Daxi Zhongzheng Park Introduction
Daxi Zhongzheng Park is undergoing an update of its children's playground facilities, scheduled for completion by the end of June 2025. >>Details can be found through the link. Daxi Zhongzheng Park offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the past. Established in 1909, Daxi Street was an important base for Japanese colonial administration, leading to urban planning based on the concept of a "standard city" and the subsequent creation of Daxi's first park - Daxikeng Park. The park, which is shaped like Taiwan, subtly embodies the national consciousness that was unwilling to be lost during the Japanese assimilation movement. In 1975, the park was renamed "Zhongzheng Park" in honor of Chiang Kai-shek's contributions during his time in Taiwan. The park features four main squares. At the "Taiwan First" Sailing Square, visitors can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Daxi Bridge spanning the Dahan River from a vantage point. Due to the local wooden crafts culture, spinning tops are common wooden toys, and the Top Square symbolizes this important cultural artifact of Daxi. The Statue Square focuses on a majestic statue of Chiang Kai-shek on horseback, embodying the spirit of the Northern Expedition and the resistance against Japan. In the park's center lies the Daxi Sumo Ring, featuring a cool pavilion constructed from original wood in the Tang Dynasty style. The rustic style of the building was conceived by local carpenters, with beams and pillars made of solid cypress wood without any steel nails, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Daxi woodwork. The streamlined roof is covered with black copper tiles, evoking a nostalgic Japanese ambiance accompanied by the scent of cypress wood, inviting imaginations of past sumo events. The Daxi Shrine, the first shrine established in Taoyuan City, is hidden within Zhongzheng Park. Without the guidance of five stone lanterns along the recently constructed pilgrimage path, one might easily overlook it. The shrine originally contained a worship hall and main hall, which were demolished post World War II, leaving only the base that was transformed into "Chaoranting." The stone benches and tables in the park are remnants of the original shrine, with faded inscriptions of words like "Showa" and "Dedicated." In 1975, an additional level was built, now known as "Hanguang Building," offering views of the beautiful landscape of Kanjin. The "Fuxing Pavilion" in the park is another historical site from the Japanese occupation period, where many Japanese military personnel lost their lives while suppressing the Tayal people in 1930. The Hsinchu Prefecture erected a "Monument to Loyal Souls" which was later removed, and a Chinese-style pavilion was built on its foundation. Daxi Zhongzheng Park boasts rich natural scenery, including an ecological pond with Taiwanese duckweed and wild ginger flowers, along with various trees such as camphor, banyan, nine-angled trees, sweet gum, java plum, black pine, osmanthus, and bald cypress. This makes the park a recreational spot filled with historical, cultural, and ecological beauty, allowing one to casually pick up pieces of serene time that carry their own stories. For a different perspective on the old town of Daxi, taking the 16-meter high scenic elevator is an excellent choice to view the Dahan River terrace scenery. Without the need to walk the steep stone steps, visitors can easily enjoy the expansive riverside views in just ten seconds. Travelers who prefer to walk and savor the scenery along the way should include the Clifftop Trail in their itinerary; this 450-meter friendly path extends from Sailing Square to Zhenan Temple Square, providing a tranquil experience surrounded by greenery and the chance to enjoy beautiful sunsets and the sound of flowing water, capturing the essence of the eight scenic views of Daxi.
