Zhuzi Gate Power Plant Introduction
The Zhuzaimen Hydroelectric Power Plant, officially named "Gaoping Power Plant Zhuzaimen Branch," was built during the Japanese colonial period to provide electricity to southern Taiwan. It is a run-of-the-river power plant that utilizes the flow of the Laonong River for hydropower generation. Established in 1908, the Zhuzaimen Power Plant is adorned with lush greenery, featuring a Baroque-style three-story brick building that removes elaborate decorations while preserving simple and elegant lines. The curved gables, arranged arch windows, and ocular windows give the power plant a classic and warm atmosphere, contrasting with the cold industrial style, and perfectly blending into the traditional courtyard houses made of Meilong red bricks. The power generation equipment inside the plant was imported from Germany at that time and, after a century, it still operates, with the antique-like generators witnessing the history of power generation in Taiwan. As a result, the Zhuzaimen Power Plant has been designated as Taiwan's first "industrial heritage," and in 2003 it became a national historic site. The electricity generated here laid the foundation for the modernization of southern Taiwan, while the discharged water contributed significantly to agricultural irrigation in Kaohsiung and Pingtung, promoting prosperity. Visits can be arranged on working days to appreciate the beauty of this century-old power plant and its environment, as well as to learn about hydropower generation, making it a significant educational and touristic experience.
