Mei Nung Lake Introduction
Meinong Lake was constructed in 1748 and covers an area of 21 hectares, making it the second largest artificial lake in Kaohsiung City, after Cheng Qing Lake. Surrounded by mountains on the northwest and rice fields on three sides, Meinong Lake boasts beautiful scenery. The entire area around the lake features a lakeside trail and bicycle path, which visitors enjoy for cycling, walking, or fishing, with a tourist service center offering bike rentals. On the east side of the lake, trees such as Delonix regia, Taxodium distichum, Salix, and Melia azedarach are planted, along with flowering shrubs and aquatic plants, enhancing the ecological education aspect along with the scenic views. The birdwatching area was originally the only water source relied upon by local residents for daily life and irrigation during the Japanese occupation. Although sediment accumulation has diminished its irrigation function, it has created some islets and extensive vegetation, resulting in a prime ecological environment for birds. Over 60 species of birds can be found, making it a wonderful birdwatching location in southern Taiwan. In addition to common species like the Purple Gallinule, Waterhen, and Night Heron, rarer species such as the Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Chinese Pond Heron, Common Kingfisher, Baikal Teal, Eurasian Kestrel, Osprey, and more can also be spotted. From October to March each year, large numbers of migratory birds stop here for winter, attracting many bird enthusiasts to observe or photograph these birds. Chung Cheng Pavilion, a picturesque landmark of Meinong Lake, is located in the center of the lake and was built after then-President Chiang Kai-shek visited twice in 1956. The area was renamed from Chung Zhen Pond to Chung Cheng Lake, and the pavilion offers stunning views of the lake. In 1996, local residents initiated a name change to "Meinong Lake." The Meinong Hakka Cultural Museum, established in 2001, is tasked with preserving and passing on Hakka culture. It operates under the concept of a community museum, aiming for cultural identity and regional cultural development, showcasing the diverse history and culture of Meinong and enhancing local ethnic understanding and interaction. Over 90% of the population in the Meinong District is of Hakka descent, making it the most culturally preserved Hakka town in Taiwan. The museum's exterior combines the "tobacco tower" style with "courtyard design," featuring simple and rustic imagery using exposed concrete materials to create environmentally-friendly architecture. Inside, the museum features a two-story exhibition space that encapsulates various aspects of Hakka culture, including food, clothing, housing, and entertainment, utilizing multiple media formats such as artifacts, photographs, documents, videos, replicas, ecological landscaping, and interactive displays. The first floor includes a permanent exhibition zone, a display area for unique products, a DIY classroom, and a special exhibition room. The DIY classroom periodically offers various craft workshops, currently featuring paper umbrella painting, with blank umbrellas available for purchase at the service desk for creative painting. The second floor houses themed exhibits, a children's exploration area, and more artifact displays. The children's exploration area integrates Hakka’s natural and cultural landscape features through building blocks and includes unique foreign large soft block learning tools, providing a great space for parent-child interaction. Yong'an Old Street, previously known as "Meinon," was established when Hakka people from Pingtung crossed the Laonong River to create "Meinong Village." When the village was founded, 16 clan families built 24 gathering halls, naming Yong'an Street to wish for "permanent peace." With a history of over 200 years, it was among the first and most prosperous streets developed back then. The street extends for approximately two kilometers, beginning at the Jingzi Pavilion in the west and ending at the East Gate Tower, filled with nostalgic and historic charm, featuring the Desheng Shrine, the Bogu Shrine, Songwu Academy, ancient wells, Hakka indigo dyed shops, Meinong Old Bridge, and water channels, all narrating the beautiful stories of 200 years of change. After a walk, visitors can enjoy delicious Hakka snacks at the market and explore Hakka culture at the Hakka Museum or relax by the water channel, where each eave and corner is steeped in historical grace and emotion. Yong'an Old Street is a miniature of Hakka culture and represents the essence of Meinong. The East Gate Tower is located at the end of Yong'an Road, positioned along the main axis that runs through the village. It witnesses the history of Meinong’s establishment, with Meinong Village flourishing during the Qing Dynasty centered around Yong'an Street, which was surrounded by barricades, with the only city gate tower built at the East Gate. The East Gate Tower, a well-known landmark in Meinong, has a unique style, with its exact creation date challenging to ascertain; it is believed to have been first constructed in 1755, transformed from the original East Gate. In 1937, it was rebuilt by local dignitaries into its current three-story, reinforced concrete form, appearing majestic. The tower bears the inscription "Da Qi Wen Ming," which mimics the calligraphy of Huang Xiangyun, a prominent individual from Meinong who passed the imperial examination in 1829, and was designated as a historic site in 2000. Tseng Wenchung Art Museum is dedicated to the work of renowned oil and watercolor painter Tseng Wenchung, who was born in Meinong, Kaohsiung. His artwork mainly features landscapes of Meinong with a simple and natural style. After his retirement, he devoted himself to art creation, promoting Hakka culture and the beauty of Meinong. Tseng Wenchung has a deep emotional connection with the local customs and beautiful scenery, integrating his watercolor and oil painting skills into hundreds of paintings depicting his hometown’s idyllic landscapes. He has generously gifted a series of large oil paintings to cultural institutions and schools to promote arts education. Having grown up in a Hakka gathering hall on Yong'an Old Street, Tseng Wenchung holds a deep affection for traditional Hakka architecture. Concerned about the decline of beautifully structured gathering halls due to disrepair, he has been active in their preservation and revitalization, converting his childhood home into the "Tseng Wenchung Art Museum," showcasing his and others' works and providing a venue for art and literature lectures. Tseng once stated, "Meinong's beauty is comparable to that of the world; as a son of the Hakka community, I express my memories through painting and hope the audience can appreciate the beauty of Meinong."
