Babao Canal Head Cultural Regeneration Action Base

This base is located at the starting point of the foothills of Baguashan Mountain. The peak, known as 'Bitzai Tou' (Nose Head), is the old name of Yuanquan Village and is a community in Taiwan that currently preserves a complete ecosystem and a strong rural atmosphere. Due to the 300-year-old 'Babao Canal' having its water intake point excavated here, the community possesses skilled workers who craft 'Longzai Gao' (bamboo gabions/cages for water diversion) to assist the Water Resources Agency in diverting water from the Zhuoshui River into the Babao Canal. The murmuring water flow irrigates the Changhua Plain, earning it the reputation of 'Changhua's Mother River.' The community is home to 'Bitzai Tou Station,' which was developed as part of the Jiji Line due to the prosperous timber industry. It features landmark constructions, and its streets are full of historical charm. To express gratitude and give back for the canal's construction, local characteristic activities are held annually according to the four seasons: 'Flowers on the Railway' in spring, 'Black Mud Field' in summer, 'Hear the River Sing Again' in autumn, and 'Searching for the Canal Head Immortal' in winter. Additionally, the 'Babao Canal Running Water Festival' is held in early November each year. Community elders not only prepare performances but also serve as cheerleaders for the Running Water Marathon with the nationally renowned 'Jin Zheng Yong Ageless Orchestra,' making it the best representation of local tradition integrated with culture. 《Fun Here》 Bitzai Tou is not only the head of the Babao Canal, the largest public canal on the Changhua Plain, but also an important canal in Changhua County and the water source for the Cizapi Canal. Within the area, in addition to the Canal Head intake and the Babao Water Diversion Gate, there are also famous historical sites and attractions such as Mr. Lin's Temple, Taiwan Low-Altitude Macaque Reserve, and Yuanquan Station on the Jiji Line Railway. With its historic waterways and distinctive scenery, Bitzai Tou can be called the blessed land of the 'Babao Legend.' It has now become a wonderful place for people to visit, reflecting on the source of water and seeking recreation. 《Great Local Delicacies》 Yuanquan Community is located at the head of the Babao Canal. The water contains a large amount of argillite components, bringing abundant organic matter to the farmlands. The soil is precious black earth, rich in trace elements of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making the rice grains plump, fragrant, and delicious. Such as Rouge Eggplant, White Jade Bitter Gourd, and Canal Head Rice, almost daily, elders bring their home-grown fruits and vegetables to the community's 'Canal Head Canteen,' allowing our volunteers to cook delicious local flavored meals! 《Impressive Accomplishments》 The community theater group was established in 2016, attracting nearly 40 people from three generations of the community, from 7-year-old boys to 80-year-old grandmas, to participate in the performances and backstage work for the 'Searching for the 1719 Canal Head Immortal' series (Part 1 - The Legend of Babao Canal, Part 2 - Water Diversion, Part 3 - The Lin Family at Bitzai Tou NOW AND GO, Part 4 - Mother Yuanquan Dance, Part 5 - Bitzai Tou Station Centennial Party: Plum Blossoms at the Station). Community residents transformed from neighbors into theater actors, developing scripts based on the 'Babao Canal' theme. In addition to commemorating the ancestors' 'Longzai Gao' (bamboo gabions/cages for water diversion) construction method, they also allow the story to be passed on through theatrical performances.