Danai Bay Ecological Park Introduction
The name "Danao Valley" is a direct translation 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 is 18 kilometers long, with a pleasant climate and beautiful scenery. However, Danao Valley was in a concerning state until more than a decade ago, as over-fishing and water pollution made it unbearable for the Tsou people of Shanmei village, who were determined to protect this vital water resource for their community. Danao Valley underwent over ten years of restoration, even facing the impact of Typhoon Habagat, which deformed the riverbed and caused trees and boulders to collapse. Nevertheless, the Tsou people of Shanmei mobilized the entire village to move the stones and restore Danao Valley. Today, we can finally see the crystal-clear stream. The Danao Valley Ecological Park is Taiwan's first eco-park established through private initiative, managed by the Shanmei Community Development Association, and is open for visitors with a nominal maintenance fee. In recent years, Danao Valley has become a new attraction in Alishan, with traditional song and dance performances at the park entrance. Danao Valley not only boasts rich natural ecology, with lush mountains thriving and winding paths that are warm and tranquil, but also features streams that shimmer in the valley, with rocky outcrops in the water and birds and butterflies fluttering along the banks. The fish species in Danao Valley are plentiful, including the local stinging catfish, commonly known as "bitter flower," which has a large population. On the other hand, to maintain ecological balance, during the rainy season and fish spawning periods, Danao Valley also opens the Zengwen River for anglers and provides fish fry for aquaculture operators. Thanks to these comprehensive ecological protections and the thoughtful management of tourism resources, the livelihoods of the Tsou people in Shanmei village have started to improve, enhancing the quality of life in the community.
