Danai Eco Park Introduction
The name "Danao Valley" is derived from the pronunciation in the Tsou language. It is one of Taiwan's rare clean streams, located upstream of the Zengwen River, at an elevation of about 500 meters. The stream stretches for eighteen kilometers, with a pleasant climate and picturesque scenery. However, Danao Valley was in a worrying state until more than a decade ago, as people overfished and polluted the water source, prompting the Tsou people of Shanmei Village to take a stand to protect this vital water resource for their community. Danao Valley underwent more than ten years of restoration, even facing the impacts of Typhoon Hualan, which deformed the riverbed and caused trees and boulders to collapse. Nevertheless, the Tsou people mobilized the entire village to move rocks and repair Danao Valley. Today, we can finally see the crystal-clear stream. Danao Valley Eco-Park is the first eco-park in Taiwan that was initiated by the private sector and is managed by the Shanmei Community Development Association. It is open for visitors, who are only charged a nominal cleaning and maintenance fee. In recent years, Danao Valley has become a rising attraction in Alishan, with traditional song and dance performances even taking place at the park entrance. Danao Valley is not only rich in natural ecology with lush green mountains stretching dramatically, but the trails are warm and tranquil, and the stream sparkles in the valley. The boulders in the stream are numerous, and birds and butterflies flutter on both banks. The fish species in Danao Valley are abundant, such as the local indigenous species of fish known as "Bitterflower" (sardine) that are in great numbers. On the other hand, in consideration of ecological balance, during the rainy season and fish breeding periods, Danao Valley opens the Zengwen River for fishing and also provides fish fry to aquaculture operators. Due to the thorough protection of these ecological landscapes and the thoughtful management of tourism resources, the living conditions of the Tsou people in Shanmei Village have begun to improve, enhancing the quality of life in the community.
