Bantianyan

At Bantianyan, there is a temple called Ziyun Temple, a county-designated historical site. Next to the temple stands a 76-foot-tall statue of Guanyin. The local scenery is exceptionally beautiful, with Bantianyan's grand garden boasting splendid views where every flower, tree, and blade of grass is exquisite. For these reasons, the government plans to develop it into the Bantianyan Forest Recreation Area, making it an ideal destination for a day trip for people from the Chiayi area. To climb Bantianyan Mountain, one can walk three kilometers from Dahua Highway, located in front of Ziyun Temple, to reach the Dalong bus stop. Bantianyan Ziyun Temple is situated in Yanzai, Minhe Village, approximately 17 kilometers from the city center, and is one of Taiwan's oldest Buddhist temple historical sites. The temple was constructed in the 21st year of Emperor Kangxi's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1682 AD), making it over 300 years old. Its magnificent and grand, yet simple and authentic architecture, serves as the spiritual center for the people of Fanlu Township. Legend has it that in 1662, a highly esteemed monk named Master Juefeng crossed the sea to Taiwan. Upon arriving here, he was captivated by the graceful peaks, serene landscape, and remoteness from worldly distractions, exclaiming, 'This is a blessed land, like a sanctuary!' He then cleared the thorny bushes and weeds, building a thatched hut here. Fanlu Township is located five kilometers north of the upper reaches of Bazhang River, east of Chiayi City. In the past, it served as a passage for the Tsou indigenous people of Alishan. Indigenous people from tribes such as Shanmei, Leyeh, and Dabang in Alishan Township all had to pass through Fanlu Township to trade and purchase goods with lowlanders, thus it was initially called 'Fan'azi Lu' (meaning 'Barbarian's Road'). It was renamed 'Fanlu' during the Japanese colonial period. Even today, relics of the Wanggaoliao (watchtowers) built in the past for defense against foreign invaders still remain. Bantianyan is the most important scenic spot and spiritual center in Minhe Village, Fanlu Township. Furthermore, it serves as a significant gateway to Alishan via Dahua Highway (County Road 159B).