Zhuqi Riverside Park Introduction
One of the famous landscape parks in Chiayi County is the first waterfront park along the banks of the Puzi River. The park is located next to the Zhuqi Bridge along Provincial Highway 3, adjacent to the Puzi River, covering nearly 4 hectares. It features a rich variety of ecology, landscaping, and recreational facilities. The bamboo garden area has over 80 precious bamboo species from domestic and international origins, making it unique in the country. The Zhuqi Waterfront Park is planned with areas such as an art square, water activity facilities, multifunctional lawn area, riverbank trails, pebble play area, tiered plaza, and shaded walking paths. Vehicles are prohibited from entering the park, allowing visitors to enjoy their recreation without the disturbance of noise. This multifunctional waterfront park not only provides access to the Puzi River but also offers activities such as water observation, fishing, birdwatching, enjoying the scenery while running and playing, disc throwing, kite flying, and lawn bowling. The static display area features an old locomotive No. 32 from the forest railway for public appreciation, making it suitable for families of all ages to visit and enjoy. At the entrance of the park, there are over ten Hairy Bell Plants, a tropical plant native to Central and South America, also known as Tabebuia aurea or Golden Trumpet Tree. When the flowers bloom, they resemble sunshine, hence the name "Sunny Tree." Every year in March, as spring arrives, the tree sheds all its leaves and blooms with clusters of yellow flowers, creating a beautiful sight that often attracts the attention of passersby, becoming a stunning indicator of the arrival of spring. After the Hairy Bell Plants bloom, it coincides with the cherry blossom season in Alishan. From mid-March to mid-April each year, the Yoshino cherry, Yaezakura, Peony cherry, Fortune cherry, and Guanzhong cherry bloom on Alishan, decorating the area like a dream. Additionally, there are also flowers such as the Formosan azalea, camellia, digitalis, and one-leaf orchid accompanying the scenery. Visitors can plan for a day or multiple days of travel to fully experience the beauty of spring in Chiayi and Alishan.
