Half Day Rock Introduction
At Bantianyan, there is a temple called Ziyun Temple, which is recognized as a county-designated historic site. Next to the temple stands a Guanyin Buddha statue that reaches 76 feet in height. Due to the beautiful scenery of the area, the large garden at Bantianyan is picturesque, with every flower, tree, and grass looking lovely. The government intends to develop it into a forest recreation area, making it very suitable for a day trip for the people of Chiayi. To climb Bantianyan Mountain, you can walk three kilometers along Dahuah Road from the front of Ziyun Temple to reach the Dalong bus stop. Ziyun Temple at Bantianyan is located in Yanzi, Minhe Village, approximately 17 kilometers from the city center. It is one of the oldest historic Buddhist temples in Taiwan. The temple was built in the 21st year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1682), giving it a history of over 300 years. The temple has a grand and elegant atmosphere, making it the spiritual center for the residents of Fanlu Township. Legend has it that in 1662, a high monk named Juefeng traveled across the sea to Taiwan and stopped here, where he encountered the beautiful peaks and tranquil scenery, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world, and sighed: "This place is exceptional, suitable for Yilan." Thus, he cleared the land and built a straw hut here. Fanlu Township is located five kilometers upstream from the north end of Bajhang River, east of Chiayi City. In the past, it served as a route for the indigenous Tsou people from Alishan. The Tsou tribes of Shanmei, Leyue, and Daban in Alishan had to travel through Fanlu Township to trade goods with the plain, hence it was called "Fanzi Road." During the Japanese colonial period, it was renamed "Fanlu." To this day, remnants of lookout posts built to defend against external threats still exist. Bantianyan is the most important attraction for the residents of Fanlu Township and serves as their spiritual center. Additionally, it is also a key gateway on Dahuah Road (County Route 159乙) into Alishan.
