Dajia River Power Plant Ecological Park (Ma'an Dam Ecological Park) Introduction
The Dajia River Hydroelectric Power Plant in Taichung's Heping District has transformed into the Dajia River Hydroelectric Power Plant Ecological Park (Ma'an Dam Ecological Park), integrating forest water resources, power technology, and natural ecology. It not only serves as the core of central Taiwan's hydropower generation but also harbors a rich ecological corridor with fish, birds, butterflies, macaques, wild boars, and various plants. The park features energy education and ecological observation functions, with a bike station that provides a resting area for cyclists. Visitors can plan a trip here to enjoy the forest's phytoncides, visit the century-old hydraulic construction of the Baileng Canal, or combine their visit with nearby attractions like the Guguan Hot Springs and the Bajian Mountain Forest Recreation Area for a knowledgeable and leisurely trip. The park includes several tourist attractions, such as a green energy generation display, dynamic wheel exhibits, a technology exhibition hall, the Ma'an inlet, a contemplation pavilion, Egret Island, the Tianlun Baileng Suspension Bridge, the Baileng Canal water intake, the New Tianlun tailwater, Baileng popsicles, Baileng buns, and an ecological fishway display. It's noteworthy that in the green energy generation display area, relevant generation machinery is installed, displaying real-time power generation data, allowing visitors to understand how wind and solar power generation is affected by climatic conditions. Additionally, there is an opportunity for visitors to experience operating a water wheel to learn about the principles of hydropower generation; the ecological fishway display area features walking paths and fish observation windows for understanding fish migration. The Tianlun Baileng Suspension Bridge, located between the Ma'an Dam and the Dajia River Hydroelectric Power Plant, is 100 meters long and spans the Dajia River. Originally a key passageway between the banks of the Dajia River in the Baileng area, the bridge is now only open for pedestrian traffic due to safety concerns, with vehicles redirected to the Ma'an Dam top road. Walking on the bridge, visitors can overlook the water outlet of the Dajia River Hydroelectric Power Plant upstream and watch egrets soaring downstream, enjoying the beauty of hydropower resources and natural ecology. Before leaving the park, be sure to try the local specialties, such as the cooperative's homemade "Baileng popsicle" and the Hakka-style bun "Baileng bun," which has a history of over 40 years.
