Taichung Park Introduction
Taichung Park, the first centennial park in Taiwan, has been a landmark in Taichung City for over a hundred years. The park is filled with lush greenery and incorporates elements of history, culture, and wildlife. It is often said that "the ancients planted trees for future generations to enjoy the shade." In urban Taiwan, it is rare to find a green space like Taichung Park, which has taken a long time to cultivate, allowing future generations to find a natural retreat without spending much money or driving far to the mountains or riversides when they feel tired. For many Taichung residents, Taichung Park has been a favorite place for recreation and relaxation since childhood, whether for sports or boating on the pavilion's lake. It serves as a warm gathering place for families and a romantic corner for couples to express their love. For travelers, Taichung Park is a landmark of Taichung, being the first centennial park in Taiwan, boasting historic relics and convenient access to lively night markets and stations, making it one of the perfect destinations for both active and serene activities. Hartwell Pavilion The Hartwell Pavilion, an architectural gem with European style, was constructed in 1908 (the 41st year of the Meiji period) to celebrate the opening of the entire length of the TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration). The Japanese Prince Katsura Takamatsu, who presided over the event, famously stayed at this pavilion, bringing it significant fame. Since the Japanese occupation, the Hartwell Pavilion has symbolized Taichung City, and on April 17, 1999, it was officially designated as a "Municipal Historic Site," encompassing both the pavilion and the adjacent Zhongshan Bridge. Moon Viewing Pavilion The Moon Viewing Pavilion was built in 1889 (the 15th year of the Guangxu Emperor's reign) and is currently the only remaining relic of the Tainan City. Due to the establishment of the Taiwan Province by the Qing court, the governor Liu Ming-chuan built eight city gates and four watchtowers when he designated Taichung as the provincial capital. The Moon Viewing Pavilion is a remnant of the north gate among the eight city gates. Over time, most of the old city towers were destroyed during the Japanese occupation, leaving only the Moon Viewing Pavilion. The plaque inside the pavilion, inscribed with "The Melody Welcomes the Deities," was composed by Taiwan's magistrate Huang Cheng-yi and is over a hundred years old, making it the oldest memorial in Taichung Park. The original plaque is currently stored at the Niuma Head Archaeological and Cultural Park, while a replica is displayed on-site. Geng Pavilion Originally the main gate tower of the Wu Luanqi Mansion, the Geng Pavilion was dismantled around 1980. To preserve the historical remains of the mansion, the Taichung City Government relocated the Geng Pavilion to Taichung Park, making it the only remaining Chinese-style pavilion in Taiwan.
