Daxi Zhongzheng Park Introduction
Take a stroll at Daxi Zhongzheng Park and enjoy the charm of bygone days. In 1909, Daxi Township became an important base for Japanese colonial administration, which implemented a city planning concept of "standard cities," leading to the birth of Daxi's first park – Dajicank Park. Overlooking the park shaped like Taiwan, it subtly embodies the nationalist sentiments that did not wish to fade away during the Japanese assimilation movement. In 1975, the park was renamed "Zhongzheng Park" to commemorate Chiang Kai-shek's contributions to Taiwan. The park features three major squares: "Sailboat Square," ideal for admiring the magnificent view of Daxi Bridge spanning the Dahan River from above; "Statue Square," showcasing Chiang Kai-shek on horseback, exuding the spirit of the Northern Expedition and anti-Japanese efforts; and "Daxi Sumo Arena" at the park's center, which stands a Tang dynasty-style pavilion constructed of logs. The rustic architectural design comes from local carpenters, and the solid cypress wood beams and columns are crafted without any steel nails, showcasing the exquisite wood craftsmanship of Daxi. The streamlined roof is layered with black copper tiles, radiating a nostalgic Japanese ambiance accompanied by the aroma of cypress, evoking images of past sumo events. The first shrine established in all of Taoyuan – the Daxi Shrine – is hidden within Zhongzheng Park. Without the guidance of five stone lanterns built recently along the worship path by the local office, one could easily miss it. Originally, the shrine had a worship hall and a main shrine, but they were demolished after the end of Japanese rule, leaving only the base, which was rebuilt into "Chaoran Pavilion." The stone benches and tables within the park are remnants from the original shrine, featuring faded inscriptions like "Showa" and "Donated." In 1975, an additional floor called "Hanguang Building" was added, offering a view of the beautiful Kanjin scenery. The "Fuxing Pavilion" in the park is another relic from the Japanese era. In 1930, many Japanese military and police officers died while suppressing the Tayal people, and a "Loyal Soul Monument" was erected in Hsinchu Province to honor them. After its demolition, a Chinese-style pavilion was rebuilt on the foundation stones. The wood culture is closely related to local life in Daxi, and the top is a common wooden toy. Visitors to Daxi Zhongzheng Park can see a top-shaped landmark at the entrance of Puji Road Park, and occasionally, one can spot adults and children enjoying themselves playing with tops in the park, which is quite amusing. Daxi Zhongzheng Park is rich in natural scenery; in addition to the ecological pond with Taiwanese duckweed and wild ginger flowers, it also features various tree species such as camphor trees, banyan trees, Jiuqiang, sweet gum, eggplant fruit trees, black pines, osmanthus, and bald cypress, making it a recreation spot filled with historical, cultural, and ecological beauty, where one can casually collect leisurely moments full of stories. The park also includes a children's playground themed "Big Boat and Small Boat" designed with the historical imagery of "Kanjin Returning Sail," corresponding to the past prosperous river transportation culture and history of Daxi. The big boat area is suitable for children ages 5-12, while the small boat area is for children ages 2-12, integrating local stories into the playground equipment design, merging imagination and exploration fun, allowing children to learn and grow through play. For those who want a different perspective of Daxi's old town, taking the 16-meter-high scenic elevator to overlook the terraced views of the Dahan River is a great choice. Without having to walk down steep stone steps, one can comfortably enjoy the expansive waterfront view in less than ten seconds. For travelers who prefer to take their time savoring the scenery along the way, including the Cliffside Trail in their itinerary is recommended; this 450-meter friendly trail extends from Sailboat Square to Zhenan Temple Square, allowing visitors to experience the tranquility surrounded by greenery while also enjoying the beautiful sunset and the sound of flowing water, representing the Eight Sceneries of Daxi.
