Ban Tian Yan Introduction
At Bantian Rock, there is a temple called Ziyun Temple, which is a designated historical site by the county. Next to the temple stands a Guanyin statue that is an impressive seventy-six feet tall. Due to the area's beautiful scenery, the government intends to plan it as a forest recreation area at Bantian Rock, which is ideal for residents of Chiayi to arrange a day trip. To climb Bantian Rock, one can stroll along Dahuah Road from the front of Ziyun Temple for three kilometers to reach the Dalong bus stop. Ziyun Temple at Bantian Rock is located in Yanzi, Minhe Village, approximately seventeen kilometers from the city center. It is one of the older historical sites among Buddhist temples in Taiwan. The temple was built during the 21st year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1682 AD), and it has a history of over three hundred years. The temple is grand and simple, serving as the spiritual center for the residents of Fanlu Township. According to legend, in 1662, a high monk named Juefeng crossed the sea to Taiwan and traveled to this place. Upon witnessing the majestic peaks and serene scenery that are far removed from worldly troubles, he exclaimed, "This is a splendid place, as favorable as Yilan." Therefore, he cleared the bushes and created a thatched hut here. Fanlu Township is located five kilometers upstream from the northern end of Bazhang River, east of Chiayi City. In the past, it was an area where the indigenous Tsou people of Alishan came and went. The indigenous tribes of Alishan Township, such as Shanmei, Leyue, and Dabang, all needed to pass through Fanlu Township to trade goods with the lowland areas, hence the name "Fanzi Road." It was only during the Japanese colonial period that it was renamed "Fanlu." Even today, there are remnants of lookout posts that were built in the past for defense against external threats. Bantian Rock is the most important scenic spot for the residents of Fanlu Township and serves as the spiritual center for the community. Additionally, it is also an important gateway to Alishan via Dahuah Road (County Highway 159).
