Zhaoping Park Introduction
Zhaoping Park, located at an elevation of 2,274 meters, is the place with the most expansive view among the cherry blossom viewing spots in Alishan. After taking the Alishan Forest Railway to the Zhaoping Station, the Zhaoping Natural Park comes into view. The highest point in the park even offers a distant view of the Alishan mountains. Originally, this area was a logging village established by the residents of Zhongzheng Village in Alishan. However, with the increase in tourists, it became the busiest shopping and inn street at that time. Unfortunately, a major fire in the winter of the 65th year of the Republic of China destroyed more than a hundred houses and the entire Zhaoping business district. Subsequently, the Forestry Bureau redeveloped and planned Zhaoping Park. Therefore, the cherry blossom trees in the park were mostly planted after this fire. Although they do not have the same age as the Yoshino cherry trees found in other viewing spots, which are around seventy or eighty years old, this area has the highest density of cherry blossom trees in Alishan, with about six hundred trees in the entire park, making it the most crowded place for flower viewing. Zhaoping Park covers a vast area and is home to a wide variety of alpine plants, serving as the base for various flower species in Alishan, making it a place to enjoy flowers almost all year round. In addition to the mountain cherry blossoms and Yoshino cherries that can be seen everywhere in spring, there are also many camellias, hydrangeas, Rhododendron arboreum, yellow azalea, and weeping crabapple trees, among others. Even when the mountain cherry blossoms are in full bloom, late-blooming mountain cherry blossoms often make an appearance. Besides being a great place for flower viewing, Zhaoping Park is also an excellent location for birdwatching. The park features picturesque landscaping with trails and small bridges for visitors to enjoy, complemented by the occasional Alishan train passing by Zhaoping Station. The overall environment's reconstruction is considered very successful and is definitely worth a visit.
