Taiwan’s largest metropolitan park is located at the highest land area of the highlands along the Taichung city / county line which separates the city from the western coast. It was initiated in 1988, planned by Ministry of Interior and opened to public in 2000. The 88 hectare park provides a panoramic view towards the eastern side of the entire city and Central Mountain Range and the westward view of the coast. The main purpose of the park is to provide a leisure space, purify air, conserve water and soil and regulate temperature.

This scenic park includes a wide variety of ponds, walking paths, an acacia forest with a range of wildlife, greenery areas, a giant sundial, Star Observing Plaza, outdoor opera stage, a Tourist Service Center and a parking lot that can hold up to 400 vehicles. There are also desserts and afternoon tea served in the cafeteria and various restaurants and coffee houses are on Donghai Arts Street just around the park. There are also many small, localized stalls near Tunghai University and Fengchia University.

The giant Sundial structure in Taichung Metropolitan Park is the landmark of the park. It uses the sun and shadow theory to measure the time before having clocks and watches. There is a regular variation of directions and lengths of sundial’s shadow created by the sun during the daytime due to the spinning of the earth. There is also a Star Observing Plaza that contains a three-dimensional model of stars made of glass beads that are connected to each other by luminescent fibers to form different constellations.

It is free to visit the park and uses its facilities; however, there will be a charge if you wish to use its exhibition room or outdoor opera stage. The park’s indoor facilities are open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The central grounds are open from 6:00am to 9:00pm and other scenic viewing area is open from 6:00am to 6:00pm