Taipower connects famous scenic spots to create an eco-tourism power journey

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported

Taipower’s power plants have always had an air of mystery, especially since most are located deep in the mountains, far from human activity. As a result, these areas boast rich and precious natural ecosystems, which are typically not open to the public, only accessible to relevant Taipower personnel and indigenous people who can appreciate the beauty of these mountain forests. In recent years, with growing environmental awareness, Taipower has begun to transform, opening up its power plants and connecting them with surrounding scenic areas, giving everyone a chance to witness nature in its purest form.

Including “Wan-da Power Plant,” “Mugumuyu – Eastern Power Plant,” “Dajia River Ma’an Dam Ecological Park,” “Gaomei Wetlands,” and “Chu-men Power Plant,” each hidden gem is infused with the spirit of energy and environmental protection. The harmony between nature and the power plants is seamless, showing that Taipower is not only committed to meeting the public’s electricity needs but also dedicated to promoting green energy, beautification, and the preservation of local culture and historic buildings.

1. The Whirling Dance of the Wind God: Energy-Saving and Clean — Gaomei Wetlands

Due to Taiwan’s unique geographical advantages, it is highly suitable for wind power generation. The alternating northeast and southwest monsoons make Gaomei Wetlands an ideal location for wind turbines, while also hosting a variety of rare flora and fauna. Here, you can see uncommon aquatic plants and spot water birds and egrets. Additionally, Taipower has installed two rows of white wind turbines imported from the Netherlands near the wetlands. Each turbine stands over 100 meters tall, their rhythmic rotation creating a majestic sight as they stand guard over the wetlands. Set against the backdrop of the sunset, this scene is as beautiful as a painting, making it both a tourist attraction and a landmark of Gaomei Wetlands, as well as a nationally renowned photography spot.

Info

[Gaomei Wetlands]

Address: Gaomei Road, Qingshui District, Taichung City

2. The Nation’s Only National Historic Site and Most Beautiful Century-Old Power Plant — Chu-men Power Plant

The Chu-men Power Plant in Meinong, Kaohsiung, has been in operation since 1909 during the Japanese colonial period. It was decommissioned in 2009 due to aging machinery that could no longer be replaced, and was replaced by a new power plant built by Taipower. The old Chu-men Power Plant was designated a national historic site in 2003. Visiting the site is like stepping into a time tunnel, witnessing a century of Taiwan’s development history. With its charming and elegant Baroque architecture, along with the historical atmosphere created by the old generators, indoor air-raid shelters, and pressure pipes, walking into the power plant allows you to feel the traces of a hundred years and be amazed by the entire history of power generation.

Info

[Chu-men Power Plant]

Address: No. 20, Zhumen, Shishan Li, Meinong District, Kaohsiung City

Phone: 07-685-1079#55

3. The Most Thrilling Power Plant in Deep Mountains and Canyons — Mugumuyu – Eastern Power Plant

Located in Tongmen Village, Sioulin Township, Hualien County, Mugumuyu is praised by the ancestors of the Taroko people as a paradise on earth. Originally a restricted area, its geographical features have made it a hub for hydroelectric power development since the Japanese colonial era. The area surrounding the Tongmen, Qingshui, and Longjian power plants offers some of the most stunning mountain forest scenery in Mugumuyu. Before 2006, non-indigenous people and Taipower employees were not allowed to witness this unspoiled beauty.

The roads, bridges, and open tunnels leading to Mugumuyu and Longjian Power Plant were designed and constructed by engineers from Taipower’s Eastern Power Plant, giving the public a chance to see this masterpiece of natural wonder. The most classic route to view Mugumuyu’s beauty is usually at the confluence of the Mukua and Qingshui rivers, featuring the red steel arch bridge Yangqing Bridge, open tunnels, and the massive stone monument “Penetrating Longjian.” The journey ends with a visit to Longjian Power Plant, where you can enjoy an exclusive hibiscus ice pop.

 info

[Mugumuyu – Eastern Power Plant]

Address: No. 136, Ziyou Street, Hualien City

Phone: 03-835-0161#393

Note: Entry to Mugumuyu requires a prior application for a mountain entry permit.

4. The First High Dam Built by the Nation — Wan-da Power Plant

Located south of Bi Lake (Wushe Reservoir), a famous scenic spot in Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, the Wan-da Power Plant is Taipower’s first ecological power plant. In addition to its original power generation operations, it is now gradually planning ecological restoration zones and environmental education programs to help people understand the diverse aspects of power plant ecology.

The Wan-da Eco Power Plant is situated on the mountainous ridges along the winding Zhuoshui River. The plant is rich in flora and fauna, with lush forests, the strikingly red Wan-da Bridge, and Japanese-style houses left over from the colonial period. In early spring, the cherry blossoms add to the otherworldly feel of the sparsely populated area. At the highest point of the Wan-da Power Plant, the Baohe Temple offers a viewing platform overlooking the entire plant, while the “Wan-hua Building” below is another remnant of the Japanese era. The nearby air-raid shelter gives a sense of the marks left by history. The environmental education station, converted from a former Japanese post office, introduces the restoration process and diversity of Taiwan’s native soybeans, making the Wan-da Power Plant an excellent destination for an ecological journey.

Info

[Wan-da Power Plant]

Address: No. 1, Da’an Road, Ren’ai Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County

Phone: 049-297-4167

5. An ecological corridor integrating power plants and surrounding communities: The Dajia River Ma'an Dam Eco Park

The Ma'an Dam Eco Park was transformed from the Dajia River Power Plant in Heping District, Taichung City. It combines forests, water sources, and natural ecology. In addition to being a key hydropower hub in central Taiwan, it boasts a rich and precious ecosystem. Connected to renowned attractions such as the Guguan Hot Springs, Baxian Mountain, Ma'an Dam, and the Bai-Len Irrigation Channel, it forms a leisure destination suitable for all ages.

The Ma'an Dam Eco Park integrates tourism, ecology, and the power plant, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic landscapes of mountains and rivers, experience the richness of nature, and witness the transformation of the power plant. Facilities such as fish ladders and dynamic exhibition halls offer opportunities to observe fish swimming upstream. The nearby “Egret Island” showcases vibrant birdlife, while the park is also home to colorful butterflies and macaques, making the entire area feel like a hidden paradise on Earth. Other highlights include the Tianlun-Bailen Suspension Bridge, the New Tianlun Tailrace, Bailen popsicles, and Bailen meat buns. This integration not only closely ties into the local environment but also enriches the tourist experience, contributing to ecological education in Taiwan.