Dajia River Power Plant Ecological Park (Ma'an Dam Ecological Park) Introduction
The Dajia River Power Plant in Taichung's Heping District has been transformed into the Dajia River Power Plant Ecological Park (Ma'an Dam Ecological Park), integrating forest water resources, power technology, and natural ecology. It is not only the core of hydropower generation in central Taiwan but also a rich ecological corridor home to diverse species of fish, birds, butterflies, macaques, wild boars, and plants. The park serves dual purposes of energy education and ecological observation, equipped with a bike rest station, providing a relaxing environment for cyclists. Visitors can plan a trip to enjoy the forest's phytoncides, visit the century-old hydraulic construction of the Baileng Canal, or pair their visit with nearby attractions like the Guguan Hot Springs and the Baxianshan Forest Recreation Area for a knowledgeable and leisurely journey. The park features a variety of attractions including green energy generation displays, a dynamic wheel exhibit, a technology exhibition hall, the Ma'an water intake, a meditation pavilion, Egret Island, the Baileng suspension bridge, the Baileng water intake, the new tail water outlet, Baileng popsicles, Baileng meat buns, and an ecological fishway display. Notably, the green energy display area includes relevant generating equipment, allowing visitors to see real-time power generation on instruments, helping them understand how wind and solar power generation are influenced by climate. Additionally, it provides hands-on experiences with water turbines to understand the principles of hydropower. The ecological fishway display area features viewing paths and fish observation windows, providing insights into fish migration. The Tianlun Baileng Suspension Bridge, located between Ma'an Dam and the Dajia River Power Plant, is 100 meters long and spans across the Dajia River. Originally a primary passage across the river in the Baileng area, the bridge is now limited to pedestrian traffic due to safety concerns stemming from its age, with vehicles redirected to the road on top of Ma'an Dam. Strolling across the bridge, visitors can gaze upstream at the water outlet of the Dajia River Power Plant and downstream at egrets soaring in the sky, taking in the stunning views of hydropower resources and natural ecology. Before leaving the park, don’t miss the chance to savor local specialties, such as the co-op-produced branch ice "Baileng popsicle" and the Hakka-style buns "Baileng meat buns" with over 40 years of history.
