Tiezhi Road Park

“Tiezhi Road Park” in Puzi City, Chiayi County, is a linear park spanning 1,250 meters, meticulously planned and developed by the Chiayi County Government and Puzi City. Some sections of this area were originally landfills during the Japanese colonial period, only to be constructed in 1911 into a narrow-gauge railway (five-fen-zi small train) that departed from Suantou Sugar Factory, transporting sugarcane and passengers. When the Taiwan Sugar Railway's entire line was in operation, it also had to transport goods, coastal fishery products, and agricultural produce from the Chianan Plain into Chiayi City. Its arterial influence extended throughout Taiwan, touching almost every aspect of agriculture and industry at the time, making it a crucial contributor to Taiwan's economic takeoff. It wasn't until the early 1960s, with the reduction of passenger and freight services and passenger routes, that the small train's route was altered to run westward, terminating in Puzi. From then on, the section from Puzi Station westward to Gangqian Road was exclusively used for transporting sugarcane. Finally, in March 1999, the small train ceased operations and was subsequently dismantled by the Suantou Sugar Factory, retiring with its mission accomplished. After its demolition, the railway lost not only its tracks and sleepers but also its utility value, leading to it being left idle and desolate. It later became an area where local residents illegally encroached to plant vegetables or dump garbage and discarded furniture, causing unbearable environmental pollution. It wasn't until after the Chiayi County remediation project that it transformed into the beautiful and appealing “Puzi Tiezhi Road Park” we see today. Along this beautiful park, a comprehensive greening transformation has been carried out. In addition to the roadside trees spanning over a kilometer of the linear park, various facilities such as extensive plantings, pedestrian walkways, benches, and night lighting have been installed along the route. The project was officially completed in September 2004. The beautified Tiezhi Road Park not only offers Puzi residents a chance to reminisce about the unforgettable memories of chasing the small train to extract sugarcane in the past but also serves as an important local recreational area and tourist attraction.