Erjen River Aquatic Park Introduction
The Erh-Jen River, which originates from Shanzhug 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 Erh-Jen River was a gathering place for factories that recycled and processed scrap metal, and the upstream area included pig farms and poultry breeding facilities, resulting in the river being foul-smelling and dark, with pollution levels reaching the highest in Taiwan. Since 2001, extensive restoration efforts have been made, and in recent years, the Erh-Jen River has gradually regained vitality. The local district office has set up two observation decks at the Alian District, named Waluo and Changlu, along with a riverside park featuring areas for observing wild plants, camping sites, and an artificial lake. Aside from the wooden boardwalk, most of the riverside retains its natural state, and the aquatic plants provide habitats for birds and other wildlife. The panoramic view of the Erh-Jen River showcases lush greenery and tranquil scenery, making the Erh-Jen River Riverside Park an excellent spot for family outings and birdwatching, as well as a testament to ecological restoration.