Ban Tian Rock Introduction
At Bantan Rock, there is a temple called Ziyun Temple, which is a county-designated historical monument. Next to the temple stands a Guanyin statue that is seventy-six feet tall. The local scenery is beautiful, with the large garden at Bantan Rock offering splendid views where every flower, tree, and grass is lovely. Therefore, the government plans to develop it into a forest recreation area, making it ideal for a day trip for residents of Chiayi. To climb Bantan Rock, one can walk three kilometers along the Dahua Highway from Ziyun Temple to reach the Dalong bus stop. Ziyun Temple at Bantan Rock is located in Yanzi, Minhhe Village, approximately seventeen kilometers from the city center. It is one of the historical temples in Taiwan with a relatively long history. The temple was built in the 21st year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1682) and has over three hundred years of history. The temple is grand and simple, serving as the center of faith for the residents of Fanlu Township. According to legend, in 1662, a high monk named Juefeng crossed the sea to Taiwan, traveled here, and beheld the majestic peaks and tranquil scenery, far removed from the mundane world, and sighed, “This is a remarkable place, comparable to Yilan.” Thus, he cleared the land and established a humble dwelling here. Fanlu Township is located five kilometers upstream from the northern end of Bajhang River, to the east of Chiayi City. In the past, it was an area frequented by the Alishan Tsou Indigenous people. The indigenous tribes such as Shanmei, Leyue, and Dabong in Alishan needed to pass through Fanlu Township to trade with the lowland residents, hence it was called "Fan Zi Road," which was later renamed "Fanlu" during the Japanese colonial period. Even now, remnants of watchtowers built for defense against external threats still exist. Bantan Rock is the most important attraction for the residents of Fanlu Township and serves as their faith center. Additionally, it is a significant gateway on Dahua Highway (County Road 159 B) into Alishan.
