Ten Thousand Years Creek Introduction
Wannian River, formerly known as "Fanpu River" and also called "Ahou River," receives the inflow from Haifeng Canal, Chonglan Old Canal, and Guelai Public Mansion Canal upstream. 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. Downstream, it merges with Shashe River into Niuqiu River, and 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 Ailiao Sugar Plant, with the Five Points Train transporting raw materials via the railway along the river, creating a distinctive landscape at that time. However, Wannian River once lost its original charm, but after renovation, it has regained its vitality. Ecological stone baskets have been installed along both banks of the river in the middle and lower reaches, and the area from Minguo Second Street Bridge to Victory Bridge has created ecological spaces with stone walls, with willow branches swaying in the wind, creating a picturesque scene. Surrounding the river, wooden walkways and viewing platforms provide spaces for people to walk and relax. Four pedestrian bridges, namely the "Bridge of Hope," "Bridge of History," "Minhe Bridge," and "Bridge of Happiness," feature well-known river landscapes, historical photos along the riverbank, and student artworks embedded in the railings, adding to the charm. Near the Wanfuku Temple by the riverbank, a monument commemorating the small train is installed next to the old railway of the Five Points Train, and a monument is also set up at the former site of the "Wu Zao Jin Bridge" (Dongxing Bridge), opposite Pingtung Hospital beside Zili Road, enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere of Wannian River. Water birds occasionally fly over the river, with Taiwan's Lang trees mostly planted along both sides, especially in autumn, where the interplay of red, yellow, and green adds much color to Wannian River. Every great city has a beautiful river; the beautiful Wannian River nurtures the rich and vibrant cultural landscape and natural ecology of Pingtung. We welcome you to come and savor it!
