Daxi Zhongzheng Park Introduction
Take a stroll through Zhongzheng Park in Daxi to enjoy the charm of the past. Established in 1909 as an important base for the Japanese colonial government's administration, Daxi became a model city under the "standard city" concept, leading to the creation of its first park, Daxi Kengshan Park. Overlooking the park shaped like Taiwan, it reflects the national spirit unwilling to be lost during the Japonization movement. In 1975, the park was renamed Zhongzheng Park to commemorate Chiang Kai-shek's contributions in Taiwan. The park features three main plazas: the "Sailboat Plaza," where visitors can enjoy a lofty view of the grandeur of Daxi Bridge spanning the Dahan River; the "Statue Plaza," showcasing an impressive statue of Chiang Kai-shek on horseback, embodying the spirit of the Northern Expedition and anti-Japanese efforts; and the central "Daxi Sumo Arena," which features a Tang dynasty-style pavilion built from logs. This rustic structure, designed by local carpenters, showcases exquisite wood craftsmanship with solid cypress beams and columns that contain no steel nails, while the streamlined roof is covered with copper tiles, giving off a nostalgic Japanese feel accompanied by the fragrance of cypress, evoking memories of past sumo wrestling events. The first shrine built in all of Taoyuan County, Daxi Shrine, is hidden within Zhongzheng Park. Without the recent construction of a worship path marked by five stone lanterns by the local office, it might easily go unnoticed. Originally containing a worship hall and main hall, the shrine was demolished after the end of Japanese rule, leaving only the base which was later rebuilt as Chaoran Pavilion. Stone benches and tables in the park are remnants from the original shrine, with inscriptions that have become faint over time, including characters like "Showa" and "Offering." In 1975, an additional level called Han Guang Building was added, offering views of the beautiful Kengzan scenery. Fuxing Pavilion in the park is another remnant from the Japanese era, commemorating many Japanese military and police officers who lost their lives while suppressing the Thao people in 1930. A memorial was established by Hsinchu County at that time; after its destruction, a Chinese-style pavilion was built on its foundation. The culture of woodworking is closely related to local life in Daxi, with spinning tops being a common wooden toy. Visitors to Zhongzheng Park can see a spinning top landmark at the entrance of Puji Road Park, and occasionally witness children playing with tops in the park, which adds to the fun. Zhongzheng Park boasts rich natural scenery, with ecological ponds featuring Taiwanese duckweed, wild ginger flowers, and trees such as camphor, banyan, foxglove, sweet gum, lychee, black pine, osmanthus, and bald cypress, making it a relaxing spot filled with historical and ecological beauty, where every moment offers a story. There is also a children's playground designed with the theme "Kengzhan Return of Sailboats," inspired by Daxi's historical river transport culture. The "large boat" area is suitable for children aged 5-12, while the "small boat" area is designed for younger children aged 2-12, integrating local stories into the design of the play equipment and blending imagination with the joy of exploration, allowing children to learn and grow through play. For a different perspective of the historical old town of Daxi, taking the 16-meter-high scenic elevator to enjoy the views of the Dahan River's terraces is an excellent choice. It allows visitors to avoid climbing the steep stone steps, providing easy access to expansive riverside vistas in just ten seconds. Those who prefer to leisurely appreciate the scenery while walking should include the Cliff Path in their itinerary; this friendly 450-meter path extends from Sailboat Plaza to Zhen Nan Gong Plaza, allowing visitors to experience the tranquility surrounded by greenery, while enjoying beautiful sunsets and the soothing sounds of flowing water, part of the eight scenic spots of Daxi.
