Taipei City Geotechnical Engineering Office

The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of Taipei City’s Public Works Department recently launched the Zhinan Scenic Area after brainstorming with representatives of Chin-Nan Temple and its neighboring communities over the theme of “Advice from Three Religions (Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism) for Five Areas of Life” to determine the meanings of Chinese zodiac signs and astrological cycles, which hopefully would give visitors some life guidance. Completed in March 2014, the brand new scenic and recreational facility features a footpath network lined with 12 horoscope-inspired stone sculptures, each distinctively styled and separately placed at a “5-year” interval to interpret a specific stage of life. Among others, the titanium-plated sculpture of a five-clawed, rain-breathing golden dragon erected by the Chin-Nan Temple Management Committee next to a landscaped waterfall is so lifelike (thanks to the mist evaporators!) you might think it is splashing in a misty celestial pond.

Each zodiac sign has a different meaning. While the Tiger is a sacred, regal beast in Chinese mythology that can cast out evil spirits and restore peace, the Rooster’s tall, fiery red crest indicates increased fame, wealth and other auspicious things. The Pig, as the Chinese character of “home” pictographically suggests, is an integral part of a household, the basic unit of civilization development and preservation efforts. The landscaping plan of Zhinan Scenic Area connects 12 different zodiac signs to give guidance about life.

In recent years, GEO and the Chin-Nan Temple Management Committee have teamed up to construct and restore various scenic highlights (namely the Family Recreation Area, Lover’s Mecca and Longevity Trail), according to GEO’s director Li-Yuan Huang. Those who arrive in the Zhinan area by Maokong Gondola, immediately after getting off at the Zhinan Temple Station, will be greeted by the sight of the newly completed Fountain Square, where the glistening fountain is encircled by laborious, adorable and lifelike zodiac animal-inspired stone seats, Huang added.

Ming-Yu He, the chief of GEO’s Forest Recreation Section, mentioned a GEO plan to decorate the Zhinan Scenic Area with a “Chinese zodiac map” in 2014, scattering horoscope-themed artworks between the Fountain Square and Lover’s Mecca (the vantage point) with the Tiger, Horse and Monkey sculptures crafted with laser-engraved stainless steel to add a touch of religious heritage and artistic landscaping to this scenic area. It is a great idea to explore the Chinese horoscope in this secret base, while enjoying a treasure hunt that is relaxing and thrilling at the same time, he added.

Following their highly successful 2012 partnerships, including GEO’s Lover’s Mecca reinforcement effort and Chin-Nan Temple’s enshrinement of Yue Lao (Chinese Cupid), GEO and Chin-Nan Temple joined forces in a year-long project in 2014 that led to the world’s one and only 100% handcrafted titanium-plated stainless steel sculpture of a five-clawed golden dragon, said Zhong-Xin Gao, chairman of the Chin-Nan Temple Management Committee. The dragon is covered with 3,600 scales; it clutches a magic ball and an imperial seal in its right and left claws, respectively. Legend has it that the dragon was the Jade Emperor’s mount that flew in the sky, roamed the depths, called clouds and rain into existence and nourished everyone on earth. It is a holy creature to which some Chinese followers of folk religions pray for rain and protection against devils, hence a symbol of nobility, prosperity, good luck and success. The golden dragon sculpture was unveiled on June 15th hopefully to give visitors a better idea of how their lives are connected to Chinese astrology.

Zhinan Village Chief Jia-Nan Zhang said GEO’s lively sculptural reproductions of Chinese zodiac signs have been celebrated across his neighborhood and attracted enough youngsters to bolster the local economy, as evidenced by the growing number of Maokong Gondola users getting off at the Zhinan Temple Station.

Note: Photos of the golden dragon and Zhinan Scenic Area can be downloaded from GEO’s Chinese website (http: //www.tcge.taipei.gov.tw/)

Address: No. 115, Wanshou Rd., Wenshan Dist., Taipei City (beside Maokong Gondola’s Zhinan Temple Station)

Transportation information
By Car:
1. Front range: Take Wanshou Rd. and drive uphill until reaching the end of the road.
2. Back range: Take Sec. 3, Zhinan Rd. uphill, turn into Lane 157, Sec. 3, Zhinan Rd. and keep driving till the end of the lane.
By Public Transport Services:
1. Front range: Take Bus 530 or Brown 5 and get off at Zhinan Temple.
2. Back range: Take Mini Bus 10 or Zhinan Left Route and get off at Maokong Gondola’s Zhinan Temple Station.
3. Back range: Take the Maokong Gondola and get off at Zhinan Temple Station.