Zhuzikou Riverside Park Introduction
One of the famous scenic parks in Chiayi County is the first water-friendly park along the Puzi River. The water-friendly park is located next to the Zhuzai Bridge on Provincial Highway 3, right by the banks of the Puzi River, covering nearly 4 hectares. The park features diverse and rich ecosystems, landscapes, and recreational facilities. The bamboo garden area gathers over 80 rare species of bamboo from both domestic and international sources, making it unique in the country. The Zhuzai Water-Friendly Park is designed with various zones including an art plaza, water activity area, multifunctional lawn area, riverside trail area, pebble play area, stepped plaza, and shaded walking area, with vehicle entry prohibited, allowing visitors to enjoy recreation without the disturbance of noise. This multifunctional water-friendly park not only brings people closer to the Puzi River but also provides various activities such as water observation, fishing, birdwatching, enjoying scenic views, playing frisbee, flying kites, and playing croquet. A static display area features the old No. 32 steam locomotive from the forest railway for visitors to admire, making it suitable for family outings for all ages. At the park entrance, there are over ten 毛風鈴 (Silk Floss Tree) planted, a tropical plant native to Central and South America, also known as the yellow flamboyant. When it blooms, it resembles a dazzling sun, earning it the nickname of the sun tree. Every March, as spring arrives, the leaves fall off completely, and the tree bursts into beautiful yellow flowers, often attracting the attention of passersby and serving as a sign of the arrival of spring. When the 毛風鈴 blooms, it coincides with the cherry blossom season in Alishan. From mid-March to early April each year, the Yoshino cherry, Yaecherry, Peony cherry, Fortune cherry, and Guanzhong cherry bloom on Alishan, painting a dreamlike scenery. Additionally, other flowers like the Formosan Rhododendron, camellia, foxglove, and single-leaf orchid complement the blossoms. Visitors can plan a day or longer trip to fully experience the splendor of spring in Chiayi and the beauty of Alishan.
