Zhuxi Ecological Park Introduction
One of the famous scenic parks in Chiayi County is the first waterfront park along the Puzai River. The park is located next to the Zhuqi Bridge on Provincial Highway 3, adjacent to the banks of the Puzai River, covering nearly 4 hectares. The park features a diverse and rich ecosystem, landscape, and recreational facilities. The bamboo garden area houses over 80 valuable species of bamboo from both domestic and foreign sources, making it unique in the country. The Zhuqi Waterfront Park is planned with areas for an art plaza, water activities, multifunctional lawns, riverside trails, pebble play areas, a stepped plaza, and shaded walking paths. Vehicles are prohibited in the park, allowing visitors to enjoy recreational activities without the disturbance of noise. This multifunctional waterfront park not only provides proximity to the Puzai River but also offers opportunities for water observation, fishing, bird watching, enjoying the scenery, playing frisbee, flying kites, and playing croquet. The static display section features the old locomotive no. 32 from the forest railway, which is a delight for visitors of all ages. At the entrance of the park, more than ten trees of the Hairy Bell Flower are planted. This tropical plant, native to Central and South America, is also known as the Yellow Flamboyant. When the flowers bloom, they shine as brightly as the sun, hence it is also called the Sun Tree. Every March, as spring arrives, the tree sheds all its leaves and bursts into beautiful yellow flowers, attracting the attention of passersby and serving as a hallmark of the onset of spring. The blooming of the Hairy Bell Flower in the park signals the arrival of the cherry blossom season in Alishan. From mid-March to mid-April each year, the Yoshino cherry, double cherry, peony cherry, fortune cherry, and Guanzhong cherry blossom beautifully, making Alishan a dreamlike landscape. Additionally, there are various flowers such as the Formosan azalea, camellias, foxgloves, and one-leaf orchids in bloom, allowing visitors to plan a day or multiple days to fully experience the beauty of spring in Chiayi and the stunning scenery of Alishan.
