Zhangyuan Introduction
Changyuan is located at the northernmost edge of the eastern coast of Taitung County, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the East Coast Mountain Range to the west, Baxiandong to the south, and Changhong Bridge to the north. The area is picturesque, situated by the mountains and water. The local residents are predominantly of the Amis ethnic group, mostly engaged in farming, miscellaneous labor, and fishing; they have simple customs and live frugally. The most distinctive landmark in Changyuan is the Changyuan Presbyterian Church, which embodies the spirit of the Noah's Ark teaching in the Amis Changyuan community. Residents actively contributed funds and, through fundraising activities such as selling vegetables and catching frogs, designed and built the church themselves. This building is regarded as the most beautiful "Noah's Ark" shaped church in Taiwan; the structure is surrounded by low walls on both sides, resembling a vessel about to dock at the Changyuan port, protecting the local residents. The bright red brick tribal totem on the exterior symbolizes the enduring spirit of the local tribe's origins. Additionally, at the southern end of Changyuan, there are three bridges - old, middle, and new - known as Changyuan Bridge, arranged parallel across the Jellyfish Creek. Due to the varying terrain, a unique landscape is formed. The East Coast National Scenic Area Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has set up the "Changyuan Bridge Rest Area" here, allowing visitors on the new bridge to admire the old bridge made of cobblestones, showcasing the rustic natural scenery with its arching design spanning across the valley.
