Wannian Creek Introduction
Wannian River, formerly known as "Fanzi Pu River" and also called "Ah Hou River," is joined upstream by Haifeng Canal, Chonglan Old Canal, and Guilai Public Hall Canal. It flows from the suburbs along Ruiguang Road and Dalian Road into Pingtung City, passing through Millennium Park, adjacent to Ziyou Road and Zili Road, with a total length of about 5.5 kilometers. The lower reaches merge with Shashe River into Niuchao River, which eventually flows into Gaoping River. During the Japanese colonial period, the water of Wannian River was an important water source for the Taiwan Sugar Corporation's Akou Sugar Factory. The transport of raw materials by a narrow-gauge railway along the river was a distinctive landscape of the time. However, Wannian River once lost its original charm but has shown vitality again after renovation. Ecological gabions have been installed along the banks of the middle and lower reaches of the river, while an ecological space created with stonework is found around the area from Min Gui 2nd Street Bridge to Victory Bridge, where willows sway in the wind, creating a picturesque scene. Surrounding the riverbank, wooden walkways and viewing platforms have been added, providing space for the public to walk and rest. Four pedestrian bridges, named "Bridge of Hope," "Bridge of History," "Minhe Bridge," and "Bridge of Happiness," feature popular river scenery, historical photographs, and student artworks embedded in their railings for added charm. Near the Wufenchie old railway beside Wanfu Temple by the river, there is a monument for the small trains, and a memorial has also been established at the site of the old "Wuzou Gold Bridge" (Dongxing Bridge), opposite Pingtung Hospital on Zili Road, enriching the nostalgic atmosphere around Wannian River. Birds frequently fly over the river, and although the willows occasionally intermingle, the banks are mostly filled with Taiwan Acacia trees, which create a beautiful scene, especially in autumn when the colors of red, yellow, and green intertwine, adding vibrancy to the Wannian River. Every great city has a beautiful river, and the lovely Wannian River nurtures Pingtung's rich and vibrant cultural landscape as well as its natural ecology. We welcome you to come and savor it!
