Taiwan’s only sumo ring opens with authentic Tang-style architecture sparking discussion

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department

Taiwan’s only sumo ring opens with authentic Tang-style architecture sparking discussion

Daxi Zhongzheng Park was established in 1909, covering a total area of about 4 hectares. In its early days, the ferry terminal was located here, featuring famous sceneries such as “Jin Zhi Gui Fan” (Golden Sail Returning) and “Fei Qiao Wo Bo” (Flying Bridge Lying on Waves), making it the most scenic and culturally charming park in Daxi’s century-long history. The city government’s “Daxi Slow City Plan” includes the creation of a “Cliffside Trail” along the river terrace cliffs west of Zhongzheng Park, connecting Heping Old Street and Zhongshan Old Street. It also uses locally sourced solid cypress wood from Taiwan to construct rustic Tang-style pavilions, restoring the original appearance of the only remaining Japanese-era sumo ring in Taiwan, making Daxi an ideal place for cultural strolls.

In the past, Daxi Zhongzheng Park housed a sumo ring, a public hall, and the Daxi Shrine. After the war, Zhongzheng Park remained the heart of life for Daxi residents, with Heping Old Street and Zhongshan Old Street gradually forming the old town district of Daxi. The city’s “Daxi Slow City Plan” includes undergrounding cables and wires in the old town, extending Heping Old Street to Zhongshan Old Street, the Daxi Wooden Art Ecology Museum, visitor center, Daxi Farmers’ Association warehouse, and the Daxi Elementary School multi-purpose sports center, all of which have been planned or completed successively.

The circular plaza inside Daxi Zhongzheng Park features a Tang-style wooden pavilion and a dirt sumo ring, which can be used to host cultural events. In addition, in 2007 (Note: Assuming "07" refers to 2007), the World Sumo Championship was held at the Taoyuan Arena, where sumo wrestlers from 50 countries competed in Taiwan.