Half Day Rock Introduction
At Banyang Rock, there is a temple called Ziyun Temple, which is a designated historical site by the county. Next to the temple, there is a Guanyin statue standing 76 feet tall. Due to the beautiful scenery in the area, the government intends to plan it as a forest recreation area, making it very suitable for day trips from the Chiayi region. To climb Banyang Rock, you can walk three kilometers along Dahuah Highway from Ziyun Temple to reach the Dalong bus stop. Ziyun Temple at Banyang Rock is located in Yanzi, Minhe Village, about 17 kilometers from the city center. It is one of the older historical Buddhist temples in Taiwan, built in the 21st year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign (1682 AD), making it over 300 years old. 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 monk named Juefeng crossed the sea to Taiwan and traveled here, where he was struck by the majestic peaks and serene scenery, far removed from the hustle and bustle. He remarked, "This is a remarkable place, as good as Yilan." Thus, he cleared the land and established a thatched hut here. Fanlu Township is located five kilometers upstream from the BaJiang River, east of Chiayi City. It was once an area for the indigenous Tsou people of Alishan to enter and exit. The indigenous tribes of Alishan Township, such as Shanmei, Leyue, and Dabang, had to pass through Fanlu Township to trade goods with the plains, hence it was called "Fanzi Road," which was later renamed "Fanlu" during the Japanese rule. To this day, remnants of the lookout created for defense against foreign invasions can still be found in the area. Banyang Rock is the most important attraction for the residents of Fanlu Township and also serves as the center of faith for the locals. Additionally, it is a crucial gateway on Dahuah Highway (County Route 159) leading into Alishan.
