Taiwan Food Atlas

Shigang Dam

A key water source on the Dajia River and a 921 earthquake memorial site — the offset dam body bears witness to the force of geology
📍 Taichung · Shigang District, Shigang Road🏞️ Nature🔖 Earthquake Education

Shigang Dam was built in 1977 and serves as an important water-supply facility for the Taichung area. During the 921 earthquake of 1999, the Chelungpu Fault passed directly through the dam body, causing two sections to shift with a visible vertical offset. Part of the damaged structure was intentionally preserved as an earthquake education facility after the disaster. This man-made structure torn apart by seismic forces has become one of the most visually striking earthquake memorial landscapes in Taiwan.

Highlights of Shigang Dam

Shigang Dam was built in the middle reaches of the Dajia River, completed in 1977, and its primary function is to capture and supply water to Taichung residents. On September 21, 1999, the magnitude-7.3 Jiji earthquake triggered surface rupture along the Chelungpu Fault, which happened to pass directly through the dam body, causing the two sections to shift vertically by about 9 meters, with portions of the structure damaged. Post-earthquake reconstruction bypassed the fault zone to restore water supply functions, while the offset dam sections were preserved for geological and earthquake education.

At the site, the two sections of the dam with their pronounced height difference are clearly visible — direct physical evidence of surface rupture caused by the 921 earthquake, carrying significant geological and historical value. The surroundings also include reservoir scenery with an open view, making this a combined natural and historical attraction in Shigang District.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

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Observe the Offset Dam BodyThe stark height difference between the two dam sections is a direct remnant of the 921 earthquake. Study the structural damage caused by fault displacement to feel the raw power of geological forces.
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Learn the History of the 921 EarthquakeReading up on the 921 earthquake and the Chelungpu Fault before you visit will make the on-site experience far more meaningful from both a historical and geological perspective.
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Take in the Dam SceneryThe Dajia River valley around the dam is scenic, and the reservoir water changes color with the weather — a worthwhile view of central Taiwan's mountain river landscape.
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Pair with a Mountain-Line ItineraryShigang sits along Taichung's mountain-line corridor. Combine it with Fengyuan and Dongshi for a day trip that captures the varied character of Taichung's eastern hill towns.

Practical Information

Getting There & Timing

  • Check with the Taichung City Government for current opening hours and access rules for the viewing areas around Shigang Dam, as some areas may be restricted.
  • Drive along Provincial Highway 3 to Shigang and follow signs to the dam. Public transit is infrequent; self-driving or hiring a car from Fengyuan is recommended.

Nearby Connections

  • Nearby attractions include the Dongshi Forestry Culture Park and Fengyuan Ciji Temple, which can be combined for a mountain-line history and culture day trip.
  • The route can be extended to Guguan Hot Springs for a complete eastern mountain-line itinerary.

Source: Taichung City Government Water Resources Bureau, Wikipedia entry on Shigang Dam. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

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