Pinglin Ecological Park Introduction
Pinglin Ecological Park is situated by the mountains and water, adjacent to the Tea Research and Extension Station, covering nearly three hectares. Although named an ecological park, it is essentially a garden located next to the Tea Research and Extension Station. The park is designed based on the existing terrain and retains many areas of primary forest. It features various landscape facilities and preserves a diverse range of native plant ecosystems, making it an excellent place for recreation and leisure. The plant ecology zone within the park is renowned, including the tea garden ecology area, medicinal plant area, and landscapes of azaleas, golden day lilies, and wild ginger lilies, as well as apricot blossom groves, cedar forests, Taiwan fir forests, maple gardens, aquatic plant complexes, and snakewood forests, each with its unique characteristics. Upon entering the park, the fragrance of tea mingles with that of flowers, refreshing the senses. Within the park, there is a shrine called "Siyuan Platform" that honors the protector deity of tea farmers, Matsu. This Matsu is about 200 years old and is said to have been brought from Fujian by early tea workers who migrated to Taiwan. Due to its reputed efficacy, an increasing number of tea farmers have come to pay their respects over the years, making it the main object of worship for tea farmers in Pinglin and a spiritual anchor for the local community.
