ABOUT TOWN: Revamping Meichuan Canal

From our archives, Compass Magazine, Aug. 2001

Rachel Chiou

Taichung residents no doubt have noticed the many renewal projects that are taking place or that have been completed. For example, last month’s cover story described the many recent and ongoing improvements to the downtown district. In that area, Electronics Street has been converted into a pedestrians-only shopping area with Chikuang Street soon to follow suit. In addition, Luchuan, once a bus station area, has now become a beautiful canal. In March of this year, where the Taichung Municipal Cultural Center and the grounds of the Taiwan Museum of Art meet, the Meichuan River Bank Beautification Project was completed. The result is a beautiful park with brightly colored steps, a low bridge, elevated gazebo, and lots of trees, grass and flowers. On weekends and holidays, this park becomes crowded with people enjoying its facilities and surroundings.

For Taichung’s earliest inhabitants, Meichuan represented an auspicious dragon. All 11 neighborhoods surrounding Meichuan have the word ‘dragon’ in their names. Taking into account the historical background of Meichuan, much of the scenery was designed to bring to mind the image of a dragon, such as the landscaped waterway, Chung Ching statue, cultural center bulletin board, Meichuan No. 1 Bridge, Little Dragon Bridge and the curved walls. This park includes a U-shaped embankment and railings to compensate for the sloped terrain. The banks of the Meichuan River have been molded into a natural green space that is a perfect connection between the Taichung Municipal Cultural Center and the grounds surrounding the Taiwan Museum of Art.

From the above description, it is clear that Meichuan is not a dull, gray cement waterway. Rather, it is the combination of history, culture, ecology, flood control techniques, recreation and landscaping. From the brightly colored steps you can see people playing in the fountains. From the park¡¦s bridges, there is a good view of the water below. The entire park can be seen from the elevated gazebo and pavilions. And, if you look closely enough you will discover Chinese characters written along the paths, which relate ancient Chinese wisdom to passersby.

Summer is a good time to visit Meichuan. Bring the children to play in the fountains or enjoy a quiet evening stroll with that special someone. If your summer plans take you to the Taichung Municipal Cultural Center or the Taiwan Museum of Art make sure to stop by Meichuan and see all of its beauty for yourself.

(Meichuan Park is located at the corner of Wu Chuan Rd. and Wu Chuan West Rd.)