Song of the Forest

The 'Song of the Forest' is situated at the intersection of Wenhua Road and the North-South Railway in Chiayi City. Its main design inspiration comes from towering sacred trees and the railway tracks of the Alishan Forest Railway, creating a serene spiritual tower. Vertical wooden strips encircle the main structure, like Alishan's sacred trees rooted firmly, reaching for the sky. The winding paths on the periphery mimic the Alishan Forest Railway tracks, snaking through the mountains, weaving in and out of tunnels. A passageway woven from rattan showcases natural light and shadow changes, reminiscent of a forest train, with the scenery shifting as it winds through Alishan. Stacked stones at the base of the main structure evoke the majestic peaks of Alishan, presenting an image of grandeur and sublimity. Inspiration is drawn from the Kuba (meeting house) design of Alishan's Tsou tribe and indigenous bamboo and rattan weaving techniques. It utilizes materials such as wood, railway tracks, and stone provided by the Forestry Bureau of the Council of Agriculture, offering the public an immersive natural experience. A bronze-woven golden dome allows sunlight to stream in with a golden glow, while moonlight and starlight create changing patterns. The interior, with its beech and cypress wood flooring, is filled with the invigorating scent of phytoncides. The permeable, enveloping structure offers further opportunities for enjoying the natural wilderness. Through the open-work dome, the ever-changing sky from day to night is presented, and the transformations of nature in Alishan never cease to amaze! Visitors entering feel as free as if treading on clouds, experiencing Alishan's five-sense enchantment. Artist Wang Wen-Chih, born in the greater Alishan area, created this modern 'Song of the Forest' art piece, drawing upon the familiar essence of his hometown, combined with his expertise in bamboo and rattan weaving and the use of natural materials. It aims to revive Chiayi's past glory as the 'City of Wood' and establish an international landmark for the forestry art park, allowing both domestic and international visitors to experience the natural spirituality of the Alishan forest area even while in the plains.