Local Attractions - The 7th Annual Conference of The Asia-Pacific Network for Moral Education - Research and practice in moral education: reflection, dialogue, interaction - College of Education, National Chung Chen University, Chiayi, Taiwan, 15-17 June, 2012
Sun Moon Lake, situated in Nantou County’s Yuchi
Township near the center of Taiwan, is the island’s largest lake.
This beautiful alpine lake is divided by tiny Lalu Island; the
eastern part of the lake is round like the sun and the western side
is shaped like a crescent moon, hence the name “Sun Moon Lake”.
Its crystalline, emerald green waters reflect the
hills and mountains which rise on all sides. Natural beauty is
enhanced by numerous cultural and historical sites. Well-known both
at home and abroad, the Sun Moon Lake Scenic Area has exceptional
potential for further growth and recognition as a prime tourism
destination.
Its beauty is created by the combination of mountain and water
scenery, and its 760-meter elevation helps give the impression of a
Chinese landscape painting with mist-laden water and clearly defined
levels of mountains. The constant changes of mists and moods on the
lake make it impossible to comprehend in a single look, and thus,
visitors like to linger here.
The beauty of the lake, from dawn to dusk and from spring and summer
to autumn and winter, exudes an aura of enchantment regardless of
whether it is bathed in sunlight or shrouded in mist. Consequently,
viewers never tire of looking at it admiration and amazement.
In the early morning the surface of the lake is
covered by a thin veil of mist. When the sun rises over the
mountains the obscuring mist lifts slowly to reveal the lake's true
countenance, with its surface reflecting images of mountains and
trees as chirping insects and singing birds lend their voices to the
enchanted scene. At dusk the colors of the setting sun paint the
lake a sparkling gold, transforming it into a crystal fairyland. As
the curtain of night falls, the lights and reflections ripple with
the waves and cooling evening breezes waft in, giving rise to
fascinating illusions of spirits sprinkling fairy dust on the water.
In Taiwan, the most beautiful place to watch sunrise is the Alishan Forest Recreation Park. Due to its gifted advantages: a location at an elevation of over 2000 meters above sea level, with Jade Mountains in the east, next to the Jade Mountain National Park, with the Chianan Plain in the west, surrounded by all high mountains, and cool weather all year round, an average of 10.6 degree Celsius, the Park is very famous for the sunrise, the cloud sea, and the rosy clouds just before the sunset here. The Alishan area sits astride on all tropical forest zone, subtropical forest zone, temperate forest zone, and frigid forest zone of Taiwan, so it got very unique scenery. You get to see them all in one trip, unbelievable! Its rich forest resources result in a multi-dimensional ecological appearance. Especially for the “cypress” trees here; they are famous worldwide. It is also the best place to go watch birds from mid and high elevations.
Alishan has been known since long for its five spectacular views: the mountain-climbing railways, the forests, the cloud sea, the sunrise, and the rosy clouds just before the sunset. The Forest Recreation Park is a good place to relax. You may take an easy walk, or hike light, to receive the energy from the forest flowing all over the body and to indulge in the aroma essence of the forests, with birds singing and insects beeping in the background. The moment when you let go your heavy burdens is the moment when the party for the body, the heart and the soul begins. Trips for two or three days are all good, depending on your need.
For more information, please check the Web site of Sun Moon National Scenic Area:
http://www.www.ali-nsa.net/english/00home/home.php .
First-time visitors to Fenci Lake always ask around in the old street, trying to find Fenci “Lake”. They didn’t know it is just a vivid description for a type of geographic environment. The place Fenci Lake is surrounded by mountains on the east, west and north sides, looking like a hod. With clouds around, it looks like the shape of a lake, so people called it the “Hod Lake”. “Fenci Lake is really a lake of forests. Being here you not only can experience the beauty of the forests but also can you feel truly healthy.” said Chen, Rueihua, chairman of the Fenci Lake Community Development Association, when talking about the Fenci Lake. It explains clearly why there is no lake on the map.
This mountain town is located at an elevation of 1405 meters above sea level. It is part of the Jhonghe Village in Jhuci Township, a middle station of Sun Moon Forest Railway. It used to be the largest station outside the Chiayi Beimen Station, a very busy commercial center for trading goods. People also call it “Jioufen in the South” or “Jioufen in Sun Moon”, because of the Red Cypress Ancient Street since the apanese Era. Fenci Lake is famous not only for its box-lunch, tofu, grass rice cake, grandparents’ cake and other local snacks.
The Solar Exploration Center in Shueishang Township, Chiayi County, is the largest city landmark among those 16 countries where the Tropic of Cancer goes through. Taiwan is also the biggest island It has been one of the oldest house existed in Taipei City now. on the Tropic of Cancer. The outlook of the Solar Exploration Center is like a space shuttle. There are five levels in the building. On Floor 1 is the Astronomy Education Center; on Floor 2, 3, and 4 are the Astronomy Classrooms; and on Floor 5 is the Solar Theme Exhibition Hall. There are also elevated platforms and areas to watch views in distance for people to oversee the whole Solar Exploration Center.
In the park outside the building, there are the Sun Square at the entrance, the 9-planet water-playing area, the Time Trail & the Green Tunnel, the Astrology Area, the Ancient Astronomy Walk, the Ancient Astronomy Area, the Exhibition Area of signs from all generations, and the Imaginary Line of the Tropic of Cancer. Besides that, trees planted here are all typical tropical or subtropical, and there is also an imaginary line on Province Highway to distinguish the tropical area from the subtropical area. All these are clear astronomy geographical symbols of the Tropic of Cancer as a whole.
The Dongshin Fisherman’s Wharf is programmed to reveal different faces of the ocean: the “wind”, the “sunshine”, the “fish”, the “boats”, the “sea” and the “light house”, and to restore its Holland style as an entrance. It is designed to be a special tourist attraction with themes to revive local economy. Its fresh fish products, beautiful sunset, and other resources are all good tourism selling points. The special themes include its harbor view, its unique culture, the recreational activities and the natural ecological resources here. So far Dongshin Fisherman’s Wharf’s major infrastructures include the Ocean Culture Hall, the Special Products Hall, the Shop Street, the Sea-Watching Pavilion, the Floating-Bridge Market, and the Coast Walking Platform. Multi-functional services are provided by combining its original fishing port values.
Walking into the Dongshin Fisherman’s Wharf, you will see Holland-styled Windmills; when strolling on the bank underneath the streets at sunset time, you will see dragging nets, oyster sheds, floating woods and other decoration artworks, showing the unique custom and culture of the coast. There are beaches where you can pile up sand and play in water with your family; you can fly kites in the grass field or ride bicycles, enjoying the leisure and comfort; or, you can just stand on the View-Watching Platform to receive the mild breeze from the sea and appreciate the famous Dongshin sunset. The beauty of the water and the sky, all in one color, is really stunning.
PAC is the abbreviation of Chiayi Performing Arts Center, which also stands for its mission－Profession; Aesthetics; Cheers! has a total area of 182 hectares, with both indoor and The planning for Chiayi Performing Arts Center can be traced back to 1995, followed by construction project commencement in 1997. Because of lack of funds due to many reasons, the project was suspended twice in 1998 and 1999. for wildlife conservation in Taiwan. The zoo is divided into All of the construction was completed in 2005. The first show in the center was “Dream of the Red Chamber” performed by Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan on April 22 and April 23 of 2005. PAC was established on May 10 to take charge of operations of the whole park.
PAC occupies 6.6 hectares in area, including the center and the cultural park. The main concept of the center is a cultural garden. It is a special performing arts center that combines functions in performance, education, exhibition and recreation. The original concept of the center was mostly suggested by Lin Hwai-min, the artist director of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre in Taiwan, and Dr. Chen Chin-huang, the director of Hsin Kang Foundation of Culture and Education. The Southern Fuchien style architecture is section has different species of desert animals. contributed by architect Huang Yung-hung, and the professional stage and the experimental theater are designed by famous designer Lin Keh-hua.
In terms of pilgrims and tourists, Singang's Fongtian Temple is the most important place of worship in Chiayi County. Classified by the central government as a national relic of the third level, it is so chockfull of religious icons and paraphernalia, traditional arts, and human activity that anyone with an interest in Taiwan's spiritual life can easily spend half a day here. Fongtian Temple plays an important role in the cult of Mazu, one of the most popular deities in Taiwan.
Mazu has been worshipped in this part of Chiayi County for almost four centuries, but the Fongtian Temple dates from 1811, previous shrines having been destroyed by flooding. Mazu's birthday is celebrated each year on the 23rd day of the third lunar month - usually sometime in late spring. This is a good time to see Taiwanese Opera and other folk-arts performances. In addition to firecrackers, dragon dancers, and martial arts displays, you may also see bare-chested "spirit mediums" demonstrate the Mazu's protective powers by beating themselves with spiked clubs until they bleed.
