Wannian River Introduction
Wannian Creek, formerly known as "Fanzipu Creek" and also called "Ahou Creek," has its upstream areas connected by Haifeng Canal, Chonglan Old Canal, and Guilai Public House Canal. It flows from the suburban 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 downstream area merges with Shashe Creek into Niuqiu Creek, eventually flowing into Gaoping Creek. During the Japanese colonial period, the water of Wannian Creek was an important water source for the Taiwan Sugar Company’s Akou Sugar Factory, where the transport of raw materials by five-minute carts traveled along the railway on the creek, creating a unique landscape of that time. However, Wannian Creek once lost its former splendor but has regained vitality after restoration. Eco-stone cages are installed along the riverbanks in the mid-to-lower reaches, and from Minguo Second Street Bridge to Victory Bridge, stone structures create an ecological space, with willow branches swaying in the wind, presenting a picturesque scene. The areas surrounding the creek now feature wooden boardwalks and viewing platforms, providing spaces for citizens to stroll and relax. The four pedestrian bridges: "Bridge of Hope," "Bridge of History," "Minhe Bridge," and "Bridge of Happiness," are adorned with images of famous river views, historical old photos, and student works embedded in the railings, adding interest. Near Wanfu Temple by the creek, a memorial for the small train is established next to the old railway of the five-minute carts, and a monument is also placed at the original site of "Wuzou Golden Bridge" (Dongxing Bridge), across from Pingtung Hospital on Zili Road, enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere of Wannian Creek. The area often sees water birds flying, with willow trees interspersed among the mostly planted Taiwan acacia trees on both sides. Especially in autumn, the intermingling of red, yellow, and green adds more color to the Wannian Creek. Every great city has a beautiful river; the lovely Wannian Creek nurtures Pingtung's rich cultural landscape and natural ecology, welcoming you to savor it!
