Tianchih and Chang Ching Temple –The center part of the Southern Cross-Island Highway

Tianchih is the end stop of the public bus system serving the Southern Cross-Island Highway, both from Taitung (台東) of eastern Taiwan and Tainan (台南) of western Taiwan, making it the most important place on the highway.

Private cars or charter tour buses also should not miss this vital tourism site. The first sight when stopping at Tianchih is green mountains, blue sky, a golden roof and white stone steps.

It looks difficult to climb the 90 steps to the Chang Ching Temple, especially as it is over 2,200 meters above sea level. A wooden ladder has recently been set up beside the stone steps to make the climb easier.

The Chang Ching Temple is a white walled and golden roofed building standing on the top of a roadside hill. It was set up to commemorate the 116 workers who died during the construction of the Southern Cross-Island Highway. A white stone pole with the Chinese characters of Chang Ching Temple on it stands in front of the temple. If you stand in the doorway of the Chang Ching Temple, you may see the spectacular mountain views just behind the white stone pole.

Tianchih, or Heaven Pool, is a small rain storage pool on the mountain just behind the temple. It was a major water source for wild animals. Since it became a popular tourist site, however, fewer wild animals come here to drink water.

The heart-shaped pool is about 50 square meters. The pool is 2,290 meters above sea level and is surrounded by trees. However, trees on nearby mountains were destroyed by fires caused by careless visitors about 10 years ago.

Tianchih is located at the 135-kilometer marker of the Southern Cross-Island Highway from Tainan. It can be reached by Hsing Bus (興南客運) from Tainan Railway Station (telephone (06) 220-6382) or Tai Chi Bus (台汽客運) from Taitung (Telephone (089) 322-027).

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