Zhangyuan Introduction
Zhangyuan is located at the northernmost tip of the eastern coast of Taitung County, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Eastern Coast Mountain Range to the west, Bajian Cave to the south, and Changhong Bridge to the north. Surrounded by mountains and waters, the scenery is beautiful. The local residents are predominantly from the Amis tribe, with most engaged in farming, casual labor, and fishing; the community is simple and their way of life is frugal. The most distinctive landmark in Zhangyuan Village is the "Zhangyuan Presbyterian Church," where the Amis tribe learns the spirit of Noah's Ark. The residents proactively contributed to the funding, and through charity sales, selling wild vegetables, and catching frogs, they designed and built the church themselves. This building is acclaimed as Taiwan's most beautiful "Noah's Ark" shaped church; it is surrounded by low walls on both sides, resembling a vessel entering Zhangyuan Harbor, protecting the local residents. The exterior walls feature bright red bricks with tribal totems, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the local tribe. Additionally, at the southern end of Zhangyuan Village is the "Zhangyuan Bridge," which consists of three bridges—old, middle, and new—arranged parallel across the water Muda Ding Creek. Due to the varying elevation, it creates a unique landscape. The East Coast National Scenic Area Administration of the Tourism Bureau has also set up the "Zhangyuan Bridge Rest Area" here, where visitors can pause on the new bridge and admire the old bridge made of cobblestones, with an arching bridge body spanning the valley, showcasing a primitive and picturesque natural landscape.
