At the 2024 Taiwan Landscape Awards Ceremony held by Taiwan Institute of Landscape Architects today, the Taichung City Government’s Water Resources Bureau took home five honors in recognition of its excellent work in revitalizing water environments. Leading the wins, the Huludun Canal Water Environment Improvement Project earned an Excellence Award in the Environmental Planning category. Three projects—the Taichung City Huilai River Stream Upper Reach Water Environment Project, the Water Culture Living Museum/Dazhi Drainage Water Environment Improvement Project, and the Liuchuan Water Environment Improvement Overall Project—received Honorable Mentions in the Environmental Planning category. The Ruanpizai River Water Environment Improvement Project received an Honorable Mention in the Facility Environment category. These awards reflect the Water Resources Bureau’s commitment to transforming waterways into multifunctional green spaces that balance ecology, recreation, and flood control—offering Taichung residents a better, more water-friendly urban life.
The Water Resources Bureau noted that Huludun Canal, a historic irrigation channel in central Taiwan, was once turned into a culvert to provide more parking space. In light of growing environmental awareness and the push for greener urban living, the bureau launched a revitalization project to bring the canal back into view, without compromising its original functions of irrigation and flood control. The first phase—between Sanfeng and Sanmin Roads—has already completed, while the second phase—between Sanmin Road and Bo'ai Street—is in the works. Featuring design elements inspired by the canal’s heritage, such as a walkway and a harmonica-like bridge, the project invites the public to rediscover Huludun Canal’s historical development. Aligning with the 2050 net-zero goals, the project also adopts low-carbon construction methods and permeable pavement to support sustainability and improve the water environment. The canal is being transformed into a riverside space that blends historical value, ecological education, and leisure for the community.
Considering that the upstream portion of Huilai River near Section 2 of Henan Road is a relatively natural river channel, the Water Resources Bureau embraced this in its design by drawing inspiration from the Huilai Monument Archaeology Park. Infused with elements reflecting ancient stone tool culture, the project preserves existing native trees and uses a 7-meter-wide greenbelt along Henan Road to link the detention basin with the water environment. In addition, a S-shaped pathway is set among a blend of natural textures—grass, wood, stone, and light—creating an eco-friendly, culturally inspired riverside green corridor.
According to the Water Resources Bureau, the Dazhi Drainage Water Environment Improvement Project aims to strike a balance between ecology and flood control. With eco-friendly planting used to revitalize the riverbanks, the project preserves natural habitats while strengthening the city's flood resilience. Under the premise of ensuring flood safety, the design reduces excessive structural embankments and instead introduces waterfront recreational facilities, waterside platforms, and leisure walkways. These elements are carefully integrated to elevate the quality of river restoration and create a waterfront environment that reflects local identity.
The Water Resources Bureau pointed out that Liuchuan Drainage, a tributary running through Taichung’s densely-populated areas, has long affected from urbanization, leading to poor water environment. To address this, the bureau implemented water purification measures and revitalized the surrounding landscape to breathe new life into Liuchuan’s ecosystem and enhance everyday living for residents. Building on the success of earlier phases, the project focuses on the section between Zhonghualiu Bridge and Dachengliu Bridge. Through greening efforts and eco-friendly design, the project reinforces Liuchuan’s role as a vital urban blue belt, transforming it into an ecological river that serves the heart of the city.
The Water Resources Bureau added that Ruampizi River serves as both a vital irrigation source and a carrier of rich water-related heritage in Fengyuan. Collaborating closely with central authorities and gathering input from the local community, the bureau tackled the complex task of water distribution while launching a range of enhancements—from ecological revetments and near-natural meandering river channels to sewage interception and purification, and pedestrian walkways. The river now flows clear once more, emerging as a new highlight in Fengyuan.
The Water Resources Bureau underscored its ongoing commitment to pushing forward Taichung’s water environment improvement projects. By integrating elements of history, culture, ecology, and urban landscape, the bureau aims to build more sustainable and meaningful waterfront spaces. Making Taichung a city where people and nature thrive side by side. (3/22*7)* Water Resources Bureau

Contact Person: Mr. Wu, Water Resources Bureau, Taichung City Government
Contact Number: 04-22289111 ext. 53108