Chiayi Park

　　   Chiayi Park (Zhongshan Park) is situated on the eastern side of Chiayi City and was built in the second year of the Xuantong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1910). The park boasts dense forests and scattered pavilions. One of the “New Eight Scenic Spots of Chiayi,” known as “Park After Rain,” refers to the verdant willows, blooming flowers, and winding streams that create a refreshing landscape.

　　   The park houses a historic Alishan Forest Railway steam locomotive, which is considered a national treasure, as well as a stone tablet inscribed with the calligraphy of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, commemorating the “Fu Kang An Ancestral Shrine.”

　　   A small path at the back right of the park leads to the Confucius Temple. Originally built in the 45th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1706), the temple has an elegant appearance rich in traditional charm. The “Reconstruction of the Confucian Temple Stele,” located beside the Dacheng Hall, is an ancient stele dating back to the 20th year of the Jiaqing reign (1815).

　　   The botanical garden is located in the northeast corner of the park. Thanks to professional cultivation, most of the trees here are tall and upright, giving the entire area a somewhat serene and forest-like atmosphere.

　　   The Chiayi Historical Relics Museum, situated on the eastern side of the park, is built in the style of a traditional Japanese Shinto shrine, incorporating the beauty of Tang Dynasty Chinese architectural craftsmanship. The museum uses a juxtaposition of old and new photographs to systematically present the history, culture, and development of Chiayi, offering insight into early Taiwanese folk life.

　　   The Sun-Shooting Tower stands 62 meters tall, with a slanted roof adorned with a giant Bauhinia flower. Its cylindrical shape is inspired by the sacred tree of Alishan, complemented by brown aluminum strips symbolizing the tree’s bark. The hollow “skyline” design is decorated with bronze paper-cut carvings and themed around the indigenous “Sun Shooting Myth.” This architectural masterpiece combines artistry with historical and cultural significance, making it a striking and iconic landmark in Chiayi City. As it was constructed on the former site of the Martyrs’ Shrine, the first floor still houses memorial tablets for fallen soldiers. The lobby features a glass elevator that takes visitors directly to the observation deck at the top, offering panoramic views of Chiayi City and the distant mountains — an excellent vantage point, though currently open only on holidays.

　　   Sun-Shooting Tower

　　   Address: No. 46, Gongyuan Road, Chiayi City (within Chiayi Park)

　　   Phone: (05) 255-4321

　　   Opening Hours: Sundays 09:00–12:00

　　   Chiayi City Historical Relics Museum

　　   Address: No. 42, Gongyuan Road, Chiayi City (Government Service Center)

　　   Phone: (05) 225-4328

　　   Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00

　　   Closed: Mondays

　　   Transportation Tip: Take city bus No. 16 or 26 (operated by Chiayi County Bus) from in front of Chiayi Railway Station and get off at Chiayi Park Station.