Zhuqi Riverside Park

It is one of Chiayi County's renowned scenic parks and the first riverside park along the Puzi River. The park is located next to Zhuqi Bridge along Provincial Highway 3, adjacent to the Puzi River, covering nearly 4 hectares. It features a rich diversity of ecology, landscapes, and recreational facilities. The bamboo garden within the park houses over 80 rare bamboo species from Taiwan and abroad, making it unique nationwide. Zhuqi Riverside Park is thoughtfully designed with various areas, including an art plaza, waterfront activity facilities, a multi-functional lawn, riverside walking trails, a pebble play area, a stepped plaza, and shaded walking paths. Vehicles are prohibited inside the park, allowing visitors to enjoy recreation away from urban noise and bustle. This multi-functional riverside park not only allows visitors to get close to the Puzi River but also offers activities such as water viewing, fishing, birdwatching, enjoying the scenery, playful running, frisbee throwing, kite flying, and croquet. For static display, it features the old No. 32 locomotive from the Alishan Forest Railway for visitors to admire, making it suitable for families of all ages. At the park's entrance, over a dozen tabebuia trees are planted. This tropical plant, native to Central and South America, is also known as Ipe or Yellow Trumpet Tree. When its flowers are in full bloom, they resemble the bright sun, earning it the nickname 'Sun Tree.' Every year in March, as spring arrives, the trees shed all their leaves, and the branches burst with vibrant yellow flowers. This breathtaking sight often catches the eye of passersby, creating a sense of wonder, and serves as a symbolic flower for the arrival of spring. After the tabebuia trees in the park are in full bloom, it also marks the start of the Alishan Cherry Blossom Season. From mid-March to mid-April each year, cherry varieties such as Yoshino, Yaezakura, Peony Cherry, Fugui Cherry, and Guanzhong Cherry bloom profusely on Alishan, transforming it into a dreamlike spectacle. Other accompanying flowers include Alishan Azaleas, Camellias, Foxgloves, and Pleione orchids. Visitors can plan a one-day or multi-day trip to fully experience the vibrant spring of Chiayi and the beauty of Alishan.