Ban Tian Rock Introduction
At Bantianyan, there is a temple called Ziyun Temple, which is designated as a county-level historical site. Next to the temple stands a 76-foot tall statue of Guanyin. Due to the beautiful scenery of the area, the large garden at Bantianyan is picturesque, with each flower, tree, and grass being lovely. Therefore, the government plans to develop it into Bantianyan Forest Recreation Area, making it very suitable for residents of Chiayi to plan a day trip. To climb Bantianyan Mountain, you can walk three kilometers from the Dahuahong Road in front of Ziyun Temple to reach the Dalong bus stop. Ziyun Temple is located in Yanzi, Minhe Village, about 17 kilometers from the city center, and is one of the older historical Buddhist temples in Taiwan. The temple was built in the 21st year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1682), and it has a history of over 300 years. The temple is grand and simple, serving as the center of faith for the residents of Fanlu Township. It is said that in 1662, a high monk named Juefeng crossed the sea to Taiwan and traveled here, witnessing the towering peaks and tranquil scenery, far from the hustle and bustle, and he exclaimed, "This is a blessed place, akin to Yilan." Thus, he cleared the land and established a thatched hut here. Fanlu Township is located five kilometers upstream of the Bajhang River, to the east of Chiayi City, and was once a place where the Alishan Tsou indigenous people entered and exited. The indigenous tribes of Alishan Township, including Shanmei, Leyue, and Dabang, needed to pass through Fanlu Township to trade and purchase goods, which is why it was called "Fanzi Road," and it was renamed "Fanlu" during the Japanese colonial period. Even today, remnants of the watchtower built for defense against external threats still exist. Bantianyan is the most important attraction for the residents of Fanlu Township and a center of faith for the community. Additionally, it is also an important gateway on Dahuahong Road (County Route 159乙) into Alishan.
