Erhjen River Waterside Park Introduction
The Erhjen Creek, originating from the Shanzhu Lake area in the Neimen District of Kaohsiung City, serves as the boundary creek between Kaohsiung and Tainan. From the 1970s to 2000, the midsection of the Erhjen Creek was a hub for factories specializing in the processing and recycling of waste metals. Additionally, pig farms and animal breeding facilities were located upstream, resulting in the creek's water becoming foul and black, with pollution levels reaching the highest in Taiwan. Since major remediation efforts began in 2001, the Erhjen Creek has slowly regained vitality in recent years. The district office set up two observation decks and a waterfront park in the Alian District, featuring areas for observing wild plants, camping, and an artificial lake. Besides the wooden paths, most of the creek banks retain their natural appearance, and the aquatic plants provide habitats for birds and wildlife. The scenic view of the entire Erhjen Creek, with its lush greenery and tranquil landscape, is captivating. The Erhjen Creek Waterfront Park is an excellent spot for family outings and birdwatching, serving as a testament to ecological restoration.