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Taiwan’s first centennial park—Taichung Park More than a hundred years old, Taichung Park has long been the landmark of the city. Within its lush green woods are woven threads of history, culture, and even wildlife. The saying “plant trees for the shade of future generations” rings true here; in Taiwan’s urban centers, a grove as dense as Taichung Park’s is a rare find. Such poetic serenity must have taken decades to cultivate, offering weary city-dwellers an inexpensive, easily reached pocket of nature—no long drive to distant mountains or rivers required. For many Taichung natives, the park is a lifelong playground: morning workouts, boating under the Lake Pavilion, family picnics, quiet corners for whispering sweethearts. Travelers know it as the city’s emblem and Taiwan’s first century-old park, its historic relics within easy reach of bustling night markets and the main station. Hotels, delicacies, and snacks abound, making it an ideal stop for both quiet reflection and lively exploration. Lake Pavilion Built in 1908 (Meiji 41) to celebrate the completion of the north-south railway, this European-style lakeside pavilion once hosted Prince Kan’in Kotohito of Japan and quickly became the icon of Taichung. On 17 April 1999 it was officially designated a Municipal Monument, encompassing both the pavilion and the adjacent Zhongshan Bridge. Moon-Viewing Pavilion Erected in 1889 (Guangxu 15), this is the last standing structure of the original Taiwan Provincial City walls. When Qing official Liu Ming-chuan made Taichung the provincial capital, eight gates and four towers were built; Moon-Viewing Pavilion is the sole survivor of the north gate. The plaque inside—“Music Welcomes the Gods”—was inscribed by magistrate Huang Cheng-yi over a century ago. The original is now stored at the Niumatou Archaeological Site; the pavilion displays a replica. Geng-lou (Watchtower) Originally the main gatehouse of the Wu Luan-chi Residence, demolished around 1980, the city relocated this Chinese-style watchtower into Taichung Park. It is the only remaining example of its kind in Taiwan.