Chiang Kai-shek Park Introduction
Chung Cheng Park, the best outdoor performance venue in the city center, was originally the site of the Public Office of the Pingpu Hongya people in the Zhu Luo Mountain area. During the Qing Dynasty, it was established as a foreign ministerial area, and during the Japanese occupation, it was developed into a public hall, which at the time featured the largest restaurant in Taiwan, accommodating over a thousand people. After World War II, it was transformed into Zhongshan Hall and developed into a recreational area, complete with a sports field and library. "Kangle Mugou" was once one of the eight scenic spots in Chiayi. Although the park is not large, it is characterized by the numerous statues of famous people, the most notable being the statue of former mayor Shi-Hsien, known as the "Matsu of Chiayi." Chung Cheng Park was completed in 1989, and features an open-air music stage with an arched design. The stage measures 20 meters in width and 16.7 meters in depth, accommodating 600 seats. Additionally, there are dressing rooms for performers in the basement, as well as a paid underground parking lot to ease any parking concerns, making it the best outdoor performance venue in the city center. The small exhibition hall within the park serves as a space for cultural activities, often hosting art events, filled with vitality and joy. The scenery and facilities are rich in cultural and artistic flavor, especially at night when it is brightly lit, emanating a distinct European artistic atmosphere.
