to prevent people from crossing. However, although the crosswalk is a public good, some improper behaviors by pedestrians or drivers can create negative externalities. Whether it can be used effectively and safely still depends on people following traffic rules. This example reminds me that the value of public goods relies not only on government provision but also on public cooperation to ensure safety and social welfare.

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Business Department Study Area — A Common resource 

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Business Department Study Area — A Common resource 

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This study area in the College of Business is a common resource. It is non-excludable, since students from other departments can also use it,

and rivalrous, because the seats are limited.

When the area becomes crowded, others cannot find a place to study.

I think this shows how shared spaces in universities can face overuse problems, similar to the "tragedy of the commons."

I wonder if the university could manage this better by setting up a reservation system or adding more study areas.

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A rainbow photographed outside my university dormitory.Rainbows are purely public property because it is impossible to prevent anyone from seeing a rainbow in the sky. Others seeing a rainbow does not reduce the ability of others to see it; therefore, it is non-exclusive and non-rival.

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This photo was taken at the basketball court at Taipei University. The moon in the photo is purely public property because it's neither exclusive nor antagonistic; everyone can enjoy it. The basketball court, on the other hand, is shared and therefore not exclusive. However, if too many people use it simultaneously, it can negatively impact the playing experience, thus making it antagonistic.

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Japan’s famous donut shop “I’m donuts?” opened its first Taiwan location on Dunhua South Road in Taipei. 

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Japan’s famous donut shop “I’m donuts?” opened its first Taiwan location on Dunhua South Road in Taipei. 

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Although it has already been open for some time, the store still attracts large crowds, and the long lines have even created negative externalities by making it difficult for other pedestrians to pass through the area. The strong uniqueness of “I’m donuts?” also reflects characteristics of a monopolistic market for donuts—its appeal is so strong that consumers are willing to pay relatively high prices and bear the opportunity cost of waiting in line instead of doing other things. Having tried the donuts myself, I believe the time and money spent were well worth it. Despite the substantial cost, consumers are still able to enjoy significant consumer surplus because their willingness to pay is high.

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This picture shows a wall mural painted on the walls of an alley. The beautiful artwork attracts people passing by to stop and admire it.

In economics, wall murals can be considered a public good. When one person enjoys the mural, it does not reduce or diminish another person’s ability or right to enjoy it as well—this is non-rival. Moreover, anyone walking by can freely view the mural, and it is difficult to exclude others from doing so—this is non-excludable.

Both sides of the alley are decorated with delicate and colorful murals, which not only beautify the street and revitalize the space but also give the city a stronger sense of uniqueness and character.

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I saw this scene back in early March 2025. I was on my way to Kaohsiung (in southern Taiwan) for a baseball game. The bus had to wait a while at the highway on-ramp, and once we finally got on the freeway, we saw a gravel truck had flipped over. The gravel was scattered all over the road, blocking the lanes and causing a traffic jam.

From an economic perspective, we could say this traffic jam is a kind of negative externality. The truck driver’s accident created negative effects for third parties—other drivers and passengers lost time because of it—yet they don’t get compensated. So the cost is basically passed on to other people or to society as a whole.

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This photo was taken at our school’s volleyball court during one of our team’s evening practices. Every night, when the lights shine down on the court, the whole atmosphere feels so full of energy.
I’m the team manager, and at first, I decided to take on this role just because I heard there were free team dinners (haha). But later, I realized how much I truly enjoy being part of this group. Every practice, match, and meal we share together has brought me closer to the team members.
Although sometimes it can be tiring to keep score, prepare equipment, or clean up the court, seeing everyone work so hard on the court makes it all worth it. This experience has taught me the importance of teamwork and left me with many happy and precious memories.

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This photo captures a corner of National Taipei University, featuring the cherry blossom trees beside the College of Business. Spring at NTPU is exceptionally beautiful—the blooming cherry blossoms illuminate and add charm to the entire campus.

From an economic standpoint, the flowers, grass, and trees on campus serve as classic examples of pure public goods. Pure public goods are defined by nonexcludability and nonrivalry. Everyone is free to admire the cherry blossoms without being excluded, and one person’s enjoyment of this natural beauty does not diminish others’ ability to appreciate it as well.

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This is a photo of an electrical transformer box placed on the sidewalk.

A transformer box converts high-voltage electricity into lower voltage for safe use in homes and businesses.

However, this one blocks the walking path, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road.

It creates a negative externality because the inconvenience and safety risk are borne by pedestrians, not by the organization that installed it.

It also reduces the accessibility of a public good — the sidewalk.

This example shows the need for better government regulation and urban planning to prevent such problems.

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This photo was taken at Neihu Sports Park. The night view is enchanting — the moonlight, clouds, and city lights blend together and reflect on the river, creating a tranquil yet vibrant scene.

From an economic perspective, Neihu Sports Park is a public good provided by the government. As an open public facility, anyone can freely enter, take a walk, exercise, or enjoy the night view, which shows its non-excludability. Moreover, the park not only provides citizens with a place for leisure and relaxation but also beautifies the city environment, improves air quality, enhances residents’ happiness, and even increases nearby property values and commercial activity, thus generating positive externalities.

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This photo captures the scenery of my school, National Taipei University. The sky is painted with warm colors.The rays sunshine shone through a gap in the cloud and reflected on the lake creating a peaceful and beautiful scene.

Anyone who is in this space can enjoy the view freely. And while I am looking at this stunning view , others can experience the same beauty at the same time. Because of those reason, the scenery has the qualities of non-excludable and non-rival, which makes it a kind of public good.

I am deeply moved by this beautiful scenery. By sharing this photo, I hope more people can see and enjoy this beautiful moment from our school.

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This is a playground in a park near my home where parents can bring their children to play after school on weekdays or during weekends when they have free time. Sometimes, children can also interact and play with others, making it a great place for recreation. I think that this type of playground is a kind of public good. When more people use the playground, it doesn’t increase the cost for others, so it is non-rival. In addition, anyone can use it without paying or facing restrictions, which means it is non-excludable.

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This photo was taken in the afternoon — a purely public good.Everyone can take a picture with it and it’s non-excludable and non-rival.

At the center of NTPU stands the famous NTPU Stone. Students often like to take pictures here during important moments, such as graduation. The clouds and the warm glow of the sunset in the background make it especially beautiful.

During this season, having a picnic on the grass is also a wonderful choice.

Many children and dogs play here too — it’s such a peaceful and heartwarming sight, don’t you think?

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This picture is the sports facilities behind National Taipei University (Taipei Campus). The sports facilities in parks are funded, constructed, and maintained by the government or local authorities with the aim of improving citizens’ quality of life and health, rather than pursuing profit. From an economic perspective, park sports facilities possess the characteristics of non-excludability and non-rivalry.

These facilities embody the concrete practice of public goods in society, serving not only as shared spaces for health and recreation among urban residents but also as important mechanisms that promote social cohesion and equity. Through the use of these public facilities, citizens can enhance their physical and mental well-being while developing a sense of social responsibility and public awareness through shared experiences, thereby demonstrating the social value and sustainability of public goods.

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The Gwangandaegyo Bridge in Busan, South Korea

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The Gwangandaegyo Bridge in Busan, South Korea

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The Gwangandaegyo Bridge stretches for about 7.4 kilometers, connecting Namcheon-dong in Suyeong-gu, Busan, to Centum City in U-dong, Haeundae-gu. It is considered a public good because everyone can use it without paying. A public good is defined as being non-rivalrous and non-excludable. The bridge meets these criteria since it is open for all members of society to use, meaning no one can be excluded from access. Moreover, when traffic is not congested, one additional user does not reduce the benefit available to others. Therefore, the Gwangandaegyo Bridge can be regarded as a public good.

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I took this picture at National Taipei University. Walking under the tree to avoid the sunlight, I thought that tree shade is a public good, as it is non-rival and non-excludablity, unless the spot is too crowded and reduces the non-rivalry

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I'm a student studying at NTPU, however, I don't rent a house and stay in young-he with my family to save money and enjoy the bigger room which is more familiar to me. I go to school by bus every day. The bus is non-excludable because it only cost NT$15 for a ride, and the elderly, students and disables even got the government's subsidy to pay less. In addition, there is not a efficient measure to check if everyone on the bus had pay the money. However, since the bus has a limited capacity, people would be squeezed like they're in a can so it might be rival. So, although the bus service is provided by a government-owned enterprise, it's not a public good under a strict definition.

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U-bike is a public-sharing system in Taiwan. There are many u-bike station around this city. People can rent a bike from one station and return it to another. Users only have to pay a small fee which is based on how long you ride with your Easy Card or I-cash card, which can be bought in convenience stores, and can also be used to take the bus or the MRT. It’s a very convenient facility for everyone to move in short distances and explore the city.

U-bike creates several positive externalities. Including reducing air pollution and carbon emissions, because it encourages people to ride a bike rather than riding motorcycle or driving. It also eases traffic congestion and creates a trend of exercise, making residents healthier. However, there are some negative externalities. There may be some safety risks, if people ride on the sidewalk. Additionally, the city will be mess if many riders park on the wrong places.

U-bike are not public goods. Because you have to pay for them before you use it, they are exclusive. In addition, if one person ride on a u-bike, there is no possible for another one using it. Therefore, they are rival. Since U-bike is exclusive and rival, they are private goods.

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This photo was captured at my university - National Taipei University and the lake is called “Mind Lake”. When I took a walk last week,I found that there was such a beautiful view in my school, so I pictured down and shared to everyone. From an economic

perspective, the scenery of the lake is a kind of a public good. Public goods are

non-excludable and non-rival. No one can be excluded from enjoying the scenery , and one person's enjoyment does not influence others to watch it, either. These characteristics make this “Mind Lake” scenery become the resource everyone can enjoy it.

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This photo shows a Christmas tree located in the plaza near Zhongshan MRT Station.

From a public finance perspective, the Christmas tree can be regarded as a public good.

People passing by can enjoy its beautiful appearance without having to pay any cost, which demonstrates its non-excludability.

At the same time, many people were taking photos with the tree, illustrating its non-rivalrous nature — everyone can appreciate it at the same time without affecting others’ enjoyment.

Because of such an attractive decoration, more people are drawn to the area around Zhongshan Station, which in turn benefits local shops and stimulates the economy of the Zhongshan commercial district.

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This is a music festival sponsored by the government in Taiwan. Generally, such a festival can be considered a public good because it is non-excludable and non-rival. However, when the audience becomes too large, the festival may turn into a rival good. Once the venue becomes crowded, each additional person entering reduces the comfort and enjoyment of others.

Regarding the second concept in public finance—externalities—music festivals can generate both positive and negative externalities, such as waste, noise, and tourism. Garbage can be managed more easily through proper cleaning and recycling systems. In contrast, noise and tourism can be harder to balance, as one represents a negative externality while the other can be positive. The government sponsors music festivals to promote the music industry and stimulate the local economy, but externality issues must still be addressed for the event to remain sustainable.