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 lush with trees and features historical, cultural, and animal elements throughout, often associated with the saying "Previous generations plant trees, later generations enjoy the shade." In urban Taiwan, finding a green oasis like Taichung Park is rare, and the poetic and picturesque environment cultivated over many years provides a natural resting place for those who wish to relax without spending much or driving far to the mountains or rivers. For many residents of Taichung, Taichung Park is a beloved place for recreation and rest, whether for exercise, boating on the pavilion in the lake, family gatherings, or romantic moments for couples. For travelers, Taichung Park is a must-visit landmark of Taichung, the first centennial park in Taiwan, preserving historical relics while being conveniently located near lively night markets and transportation stations, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and activity, with accommodations, food, and snacks readily available. Lakeside Pavilion The Lakeside Pavilion, designed in European architectural style, was built in 1908 (41st year of the Meiji era) to celebrate the opening ceremony of the entire Westward Railway. Prince Yoshihito of the Japanese Imperial Family, who presided over the event, famously stayed overnight at the pavilion, which thus gained significant fame. Since the Japanese colonial period, the Lakeside Pavilion has been a symbol of Taichung City. On April 17, 1999, it was officially designated as a "City Historic Site," including the pavilion and the nearby Zhongshan Bridge. Wangyue Pavilion Wangyue Pavilion was built in 1889 (15th year of the Guangxu era) and is the only remaining historical site from the Tainan City era. When the Qing Dynasty established counties in Taiwan, Governor Liu Mingchuan made Taichung the provincial capital, leading to the construction of eight city gates and four watchtowers. Wangyue Pavilion is a remnant of the northern gate among the eight. As time progressed, these old watchtowers were mostly destroyed during the Japanese occupation, with Wangyue Pavilion being the sole survivor. The pavilion features an inscription on a plaque that reads "Music for Welcoming Deities," contributed by Taiwan's governor Huang Cheng-yi, which is over a hundred years old and serves as the oldest commemorative piece in Taichung Park. The original plaque is currently stored at the Niumatou Cultural Park. The Geng Pavilion was originally the main entrance of the Wu Luanqi residence, which was demolished around 1980. To preserve the historical site, the Taichung City Government relocated the Geng Pavilion to Taichung Park, making it the only remaining traditional Chinese Geng Pavilion structure in Taiwan.
