Taichung Park Introduction
Taichung Park, the first centennial park in Taiwan, has been a landmark of Taichung City for over a hundred years. The park is lush with trees and features elements of history, culture, and wildlife, embodying the saying "The previous generation plants trees, and the next generation enjoys the shade." In urban areas of Taiwan, it is rare to find a green space like Taichung Park that offers such poetic scenery, providing a natural retreat without the need to spend much money or travel far to the mountains or rivers for relaxation. For many locals in Taichung, Taichung Park is a beloved spot for recreation and relaxation since childhood. Whether it's for exercise or rowing at the pavilion on the 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 symbol of the city, being Taiwan's first centennial park that preserves historic relics and offers convenient access to bustling night markets and train stations. It is an excellent destination that caters to both leisure and activity, with numerous accommodations, dining options, and snacks available. The Pavilion on the Lake, a European-style structure, was built in 1908 (the 41st year of the Meiji era) to celebrate the opening ceremony of the entire length of the Taiwan Railway. Prince Yoshihisa of Japan, who oversaw the event in Taiwan, once stayed overnight in this pavilion, thus elevating its fame. Since the Japanese colonial era, the Pavilion on the Lake has been a symbol of Taichung City and was officially designated as a "City Historical Site" on April 17, 1999. The designated area includes the pavilion and the adjacent Zhongshan Bridge. Wangyue Pavilion was built in 1889 (the 15th year of the Guangxu era) and is the only remaining relic of the Taiwan Prefectural City. Following the establishment of the Taiwan Province by the Qing Dynasty, Governor Liu Mingchuan made Taichung the provincial capital, leading to the construction of eight city gates and four city towers. Wangyue Pavilion is the remaining structure from the northern gate. Over time, these old city towers were mostly destroyed during the Japanese colonial period, leaving only Wangyue Pavilion as a survivor. The plaque inside the pavilion, inscribed "Music to Welcome the Gods," was contributed by County Magistrate Huang Cheng-yi and is a historical artifact over a hundred years old, making it the oldest monument in Taichung Park. Currently, a replica is displayed on-site while the original is preserved at the Nioumatu Cultural Park. Geng Lou was originally the main entrance gate of the Wu Luanqi residence, which was demolished around 1980. In order to preserve this historic relic, the Taichung City Government relocated Geng Lou to Taichung Park, making it the only remaining traditional Chinese building of its kind in Taiwan.
