Mei Nung Lake Introduction
Meilong Lake was constructed in 1748, covering an area of 21 hectares, making it the second largest artificial lake in Kaohsiung City, after Chengcing Lake. Surrounded by mountains to the northwest and fields on three sides, the picturesque scenery of the lake is complemented by hiking trails and bike paths along the lakeshore, making it a popular spot for tourists to enjoy cycling, walking, or fishing. The tourist service center offers bike rentals. On the east side of Meilong Lake, various tree species such as Delonix regia, Taxodium distichum, Salix babylonica, and Melia azedarach, as well as flowering shrubs and aquatic plants, have been planted to enhance the ecological education function of the area in addition to its beautiful scenery. The bird-watching area, which was historically the only water source for local residents' daily lives and agricultural irrigation during the Japanese occupation, has seen sediment accumulation that has reduced its irrigation capabilities. However, this has led to the formation of small islands and dense aquatic vegetation, making it an ideal ecological environment for nurturing birds, with over 60 species, and is a great spot for bird watching in southern Taiwan. In addition to common species such as the purple gallinule, water pheasant, and night heron, there are also rare birds including the little bittern, purple heron, pond heron, black-capped kingfisher, bar-headed goose, red kite, ospreys, and water pheasant. From October to March each year, a large number of migratory birds come here to rest, attracting many bird enthusiasts for bird watching or capturing images of these avian visitors. The picturesque landscape of Meilong Lake often features Zhongzheng Pavilion, which was built in the center of the lake after former President Chiang Kai-shek’s two visits in 1956, at which point Zhongzhen Pool was renamed Meilong Lake. Visitors can enjoy the stunning lake views from the pavilion. In 1996, local residents initiated a movement to rename the lake to its current name "Meilong Lake." The Meilong Hakka Cultural Museum was established in 2001, taking on the important mission of preserving and passing on Hakka cultural history. It operates based on the community museum concept, promoting cultural identity and regional cultural development, showcasing the multifaceted history and culture of Meilong, and enhancing understanding and interaction among local ethnic groups. Over 90% of the population in Meilong District is of Hakka descent, making it the town in Taiwan with the most well-preserved Hakka culture. The museum’s design combines aspects of the "tobacco barn" style and courtyard design, utilizing raw concrete materials to present a simple and unadorned image as an eco-friendly building integrated with the local environment. Inside, the two-story exhibition space condenses various aspects of Hakka culture, including food, clothing, living, education, and entertainment, using various media, artifacts, photographs, documents, videos, recording tapes, replica models, ecological landscapes, and interactive displays to illustrate historical features while demonstrating the interaction between cultural traits and the environment. The first floor includes a permanent exhibition area, a specialty product display area, a DIY classroom, artifact display area, and an exhibition room for special exhibitions. The DIY classroom regularly offers various handicraft workshops, and currently, a DIY activity for painting paper umbrellas is available for purchase at the service desk. The second floor features a theme hall, a children's exploration area, and another artifact display area. The children's exploration area incorporates "building blocks" as materials, integrating the natural and cultural landscape features of Meilong into every corner of play, and features imported large soft building block learning tools exclusive to Taiwan, making it an excellent venue for parent-child learning and interaction. Yong'an Old Street, formerly known as "Minong," was established by Hakka people from Pingtung Li in the Qing Dynasty, who crossed the Laonong River to build "Minong Village" at the foot of Moonlight Mountain. During its establishment, the 16 founding families built 24 dormitories and named the street Yong'an Street to pray for a "permanent peace" of residence. This area has a history of over 200 years and was the earliest and most prosperous street during the development. From the auspicious Pavilion at the west side of Minong Village to the East Gate Tower spans about two kilometers, filled with an antique and nostalgic atmosphere, including the Desheng Temple, the Bogu Temple, the Songwu Academy, ancient wells, Hakka blue shirt shops, Meilong Old Bridge, and water systems, alongside numerous charming Hakka dormitories and beautiful gate towers, narrating over two centuries of beautiful stories. Tired visitors can stop by the market for some delicious Hakka snacks, and to experience Hakka village culture, they can delve into the Hakka Cultural Museum or enjoy the pleasant sights of Meilong by the water, where every eave and corner offers elegant histories and emotions. Yong'an Old Street is a veritable microcosm of Hakka culture, and is the essence of Meilong. The East Gate Tower is located at the end of Yong'an Road, along the main axis running through the village. It witnesses the history of Meilong's establishment. During the Qing Dynasty, Meilong Village was centered around Yong'an Street, surrounded by gates, with only the East Gate Tower serving as the solitary city gate. The East Gate Tower is Meilong's most famous landmark, notable for its unique design. Its exact founding year is difficult to ascertain, but it is believed to have been built around 1755, transformed from an existing east gate of the village by the residents of Minong Village. In 1937, local gentry initiated its reconstruction, resulting in the current three-story steel and concrete structure, which looks imposing and elegant. The gate tower is inscribed with the phrase "Great Enlightenment of Civilization," mimicking an inscription by Huang Xiangyun from Minong Village who achieved the highest degree during the Daoguang era in 1829. In 2000, it was designated a historical monument. Zeng Wenzhong Art Museum, founded by teacher Zeng Wenzhong, who was born in Meilong, Kaohsiung, dedicated his life to art education and is a renowned oil and watercolor painter. His works mainly capture the rural landscapes of Meilong, characterized by a simple and natural style. After retirement, he devoted himself to artistic creation, promoting Hakka culture and the beauty of Meilong's landscape. Zeng has a deep affection for Meilong's scenery and communities, and combined his skills in watercolor and oil painting to create hundreds of pieces in the Meilong Hometown and Kaohsiung series, portraying the stunning landscapes of his hometown. He donated a series of large oil paintings to cultural institutions and schools to enhance artistic education for students. Growing up in the Zeng family's dormitories on Yong'an Old Street, he is particularly fond of the traditional Hakka dormitory architecture. Aware that these uniquely styled dormitories are gradually disappearing due to neglect, he worked tirelessly for their preservation and renewal and transformed his family home into the Zeng Wenzhong Art Museum, showcasing his own and other artists' works and providing a venue for art and literature lectures. Zeng has stated, "The beauty of Meilong is not inferior to that of world-renowned landscapes. As a child of the Hakka people, I present my memories through my brush, hoping the audience can also feel the beauty of Meilong." He also encourages the preservation...
