The Guanyin Waterfall in Zhushan Township was once a beloved “dating hotspot” for young couples. After the 921 Earthquake, property disputes, and the impact of Typhoon Morakot, while the main waterfall—still resembling the “Goddess of Mercy”—remains, the connecting roads have been left in ruins. Both hikers and local residents now face difficulties accessing the site, and they hope the county government will address the issue. The county government has responded, stating that it has assisted the local township office in applying to the central government for NT$200 million in reconstruction funds.
Nestled in Wenfeng Village, Zhushan Township, on the upper reaches of the Puzi River, the Guanyin Waterfall, when water flow is strong, sends a curtain of falling water down from the mountaintop that resembles the image of the Goddess of Mercy. Its tranquil surroundings once drew large numbers of hikers and mountain enthusiasts, and it was a favorite spot for social meetups and dates among locals born in the 1940s and 1950s from the Yunlin-Chiayi area. It also helped spur development in the nearby Xixinliao community.
During weekends in the 1970s and 1980s, tour buses and travelers from all directions almost packed the area to the brim. Wenfeng Village Chief Lin Sulan recalled: “Local businesses had more than enough customers, all thanks to the visitors drawn by the Guanyin Waterfall scenic area!” However, after the 921 Earthquake, many recreational facilities within the scenic area were damaged. Coupled with improper maintenance by the outsourced operator, the county government had to go through legal proceedings before it could successfully reclaim ownership of the site.
Just as public management was set to take over operations and the Forestry Bureau was preparing to invest heavily in renovations, Typhoon Morakot struck. Not only were the roads leading to the recreational area cut off, but landslides along the mountain slopes frequently sent falling rocks tumbling down, with preliminary estimates putting the cost of restoration at around NT$200 million.
Given the enormous sum involved, it is beyond the financial capacity of Zhushan Township to handle alone. Faced with mounting pressure from both tourists and local residents, the township can only look to the county government for assistance. The county government has indicated that it has helped the township office submit the funding request to the Ministry of the Interior’s Construction and Planning Agency.