Zhuzhi Riverside Park Introduction
One of the famous scenic parks in Chiayi County is the first riverside park along the Puzhi Stream. The riverside park is located next to the Zhuqi Bridge along Provincial Highway 3, adjacent to the Puzhi Stream, covering nearly 4 hectares. The park features a diverse range of ecology, landscapes, and recreational facilities. The bamboo garden area collects more than 80 precious species of bamboo from both domestic and abroad, which is unique in the country. Zhuqi Riverside Park is planned with areas for an art plaza, water activity facilities, multifunctional lawns, riverside walking paths, pebble play areas, stepped plazas, and shaded walking areas. Vehicles are prohibited in the park, allowing visitors to enjoy their leisure time without the disturbance of noise. This multifunctional riverside park not only allows people to get close to the Puzhi Stream, but also offers activities such as water observation, fishing, birdwatching, enjoying scenic views while playing and running, disc throwing, kite flying, and playing croquet. The static display area features the old locomotive No. 32 from the forest railway, which is a great attraction for families. At the entrance of the park, there are more than ten planted毛風鈴 (Brachychiton acerifolius), a tropical plant native to Central and South America, also known as Illawara Flame Tree or Yellow Flame Tree. When the flowers bloom, they shine like the sun, hence also called the "Sun Tree." Each spring in March, the tree sheds all its leaves and bursts into beautiful yellow flowers, often attracting the attention of passersby as a stunning sight, marking its presence as an indicator of spring. After the毛風鈴 bloom in the park, it coincides with the cherry blossom season in Alishan. From mid-March to mid-April each year, the Yoshino cherries, Yaezakura, Peony cherry, and Fragrant cherry on Alishan bloom, creating a dreamlike scenery. Additionally, flowers such as Formosan azalea, camellia, foxglove, and Monotropastrum humile are also blooming, allowing visitors to plan a one to multi-day trip to fully experience the beauty of spring in Chiayi and the splendor of Alishan.
