National Historic Site - Zhuzi Gate Power Plant Introduction
The Zhuzi Gate Power Plant, officially known as the Kaoping Power Plant Zhuzi Gate Branch, was built during the Japanese occupation to provide electricity to southern Taiwan. It is a run-of-river hydroelectric power station utilizing the water of the Laonong River. Established in 1908, the Zhuzi Gate Power Plant features lush greenery and elegant, simplified lines in its Baroque-style three-story brick building, devoid of complicated decorations. Its curved gables, an array of arched windows, and oculus windows give the plant a classical warmth, distinct from the cold industrial style, especially within the courtyard of traditional red-tile buildings in Meinong. The power generation equipment inside the plant was imported from Germany, and after a century, it still operates, serving as a living antique that witnesses Taiwan's power generation history over the past hundred years. For this reason, the Zhuzi Gate Power Plant is recognized as Taiwan's first "industrial heritage," and in 2003, it was designated a national historic site. The electricity generated from this plant laid the foundation for the modernization of southern Taiwan, and the drainage from power generation has enriched agricultural irrigation in the region. Visits can be arranged on weekdays, allowing guests to appreciate the beauty of the century-old plant and its environment, as well as to gain a hands-on understanding of hydroelectricity, making it a site of significant educational and touristic value.
