Babao Aqueduct Green Corridor Introduction
Baguashun is one of Taiwan's early significant irrigation projects, diverting the Zhuoshui River to irrigate the Changhua Plain. Therefore, Baguashun is also known as Zhuoshui Canal. The "Baguashun Green Corridor" is nestled within this tranquil landscape surrounded by fields and the waterway. This hidden gem for cycling and walking has long been a favorite spot for locals. Along the Baguashun Canal, the small-leaved Ficus trees on both sides of the path create a dense shaded area, and during harvest season, you can enjoy the sight of golden rice waves swaying in the wind, embodying the classic rural charm of Taiwan. This route was also once a marathon course in Tianzhong, making it easy to imagine the comfort and ease of runners sprinting alongside the winding canal. A significant pilgrimage site along the way is the "Shifang Temple," located at the confluence of Baguashun Canal No. 1 and No. 2. The main deity, Lady Lin, is regarded as the guardian of irrigation. Notably, many temple devotees offer guavas as offerings, a fruit once considered taboo but has become a unique characteristic of Shifang Temple over time. Similarly, the "Mr. Lin Temple" in the Baguashun Canal No. 2 area honors a person named Lin who assisted in the construction of Baguashun. Legend has it that he vanished after instructing the water diversion techniques, leading later generations to build a temple in his honor. Another interpretation suggests that Mr. Lin is an incarnation of Lady Lin, showcasing the bond between local development and the common society, leading to a powerful belief system. After visiting the temples, one should not miss the tour of historic residences. The "Xiao Yunzhang Residence" beside Baguashun Canal No. 2 and Dasha Road, built during the Japanese colonial period, was home to Mr. Xiao Yunzhang, who served as a local leader. This residence uniquely blends Japanese official residence style and Minnan architecture while incorporating elements of Western classical symmetry and geometry in its façade, making it rare and distinctive.
