Chiayi Park

Why Chiayi Park is special ?

Chiayi Park was created more than 60 years ago when Taiwan was under the colonial rule of Japan. It's no surprise then, that Japanese influences can be seen everywhere in the park's gardens and many pavilions. Nowhere are they more obvious though, than in a group of old Japanese-style buildings that now house a museum chronicling the history of both Chiayi Park and Chiayi City.

The park's age is evident as you walk along its many kilometers of pathways. Some of the concrete pavilions and benches are starting to crack and crumble, and others have plants and trees growing over and around them. Rather than looking unpleasant though, these signs of wear and tear just add to the place's charm and romance. Perhaps the main reason this should be the case is that the park is otherwise clean and well maintained.

Chiayi Park's greatest asset is the massive Shanzihding Botanical Garden. Shanzihding is so large, and contains such a great wealth of trees and plants, that when you walk around inside you completely forget that you're still in the city. The tall trees that tower over your head, and the bushes and plants that grow closer to the ground are perfect places for wildlife to thrive.

The biggest landmark in the park is the 62-meter-high Chiayi Tower, also sometimes known as the Sun Shooting Tower. The latter and more colorful of these two names is a reference to an old aboriginal myth, one that is depicted in a huge bronze sculpture in the middle of the tower.

For NT$30 you can take an elevator to the top of the building. The small fee is well worth it, as the view across the small city of Chiayi is surprisingly good. Another interesting view is the one you get through glass panels set in the floor. If you're brave enough, you can stand on top of the panels and look straight down at the ground floor 10 stories beneath you.

With other features such as a Confucius Temple, an old Alishan steam locomotive, and a children's play area, coming here can easily turn into an all-day experience. Whether or not you've got a whole day to spare, if you live even remotely close to Chiayi, it's about time you paid a visit to Chiayi Park.

Source: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/

What to explore at Chiayi Park?

If you are looking for a peaceful, quiet place to relax in Chiayi city, then Chiayi Park must be best choice for you. The first color come into sight is green when you step in the park. There are many plants and trees, right in the city, so it's a close place to get fresh air in Chiayi city. If you love baseball, the Chiayi Baseball Field is right next to the park. So if you come to Chiayi to see a baseball game, you must stop by to have a visit.

There is a Confucius temple and every Teacher's Day (28 Sep), there will be a ceremony to worship Confucius. In addition to this, there is also a few Japanese style buildings which were built during the Japanese Colonial Era.

If you have 50 NT dollars, you can buy a ticket to the viewing platform on Chiayi Tower. You will see an amazing view of Chiayi.

Source: http://www.studyintaiwan.org/

How to get to Chiayi Park?

You could take bus 16 or 26 from Chiayi Station to Chiayi Park, or you could spend 100 NT dollars renting a scooter.