The Babao River
Channels were the biggest hydraulic engineering in Taiwan during Qing Dynasty.
The offspring of Lang Shi, Shi-bang Shi, was the person responsible for its
construction. The water in Zhuo-shui River was drawn into the Plain of Changhua
to irrigate the farmland. Since the river channels ran through eight of the
thirteen forts, the channels are named after Ba-bao River Channels. Tianjhong
is close to the head of the river channel. The fertile soil and the clean water
throughout the year gave birth to the nationally known "Zhuo-shuei Rice."
Along the banks of Babao River Channels plant many
trees and it becomes a good place for a leisurely stroll to the local
population, especially the sections between Zhung-tan and Long-tan are most
recommended. It looks like a green corridor, according to the timing of the
seasons to present different natural beauty, but also contains cultural
atmosphere along the architectural features that attracted many photography
fans to seek for good views. This is a good itinerary suitable for the whole
family to roam leisurely.
Located on the
north shore of the Zhung-tan Community, "Tianjhong Sacred Heart of
Jesus" was designed by Taiwan's first female architect, who is also the
designer for Yangmingshan Zhongshan building, Ms. Her concept of design is to
integrate the elements of northern China Palace and simple modern Western architectural
styles, which is similar to Zhungsan Building. Therefore, it is also named
after "Little Zhongshan Building."
The "Association
of Sacred Heart of Jesus Sisters" next to the Catholic church was founded by
a nun, Sister Po Kao-li, from Hungary in the year of 1953, and is the only Catholic
religious group founded in Taiwan. In addition to assisting Catholic missionary
work, and at the same time they also run the "Sacred Heart
Kindergarten" and "Holy Savior High School" for education.
In the north of the
corridor is a Hall of the Hsu's Family which worships the ancestors of the
Hsu's family. Its lovable red appearance, delicate cornices, and the antique plaque
made tourists miss the wonders of the past. The religious center in this
community is "Tian-feng Temple," which worships Guanyin Buddha. Every
time when ceremonies are held, it will attract
followers from all over Taiwan to come to pray for blessings.
The Long-tan
Community at the south bank of the corridor retains many traditional buildings
in the style of Southern Min. And the Liang-ji Village next to the Babao River
Channel and Da-she Road preserves a residence of Yun-zhang Xiao
in Long-tan which is designed by a famous architect in 1927 with a mixture of
Japanese, southern Min and western elements. Yun-zhang Xiao was born in a local
famous family and served as a lawyer, teacher, and secretary in the government
in the Japanese ruled period. Afterwards, he was elected as the a councilor in the Senate of Taichung. Later,
he served in the farmers' association in Tianjhong. He was an important leading
figure in Tianjhong. By visiting his residence, people can watch the beauty of
Japanese architectures and appreciate the spirit of Xiao's leadership.
At the end of the corridor is the junction of the
first River Channel and the second one. Here is located a temple, Shi-fang
Temple, which worships a mysterious lady, Ms. Lin. Here it sits to protect the
two river channels and bless the offspring on the land.
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