Jioufen'ershan Earthquake Memorial Park is a geopark in Nantou preserving one of the largest single landslide sites from the 1999 921 Earthquake, officially surveyed at roughly 180 to 195 hectares. The debris blocked waterways to form landslide-dammed lakes, dramatically altering the terrain; the site preserves in situ the real traces of the earthquake's impact for geological research and education.
The magnitude-7.3 921 Earthquake in 1999 triggered a massive landslide at Jioufen'ershan. Official surveys put the landslide area at roughly 180 to 195 hectares — one of the largest single landslide events of the earthquake (a commonly cited figure of "700-plus hectares" does not match official survey data). The debris blocked two valleys, forming the Jiucaihu Creek and Sezaikeng Creek landslide-dammed lakes, with inundated areas of about 4.43 and 6.48 hectares respectively.
Highlights of Jioufen'ershan Earthquake Memorial Park
The Jioufen'ershan landslide covered an area of over 700 hectares and reached depths of tens of meters in some places, making it one of the largest single landslide events of the 921 Earthquake. The landslide-dammed lake that formed after the earthquake gradually shrank as water found alternative channels, but the altered terrain remains clearly visible today. The park has an interpretive trail with geological information boards along the way covering the causes of the landslide, the formation of the lake, and the gradual recovery of vegetation. It is one of the rare sites in Taiwan where earthquake geological phenomena are presented through in-situ preservation.
Since the earthquake, pioneer plant species have gradually colonized the landslide area, and the traces of ecological succession can be observed along the trail. Some exposed rock face cross-sections and twisted geological strata provide clear evidence of the direct force the earthquake exerted on the geology. Compared to other 921 memorial sites, Jioufen'ershan uses the natural terrain itself as the primary exhibit, without excessive artificial facilities, presenting a more understated educational format suited to visitors with an interest in geography, geology, or 921 history.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Time Required
- Located in Guoxing Township, best reached by private car; about 20 to 30 minutes from Puli. Public transportation is infrequent — driving or chartering a vehicle is recommended.
- Visiting the trail takes about 1 to 1.5 hours; combined with time reading interpretive materials, allow about 2 hours. Plan it as one stop on a half-day itinerary.
Nearby Connections
- Guoxing Township is known for its coffee industry; several local coffee farms in the area can be visited along the way.
- Heading south leads to Puli town; heading northwest connects to the Taichung area. The geographic location makes it a convenient midpoint stop on cross-county itineraries.
Sources: Interpretive materials from the Jioufen'ershan Earthquake Memorial Park management authority, Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency related reports. Photos pending replacement with Dio's original shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large was the landslide at Jioufen'ershan?
Official surveys put the landslide area at roughly 180 to 195 hectares, making it one of the largest single landslide events of the 921 Earthquake.
What terrain features formed after the landslide?
The debris blocked two valleys, forming the Jiucaihu Creek and Sezaikeng Creek landslide-dammed lakes, with inundated areas of about 4.43 and 6.48 hectares respectively.
Which earthquake does this memorial site commemorate?
It preserves the landslide left by the magnitude-7.3 921 Earthquake of September 21, 1999, now maintained in situ as a geopark.
Sources
- 九份二山 - 維基百科 — 崩塌面積、堰塞湖數據
- 九份二山崩塌地-防減災線上博物館 — 官方災害調查資料