台中市柳川沿岸景觀之變遷(1950-1988)

Abstract

Willow Creek is one of the main rivers flowing through Taichung City. The river was straightened during the period of Japanese occupation, and willows were planted along its banks, which inspired its name of ”Willow Creek.” After the Nationalist government moved to Taiwan following the end of World War ll, the number of Chinese immigrants grew rapidly, and for a time many had no place to live. To meet the needs of these homeless immigrants, the ”Police and Citizens' Association” chopped down the willow trees and used the land along the creek to build temporary homes for the newcomers. This destroyed the original scenery along Willow Creek. This study explores via the historical literature how the scenery along Willow Creek was destroyed and eventually partially restored. In this process of transformation, although the mainland Chinese immigrants temporarily living along Willow Creek gradually moved away as their economic circumstances improved, other migrants to Taichung City moved in to the riverside buildings. Even though they had been listed by the city government as unauthorized buildings, life went on in the Willow Creek homes much as before. When the city government made plans to tear down the unauthorized buildings, the residents complained and conducted protest demonstrations. After a long back-and-forth struggle between the two sides, all of the unauthorized buildings along Willow Creek were finally torn down in 1987. However, afterwards, land use and scenic planning along Willow Creek continued to encountered problems. In a compromise between practical needs and the natural ecology, some of the land along the creek was used for parking facilities, and the scenic willows of old were restored on other land. The modern appearance of Willow Creek came about in this way. This study seeks to record the city's historical changes, while also striving to inspire citizens to help continue to improve the scenery along Willow Creek.