Taichung Park is an urban park in Taichung's North District that opened on October 28, 1903, during the Japanese colonial period, originally named Nakanoshima Park, making it the oldest park in Taichung City. The mid-lake Huxin Pavilion inside the park was built in October 1908 to celebrate the completion of Taiwan's north-south trunk railway line and is now designated a Taichung municipal historic site, with its reflection on the lake becoming one of the most recognizable images of the city.
Taichung Park opened on October 28, 1903 (Meiji 36), originally named Nakanoshima Park, making it the oldest park in Taichung City, per the Chinese Wikipedia entry and the National Cultural Memory Bank. The Huxin (mid-lake) Pavilion inside was built in October 1908 (Meiji 41) to celebrate the completion of the north-south trunk railway line; Imperial Prince Kan'in Kotohito, who presided over the opening ceremony in Taiwan, is recorded to have rested there. The pavilion is now designated a Taichung municipal historic site.
Highlights of Taichung Park
Taichung Park was established in 1903, originally as an urban park under the Japanese colonial Taichung Office and is one of the earlier urban parks still in existence in Taiwan. The mid-lake pavilion, built in 1908 in the form of twin wooden pavilions set on the park lake, is elegant in design and stands as an important historical landmark and photographic subject in Taichung. The park retains numerous old trees planted during the Japanese colonial period, forming a dense green canopy that contrasts with the surrounding city.
Beyond its historic architecture, the park serves as a daily recreation space for residents of Taichung's North District. Locals come for morning exercise, and small markets or cultural events are occasionally held on weekends. The reflection of the mid-lake pavilion on the lake surface is a familiar image of Taichung; the reflection effect is best in clear morning light or on overcast days when light is soft. The park is open year-round with no admission fee.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- The Taichung MRT Green Line's "Taichung Park Station" puts you right at the door — about a 5-minute walk into the park.
- By car, use street parking nearby or public parking facilities in the area. The park itself has no dedicated parking.
- The park is open all day with no admission fee. The exterior of the mid-lake pavilion historic site can be viewed freely.
Nearby Connections
- The park is close to Taichung First Square and the central old city district, making it easy to walk and connect to Taichung's historic old town.
- Walking south leads to the area around Taichung Main Station, where you can take the Taiwan Railways or MRT to extend your trip to other attractions.
Source: Facts compiled from the Wikipedia entry on Taichung Park. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Taichung Park open?
Taichung Park opened on October 28, 1903, making it the oldest park in Taichung City.
When and why was the Huxin Pavilion built?
The pavilion was built in October 1908 to celebrate the completion of Taiwan's north-south trunk railway line.
Is there an admission fee for Taichung Park?
No, the park is open all day free of charge, and the exterior of the Huxin Pavilion historic site can be viewed freely.
Sources
- 台中公園－維基百科 — 開園日期、湖心亭興建緣由
- 臺中公園湖心亭｜國家文化記憶庫 — 官方文化資料交叉核對
- 老台中人才知道！台中百年公園地標「湖心亭」的小秘密－報時光 — 湖心亭興建背景細節