Erhjen River Waterfront Park Introduction
The Erhjen River, originating from Shanjia Lake in Neimen District, Kaohsiung City, serves as the boundary river between Kaohsiung and Tainan. From the 1970s to 2000, the mid-stream of the Erhjen River was a hub of factories processing and recycling waste metals, while upstream there were pig farms and livestock breeding facilities, resulting in the river being foul-smelling and dark, with pollution levels reaching the highest in Taiwan. Starting in 2001, significant remediation efforts began, and in recent years, the Erhjen River has slowly regained vitality. The district office set up two observation decks and a waterfront park within the Alian District, along with areas for observing wild plants, camping, and an artificial lake. Aside from wooden walkways, most of the riverbank retains its original natural features, while aquatic plants provide habitats for birds and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Erhjen River, taking in the lush greenery and tranquil scenery. The Erhjen River Waterfront Park is a great spot for family outings and bird watching, and it stands as a testament to ecological restoration.
