Taipower Connects Famous Attractions to Create an Eco-Tourism Power Journey

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

In the past, Taipower's power plants always carried a certain mystique, and because most of them are situated deep in the mountains—areas rarely visited by people—they are home to abundant and pristine natural ecological resources. These regions were typically off-limits, accessible only to Taipower personnel and indigenous residents who could witness the beauty of these mountain forests. In recent years, driven by a growing environmental awareness, Taipower has begun transforming itself by opening up its power plants and connecting them with nearby scenic spots, giving the public a chance to witness nature’s raw beauty.

Including “Wan-Da Power Plant,” “Mugua-Muyu – Eastern Power Plant,” “Dajia River Ma’an Dam Ecological Park,” “Gaomei Wetlands,” and “Chu-Men Power Plant,” each hidden gem embodies the spirit of energy conservation and environmental protection. The seamless coexistence of nature and power plants creates a striking harmony, showcasing how Taipower not only strives to meet the public’s electricity needs but also invests in green energy beautification, promotes local culture, and preserves historical architecture.

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

Thanks to Taiwan’s unique geographical advantages, it’s an ideal location for wind power generation. The alternating northeast and southwest monsoons make Gaomei Wetlands one of the best sites for wind energy. It’s also a place where you can spot a variety of rare flora and fauna. Here, you’ll find uncommon aquatic plants as well as waterfowl and egrets. Additionally, Taipower has installed two rows of white wind turbines imported from the Netherlands beside the wetlands. Each turbine stands over 100 meters tall, and their rhythmic rotation against the backdrop of the setting sun creates a stunning scene—like a painting come to life. This has become both a tourist attraction and landmark of Gaomei Wetlands, as well as one of the country’s most popular photo spots.

Info

[Gaomei Wetlands]

Address: Gao Mei 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 until 2009, when some of its aging machinery could no longer be replaced, leading to its retirement and replacement by a newly built Taipower facility. The old Chu-Men Power Plant was designated as a national historic site in 2003. A visit here is like stepping into a time tunnel, witnessing a century of Taiwan’s developmental history. With its charming and elegant Baroque-style architecture, combined with the historical ambiance created by the old generators, indoor bomb shelters, and pressure pipelines, the power plant offers a palpable sense of the past hundred years and leaves visitors in awe of the history of power generation.

Info

[Chu-Men Power Plant]

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

Phone: 07-685-1079#55

3. The Most Thrilling Power Plant in Deep Mountains and Canyons — Mugua-Muyu – Eastern Power Plant

Mugua-Muyu, located in Tongmen Village, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, was praised by the ancestors of the Truku tribe as a paradise on earth. Originally a restricted area, hydropower development began here as early as the Japanese colonial era due to its geographic features. The area surrounding the Tongmen, Qingshui, and Longjian power plants offers some of the most beautiful mountain forest scenery in Mugua-Muyu. Before 2006, non-indigenous people and Taipower employees were not allowed to witness this unspoiled natural beauty.

The roads, bridges, and open tunnels leading to Mugua-Muyu and Longjian Power Plant were designed and constructed by engineers from Taipower’s Eastern Power Plant, allowing the public to finally marvel at this masterpiece of natural wonder. The classic highlights of a Mugua-Muyu visit usually include the confluence of the Mugua and Qingshui Rivers, the red steel arch bridge Yangqing Bridge, the open tunnels, and the massive stone tablet “Penetrating Longjian.” The journey ends with a visit to Longjian Power Plant, where you can enjoy a uniquely delicious hibiscus ice pop.

 info

[Mugua-Muyu – Eastern Power Plant]

Address: No. 136, Ziyou Street, Hualien City

Phone: 03-835-0161#393

Note: Entry to Mugua-Muyu requires a prior mountain entry permit application.

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

Located south of Bi-Hu (Wushe Reservoir), a famous attraction in Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, the Wan-Da Power Plant is Taipower’s first eco-friendly power plant. In addition to its regular power generation operations, it is gradually developing ecological restoration zones and environmental education programs to help the public understand the diverse aspects of power plant ecology.

The Wan-Da Eco Power Plant is situated on the misty mountains along the Zhuoshui River. The area boasts rich flora and fauna, lush forests, the strikingly red Wan-Da Bridge, and Japanese-style buildings left over from the colonial period. When early spring cherry blossoms bloom and the area is sparsely populated, it feels like a fairyland. At the highest point of Wan-Da Power Plant is Baohedian Temple, which has an observation deck offering a panoramic view of the entire power plant. Below Baohedian is the “Wan-Hua Building,” an old structure preserved from the Japanese era, alongside a bomb shelter that evokes a sense of history. The environmental education station, converted from a former Japanese post office, introduces the restoration process and biodiversity of native Taiwanese soybeans, making 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 the power plant and surrounding communities: The Dajia River Ma’an Dam Ecological Park

The Ma’an Dam Ecological Park was transformed from the Dajia River Power Plant in Heping District, Taichung City. It combines forest, water resources, and natural ecology. In addition to being a key hydropower hub in central Taiwan, it boasts a rich and precious ecosystem. Coupled with connections to well-known attractions such as Guguan Hot Springs, Baxianshan, Ma’an Dam, and the Bailing Irrigation Canal, it forms a leisure destination suitable for all ages.

The Ma’an Dam Ecological Park integrates sightseeing, ecology, and the power plant, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful mountain and water scenery, experience the natural ecology, and witness the transformation of the power plant. Facilities such as the fish ladder and dynamic exhibition hall offer opportunities to observe fish swimming upstream. The nearby "Egret Island" showcases avian ecology, while the park also teems with colorful butterflies and macaques, making the entire area feel like a “hidden paradise on earth.” Other highlights include the Tianlun-Bailing Suspension Bridge, Xintianlun Tailrace, Bailing Ice Pops, and Bailing Meat Buns. This integration not only closely ties into the local environment but also enriches the tourist experience and contributes to ecological education in Taiwan.