Cypress Bay Introduction
Zhangyuan is located at the northernmost tip of the eastern coast of Taitung County, facing the Pacific Ocean to the east and backed by the Eastern Coastal Mountain Range to the west, bordering the Bajian Cave to the south and the Changhong Bridge to the north. With mountains and water nearby, the scenery is beautiful. The local residents are mainly from the Amis ethnicity, engaged primarily in agriculture, miscellaneous labor, and fishing; the community is simple and thrifty. The most distinctive landmark in Zhangyuan Village is the Zhangyuan Presbyterian Church, which embodies the spirit of Noah's Ark as learned by the Amis people of Zhangyuan Tribe. The residents actively donate and raise funds, constructing the church themselves through fundraising events like selling wild vegetables and catching frogs. This building is praised as Taiwan's most beautiful church in the shape of "Noah's Ark." The structure is surrounded by low walls on both sides, resembling a ship entering Zhangyuan Port ready to dock, guarding the local residents. The outer walls feature bright red brick tribal totems, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the local tribe. Additionally, at the southern end of Zhangyuan Village, there is the "Zhangyuan Bridge," where old, middle, and new bridges are arranged in parallel across the Jellyfish Creek. Due to the varying terrain, it creates a unique landscape. The East Coast National Scenic Area Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has also set up the "Zhangyuan Bridge Rest Area" here, where visitors can stand on the new bridge and admire the old bridge made of cobblestones, its arched structure spanning the valley, showcasing the natural scenery of ancient charm.
