Danayat Valley Ecological Park Introduction
Danaigu Creek is located in the Shanmei Village of Alishan Township, Chiayi County, and serves as an important watershed area in the upper reaches of the Zengwen River. The creek is known for its abundant harvest of fish species colloquially referred to as "bitter flowers." In the past, the ecology of the creek was severely damaged and the drinking water safety of the villagers was affected due to illegal fishing practices such as poisoning and electrofishing by outsiders. To protect this precious natural resource, former township head Gao Zhengsheng initiated a conservation plan in 1985, where villagers collectively contributed their ancestral fishing grounds to establish the "Stream Conservation Association." The conservation plan consisted of a series of negotiations and planning that began in 1985, and in 1989, the "Conservation Team" and "River Protection Committee" were officially formed, with villagers undertaking patrol duties to prevent illegal fishing and enhance river pollution prevention efforts. After years of effort, the creek has regained its clarity, fish populations have returned, and the ecosystem is gradually recovering. 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 "Danaigu Natural Ecology Park" opened in 1995, and in 2002, it won the Presidential Cultural Award for its conservation achievements. Today, "Danaigu Natural Ecology Park" has become an emerging tourism destination in the Alishan area, and the success of ecological conservation has also boosted the development of local agriculture and tourism industries. In recent years, Danaigu has launched Taiwan's only "Water Restaurant," offering visitors a unique dining experience by enjoying Tsou ethnic cuisine beside the clear creek. Upon arrival, visitors will notice the Danaigu Suspension Bridge surrounded by lush green valleys and babbling streams, resembling a natural landscape painting. The best times to experience this are during the dry seasons of March, April, and September, October, when the water levels are moderate and the climate is pleasant. Activities include DIY bamboo cups, Tsou cultural tours, fish viewing areas, and Tsou music and dance performances, allowing visitors to deeply experience the village culture and natural ecology. It is important to note that the path to the Water Restaurant is rugged, requiring about a 10-minute walk, so it is advisable to assess your physical condition. Additionally, to ensure safety, life jackets must be worn throughout the meal, and staff instructions must be followed. In case of inclement weather, a backup plan will be activated for indoor dining and other experiential activities.
