Ruins Turned into Mini Rainbow Zoo: Spring Strolls at Happiness Park Paired with Meat Buns

▲The park features wooden animal sculptures with charming and rustic designs. (Photo / Courtesy of Hualien County Government official website, the same below)

By Chen Ruizhong / Comprehensive Report

Besides visiting Dengxian Bridge to see monkeys and trying Donghe meat buns in Donghe Old Street when in Donghe Township, Taitung County, there’s now a new spot to explore — “Donghe Happiness Park,” located right across from the Donghe Township Kindergarten.

▲Thanks to collective efforts, what was once a ruin has been transformed into a lovely happiness park.

Donghe Happiness Park was originally an overgrown, abandoned plot of land with collapsed houses. Overrun with weeds and tangled vines, the site, though centrally located in Donghe Old Street, appeared desolate and neglected due to lack of maintenance. However, after environmental improvements and the hard work of local residents, the abandoned area has been turned into a charming little park.

▲The painted tire flower beds are the creative idea of local students.

With the help of many skilled hands, the park’s buildings have been transformed into thatched cottages, complete with red-brick flower stands, a hand pump, and colorful painted tire planters. A few small wooden pigs and deer also add a playful, childlike charm to the space.

Taitung County Government stated that Happiness Park is located next to the Donghe Old Street meat bun shops. Visitors are welcome to stop by the park for a moment of peace after buying their buns, enjoying a taste of the tranquil local life in Donghe.