Half Day Rock Introduction
At Bantian Rock, there is a temple called Ziyun Temple, which is designated as a historic site by the county. Beside the temple stands a towering Guanyin statue, 76 feet high. The beautiful scenery in the area, particularly in the gardens of Bantian Rock, with its lovely flowers, trees, and grasses, has led the government to plan for it as the Bantian Rock Forest Recreation Area, making it an ideal spot for a day trip for the residents of Chiayi. To climb Bantian Rock, one can walk three kilometers along Dahuah Road from the Ziyun Temple to reach the Dalong bus stop. Ziyun Temple at Bantian Rock is located in Yanzi, Minhe Village, about 17 kilometers from the city center, and is one of the older temples in Taiwan. The temple was built in the 21st year of the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty (1682), and has a history of over three hundred years. The temple is grand and simple, serving as the center of faith for the residents of Fanlu Township. Legend has it that in 1662, a high monk named Juefeng crossed the sea to Taiwan and visited this place, where he was captivated by the magnificent peaks and serene beauty, far away from worldly troubles, and exclaimed: "This is a worthy place, like Yilan." He then cleared the land and established a simple dwelling here. Fanlu Township is located five kilometers upstream of the Bajhang River, east of Chiayi City. It was once an area frequented by the indigenous Tsou people of Alishan. The indigenous tribes of Shanmei, Leyue, and Dabong in Alishan had to go through Fanlu Township to trade and purchase goods, hence the name "Fanzi Road," which was changed to "Fanlu" during the Japanese colonial period. To this day, remnants of the lookout post built for defense against outside threats can still be found. Bantian Rock is the most important attraction for the residents of Fanlu Township and serves as their center of faith. Additionally, it is an important gateway to Alishan along Dahuah Road (County Road 159B).
