Song of the Forest Introduction
"The Song of the Forest" is located at the intersection of Cultural Road and the Taiwan Railways in Chiayi City. It features towering ancient trees and the Alishan train tracks as its primary design elements, creating a tranquil spiritual tower. Vertical wooden strips surround the theme, resembling the ancient trees of Alishan embraced by the sky. The curving pathways mimic the meandering Alishan train tracks, weaving through mountains and caves. The rattan-woven corridors reflect the natural play of light and shadow, akin to a forest train navigating through the scenic landscape of Alishan. The base of the structure is made of stacked stones, resembling the majestic stature of Alishan, portraying a grand image. The inspiration comes from the Kubu shape of the Tsou people of Alishan and indigenous bamboo weaving. Using materials such as wood, railway tracks, and stones provided by the Forestry Bureau of the Council of Agriculture, it offers the public a chance to experience the natural environment. A copper and gold dome allows sunlight to pour in with its golden rays, and the moonlight and starlight shift; the interior has a floor made of beech and cypress wood, filled with the fragrance of phytoncides. The penetrable outer shape reveals more natural viewing aspects. Through the transparent dome, the changing skies of day and night are displayed, showcasing the ever-changing beauty of nature in Alishan, which always surprises visitors! Entering this space feels like walking on clouds, providing a sensory experience of Alishan. The creator, Wang Wenzhi, was born in the Greater Alishan area and, inspired by the familiar flavors of his hometown, skillfully uses bamboo weaving and natural materials to shape this modern artwork, "The Song of the Forest." It revitalizes Chiayi's former glory as the "Wood Capital" and shapes an international landmark in the forestry art park, allowing domestic and international visitors to feel the natural spirituality of the Alishan forest area even in the plains.
