Jianying Park Introduction
Between Darong Village and Shanxing Village in Fenglin Township, Hualien County, lies the Hualien River. Historically, during dry seasons, a bamboo bridge was the only means for people to cross. In the summer of 1977, due to a typhoon, the bamboo bridge was destroyed by floodwaters. At that time, the academic director Chen Guoyi and three teachers, Zhang Jian, Deng Yuying, and Lin Baoxuan of Shanxing Elementary School, planned to cross the river hand in hand to go to school, despite the swift current. Unfortunately, they fell into the water during the crossing, and Zhang Jian and Deng Yuying tragically drowned. This news shook the entire country, and people were deeply moved by the dedication of teachers in remote areas. Upon learning of this event, then Premier Chiang Ching-kuo decided to allocate funds to build a concrete bridge to improve transportation to and from Shanxing Village, naming it the "Jianying Bridge" in memory of the two teachers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Later, this story was adapted into the film "Jianying Bridge," which further popularized the sacrifice and dedication of the two teachers, enhancing the visibility of the Fenglin area. To commemorate Zhang Jian and Deng Yuying, the Fenglin Township Office constructed Jianying Park on a small hill next to the eastern side of Jianying Bridge, adjacent to the famous County Route 193 in Hualien. In addition to erecting bronze statues of the two teachers for public remembrance, the park also provides an additional recreational area for the Fenglin community.
