The Water Resources Bureau of the Taichung City Government held the "Huludun Canal Opening 300th Anniversary Press Conference" today (22nd) at the Shihgang Reservoir Parking Lot Plaza to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the opening of Huludun Canal. Mayor Shiow-Yen Lu was present to congratulate local residents and invited the public to witness the cultural and historical changes over the past 300 years. Mayor Lu said that the city government expanded the commemorative activities at the suggestion of many public opinion representatives. She hopes to lead the people to gratitude for the source of benefit and to thank the ancestors for their hard work in opening the land. At the same time, the mayor also previewed that the "Opening of Canal Opening 300 Concert" will be held on December 16, inviting citizens and friends to join in the music feast.

Mayor Lu stated that the predecessor, Mr. Da-Jing Chang, traveled across the sea to Taiwan and settled in Taichung to reclaim it 300 years ago. At that time, indigenous people governed this area, and Mr. Da-Jing Chang had cultivation and irrigation techniques. As a result, a collaborative effort between him and the indigenous people was established, leading to the joint development of the Huludun Canal.

Mayor Lu indicated that the project gradually expanded from downstream to upstream. It made the Fengyuan Plain not only land with fertile land and water conservancy facilities available but also made Fengyuan's rice, timber, and other products of high quality. This year, the city government held a grand event to express gratitude for the ancestors who made this place so prosperous. A concert is scheduled to be held next to Shihgang Reservoir on December 16. Welcome everyone to attend the event.

The Water Resources Bureau explained that the Huludun Canal has a long history, dating back to the first year of the Era of Emperor Yongzheng (1723). For a long time, it has nourished the agricultural lifeline of the Fengyuan area and driven the vigorous development of rice, pastry, and other food cultures in the Fengyuan area. The bureau hopes to take advantage of the 300th anniversary of Huludun Canal's opening to arouse people's attention to river water culture and history. It also implements the concept of "good water conservancy improvement not only controls water but also displays the culture and history of water."

According to the Water Resources Bureau, over time, the Huludun Canal has been drained from the Qing Dynasty water inlet next to the Fongrong Irrigation Memorial Stele to the water inlet under the Hualiang Iron Bridge during the Japanese colonial period to today's water inlet at the Shigang Reservoir. Therefore, the choice of the Shigang Reservoir Parking Lot Plaza for the "Huludun Canal Opening 300th Anniversary Press Conference" holds particular significance.

The Water Resources Bureau also stated that the "Huludun Canal Opening 300th Anniversary Concert" will invite outstanding local performance groups such as the Taiwan Youth Band, which has won the Outstanding Performance Team award in Taichung City for eight years, the Taiko Team of Y-Sun Senior High School, which has won the national championship in this year's Taiko Group Championships, the LOHAS Harmonica Class at Hou-Feng Community College, and the Love Journey Band to perform. The bureau also plans wooden DIY experiences, painted walls, on-site creative markets, and a lottery activity. There are many good gifts on site, so take advantage of them! For further details, about the activities, please stay tuned to the Facebook fan page of "Water Resources Taichung."

Today, the bureau invited local performing groups such as the LOHAS Harmonica Class at Hou-Feng Community College and Chiung Rong Dance Troupe to excite the press conference. Through touching melodies and dance performances, people witnessed the cultural and historical changes of Huludun Canal over 300 years. The activities included the presence of Legislator Chi-Chen Chiang, City Councilors Zhi-Fen Chang, Ben-Tian Chen, Ai-Shan Qiu, and Qing-Long Chen. City Councilor Cheng-Gui Tsai also sent representatives to attend.
(11/22*14)* Water Resources Bureau
Contact person: Miss Liu, Water Resources Maintenance Division, Water Resources Bureau of Taichung City Government.
Tel: 04-22289111 Ext. 53179