Dajia River Hydroelectric Power Plant Ecological Park (Ma'an Dam Ecological Park) Introduction
The Dajia Creek Power Plant in Taichung's Heping District has been transformed into the Dajia Creek Power Plant Ecological Park (Ma'an Dam Ecological Park), which integrates forest water resources, electrical technology, and natural ecology. It not only serves as the core of hydropower in central Taiwan but also contains rich ecological corridors with abundant fish, birds, butterflies, macaques, wild boars, and plants. The park offers both energy education and ecological observation functions and features a bicycle rest station for cyclists. Visitors can plan trips to enjoy the nearby phytoncide-rich forest, visit the century-old hydraulic engineering site of the Baileng Canal, or combine their visit with nearby attractions such as the Guguan Hot Springs and the Baxianshan Forest Recreation Area for an intellectual leisure trip. The park includes notable attractions such as a green energy power generation exhibition, dynamic wheel display, technology exhibition hall, Ma'an water inlet, contemplation pavilion, egret island, Tianlun Baileng Suspension Bridge, Baileng Canal water intake, Xintianlun tailwater, Baileng popsicles, Baileng meat buns, and ecological fishway display. It's worth mentioning that the green energy display area features relevant power generation equipment, allowing visitors to see real-time power generation data from instruments, helping them understand how wind and solar power generation are affected by climate. In addition, there are opportunities for visitors to experience operating a water wheel and learn about the principles of hydropower generation. The ecological fishway display area includes visitor pathways and fish observation windows to learn about fish migration. The Tianlun Baileng Suspension Bridge, located between Ma'an Dam and the Dajia Creek Power Plant, is 100 meters long and spans the Dajia Creek. Originally a primary passageway on both sides of the Dajia Creek in the Baileng area, it is now restricted to pedestrian access due to safety considerations, with vehicles rerouted to the top road of Ma'an Dam. Strolling along the bridge, one can enjoy the view of the Dajia Creek Power Plant's water outlet upstream and see egrets soaring in the sky downstream, taking in the beautiful scenery of hydropower resources and natural ecology. Before leaving the park, be sure to taste the local delicacies, such as the cooperative-produced "Baileng popsicle" and the Hakka-style bun "Baileng meat bun," which has a history of over 40 years.
