Zhaoping (Station and Park Area) Introduction
The main attractions in Zhuoping include Zhuoping Station, Zhuoping Park (also known as Nature Park), and the logging machine (pillar). The starting point of the sunrise trail to Zhushan also departs from Zhuoping, taking about 40 minutes to reach Zhushan Station. The open space next to Zhuoping Station is Zhuoping Park, which was originally planned to be known as Nature Park. However, considering its cultural and historical value, it was redefined as Zhuoping Park. The park is filled with various alpine plants, such as mountain cherry, Oshima cherry, Fugenzo cherry, Morrison's rhododendron, flowering wisteria, Western apple, weeping crabapple, shiny leaf pearlbush, sticky-bud crabapple, Yunnan honey gold, peach leaf coral, hydrangea, iris, golden shower, and daylily. In early spring, the park is adorned with vibrant colors, making it a famous flower viewing spot in the recreation area; in autumn, it is complemented by seasonal foliage plants like Taiwan red maple, creating a breathtaking scene that captivates passing visitors. In the past, every logging site in Taiwan had a steam logging machine. After Alishan ceased direct logging in 1967, many tools were auctioned off, and at that time, the logging machine here was sold for a scrap metal price of 10,000 NT dollars. After the establishment of the National Forest Recreation Area, a steam logging machine was purchased from Hualien Lintianshan for display here to showcase its significance.
