Taroko National Park World Wide Web-English VersionTaroko National Park World Wide Web-English Version

Summary
Located between Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) and the Tunnel of Nine Turns (Jiuqudong), the section of road (Heliu Division) that spans across Jinheng Park meanders through the breathtaking terrain. When the Central Cross-Island Highway was under construction, a large majority of workers employed were injured or killed within this section, in particular during 1958 due to the unfortunate collapse of a temporary wooden bridge used for construction as a result of an earthquake. Jinheng Bridge—what was supposed to replace the collapsed bridge—and the adjacent Jinheng Park was built in commemoration of the workers from the incident. Statue of the Jinheng engineer was erected within the Park, alongside written inscriptions. The Park also hosts public restrooms, a small shop, and café.

Jinheng was born in Wuji County in China’s Hubei Province in 1924. He studied civil engineering at Beiyang University and came to Taiwan with the Chinese Nationalist (KMP) government in 1948. After serving in various government positions in Kaohsiung and elsewhere, he was appointed in 1957 to head construction of the Xipan section of the Central Cross-Island Highway. Despite the dangers and hardship Jinheng worked with his crew day and night. At dawn on October 20^th of that same year, a major earthquake in Hualian destroyed much of the work that had been done in this area. Jinheng was killed by falling rocks while inspecting the damage. Chiang Ching-kuo, who would later become president of Taiwan, ordered a memorial built to honor Jinheng. The calligraphy inscribed on the memorial is that of scholar Qien Mu.

Originally a concrete bridge with a beautifully-rounded ogive, the bridge was destroyed in 1997 due to high torrential flow from Typhoon Amber. Jinheng Park is located at the confluence of the Ludan and Liwu Rivers, and its highest point is a monument commemorating the staff of the Heliu Division of the Engineering Department of the National Highway Bureau, who were responsible for the construction of Jinheng Bridge. There are several beautiful, towering Bishop Wood Trees planted in the vicinity that add to the greenery of the Park.