The Daxi Township in Kaohsiung County, adjacent to the Gaoping River, has long been known for its serene rural charm, with produce like lychees and pineapples. However, in recent years, enterprises expanding from the nearby I-Shou University have completely transformed the township’s ordinary atmosphere. What was once a peaceful countryside town has now become "E-DA World," a massive development encompassing hotels, residential areas, an amusement park, and a shopping mall — the most dazzling new town project in Kaohsiung County. Among its attractions, E-DA Theme Park is the newest themed amusement park to debut this summer, already generating quite a buzz.
■ Everything Is Bigger
Located just 15 kilometers from the Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station, E-DA World can be reached by car in under 15 minutes. Along the way, the scenery is rather desolate, with straight roads lined with E-DA World flags, giving the impression of entering a private kingdom. Lu Chi-wen, manager of the marketing planning department at E-DA World, said: "After years of planning, E-DA World is finally ready to meet the public. We are currently in the trial operation phase, and will officially open in October. By then, we will hold grand events that will surpass even the National Day fireworks."
During the short journey, I heard the word “big” countless times. Manager Lu didn’t hesitate to say: "To put it plainly, everything at E-DA World is bigger than others. Our Ferris wheel has a diameter 2 meters larger than Miramar’s, we have over a thousand hotel rooms, and Taiwan’s largest outlet shopping mall. It’s a very relaxing summer holiday destination for families seeking air-conditioned comfort."
■ Innovative and Multi-Dimensional Rides
Despite the emphasis on size, when you step into the E-DA Theme Park — the section most cared about by kids and students — the tone becomes more conservative. Business Associate Manager Ouyang Chongxuan remarked: "Our amusement park isn’t the largest in Taiwan, but it is the most multi-dimensional, and our rides are the newest, with up to 47 different types." Due to the limited land area, most rides are designed vertically, reaching toward the sky, making the layout very compact. The most thoughtful aspect? Out of the 47 attractions, 31 are indoors, so there's no need to worry about sunburn or heatstroke even in the peak of summer — making it one of the coolest amusement parks in Taiwan.
■ Three Major Rides for Crazy Thrills
Don’t assume that indoor rides are only for kids and lack any challenge. One of them, "Fly Over Taiwan," is both educational and thrilling. Many adults come off the ride feeling weak in the knees. "Fly Over Taiwan" simulates riding a helicopter, with your feet dangling three stories above the ground as you soar over Taiwan’s beautiful landscapes. Alishan and Sun Moon Lake are beneath your feet, and you can even kick the Taipei 101 building. You can also observe the post-Typhoon Morakot mountain and river landscapes. In just a few minutes, you’ll experience a realistic simulation of Taiwan’s scenic beauty.
For those seeking thrills, try "Sky Twister" and "Extreme Challenge" — the two most intense flagship rides in the park. The U-shaped Extreme Challenge lets riders quickly slide down a track while also doing 180-degree inversions, essentially sliding upside down, which is terrifying just to watch. As for "Sky Twister," it swings riders like a pendulum with wide arcs and spins — a must-try for thrill-seekers.
■ Endless Greek-Style Romance
E-DA Theme Park is Taiwan’s first amusement park with a Greek theme, using Greek mythology as its storytelling element. Here, you’ll see a giant Trojan Horse, characters from Greek myths, and staff dressed in flowing Greek-style costumes. The park also features the popular blue-and-white architecture of Greek islands. Although the "Santorini Mountain Town" area, which highlights the romantic charm of the islands, is not very large, its iconic island style still satisfies the imaginations of Greek mythology fans dreaming of the Aegean Sea.
Amusement Park Trip INDEX
★ E-DA Theme Park / No. 10, Section 1, Xuecheng Road, Daxi Township, Kaohsiung County / Admission: One-price ticket at NT$890, currently discounted to NT$800
★ Transportation: Take the Zhongshan Highway and exit at Nanzih Interchange, or take National Freeway No. 10 and connect to E-DA 2nd Road. If taking the high-speed rail, board the shuttle bus at Platform 5 of the Zuoying Station bus terminal. For details and shuttle schedules, visit www.edaworld.com.tw.