Daxi Zhongzheng Park Introduction
Take a stroll at Daxi Chiayi Park and enjoy the nostalgic charm of the past. In 1909, "Daxi Street" became an important base for Japan's colonial administration, leading to urban planning based on the concept of a "standard city," which gave birth to Daxi's first park, Daxi Shimen Park. Overlooking the park shaped like Taiwan, it embodies the national belief that refused to be lost during the Japanization movement. In 1975, the park was renamed "Chiayi Park" to commemorate Chiang Kai-shek's contributions to Taiwan. The park features four main squares, with the Sailboat Square being the "first in Taiwan," perfect for appreciating the magnificent scenery of the Daxi Bridge spanning the Dahan River from a high vantage point. Due to the local wooden culture closely linked to life, the spinning top is a common wooden toy, and the Spinning Top Square symbolizes it as one of Daxi's important cultural products. The Statue Square showcases a heroic statue of Chiang Kai-shek on horseback, exuding the spirit of the Northern Expedition and resistance against Japanese occupation. At the center of the park is the Daxi Sumo Arena, featuring a Tang Dynasty pavilion constructed from raw wood. The rustic architectural style is crafted by local carpenters, with solid cypress wood beams and columns free of any steel nails, showcasing Daxi's exquisite woodworking; the streamlined roof is layered with dark bronze tiles, with a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere accompanied by the fragrance of cypress, evoking images of past sumo events. The first shrine established in Taoyuan – Daxi Shrine – is hidden within Chiayi Park. Without the guidance of five stone lanterns leading up the worship path recently built by the local office, one could easily miss it. The shrine originally had a worship hall and main hall, which were demolished after the Restoration, leaving only its base, which was transformed into the "Chaoran Pavilion." The stone benches and tables in the park are remnants from the shrine, inscribed with faint characters such as "Showa" and "offering." In 1975, an additional floor was built as "Hanguang Building," offering views of the scenic Kan-tsun area. The "Fuxing Pavilion" in the park is another site from the Japanese colonial period; in 1930, many Japanese military and police officers lost their lives while suppressing the Tayal people, leading to the establishment of a "Monument of Loyalty" in Hsinchu Prefecture. After it was demolished, a Chinese-style pavilion was constructed on its foundation. Daxi Chiayi Park is rich in natural scenery, featuring an ecological pond with Taiwanese duckweed and wild ginger flowers, along with trees such as camphor, banyan, nine-cornered, sweet gum, eggplant, black pine, osmanthus, and cypress, making it a recreational spot filled with historical culture and ecological beauty. Every leisurely moment spent here is full of stories. For a different perspective of Daxi Old Town, taking a 16-meter high scenic elevator to overlook the Dahan River's terraced landscape is a great choice. No need to walk up steep stone steps, you can easily enjoy the expansive riverside view in just ten seconds. For travelers who prefer to walk and savor the scenery along the way, including the cliffside trail in your itinerary is recommended; the 450-meter friendly trail extends from Sailboat Square to Zhennan Palace Square, allowing you to experience the tranquility surrounded by greenery while enjoying breathtaking sunset views and the soothing sound of flowing water, one of Daxi’s eight scenic spots.
