Danaai Valley Ecological Park Introduction
The Dana'igu Valley Stream is located in the Shanmei Village of Alishan Township, Chiayi County, and is an important watershed area upstream of the Zengwen River, known for its abundant catch of fish commonly referred to as "bitter flower." In the past, the stream's ecosystem was severely harmed by the practices of outsiders using poisonous fish and electric fishing, which also posed risks to the villagers' drinking water safety. To protect this precious natural resource, former township mayor Gao Zhengsheng initiated a conservation plan in 1985, and the villagers collectively contributed their respective fishing grounds to establish the "Stream Conservation Association." The conservation plan began in 1985 and involved a series of negotiations and planning. In 1989, the "Conservation Team" and "River Protection Committee" were officially formed, with villagers voluntarily patrolling to prevent illegal fishing and enhance river pollution prevention efforts. After years of effort, the stream has regained its clarity, fish have returned, and the ecosystem is gradually revitalizing. In 1992, Shanmei Village received the Model Award for Natural Ecology Conservation from the Council of Agriculture, and in July 1994, the "Shanmei Community Development Association" was established. The "Dana'igu Natural Ecology Park" was opened in 1995, and in 2002, it won the Presidential Cultural Award for its conservation achievements. Today, the "Dana'igu Natural Ecology Park" has become a rising tourist attraction in the Alishan area, with the success of ecological conservation also promoting the development of local agriculture and tourism. In recent years, Dana'igu has introduced Taiwan's only "water restaurant," offering visitors a novel dining experience where they can enjoy Tsou tribal cuisine by the clear stream. Above, visitors can see the Dana'igu Suspension Bridge, surrounded by lush green valleys and flowing streams, resembling a natural landscape painting. The best times to experience this site are during the dry seasons in March, April, and September, and October when water levels are moderate and the climate is pleasant. The itinerary also includes DIY bamboo cup making, Tsou cultural tours, fish viewing areas, and Tsou music and dance performances, allowing tourists to deeply experience tribal culture and natural ecology. It is important to note that the path to the water restaurant is somewhat rugged and requires about a 10-minute walk, so visitors should assess their physical condition. Additionally, for safety reasons, it is necessary to wear life jackets throughout the meal and follow the staff's instructions. In case of inclement weather, a rain backup plan will be activated, converting to indoor dining and other experiential activities.
