The area was once known as the 'Little Yangzhou' during the Qing Dynasty due to its prosperity as a vital trade port.
The landscape architecture is specifically designed to function as a temporary detention basin during typhoon seasons to protect the Yanshui District from flooding.
The annual lantern festival, established in 2012, has transformed from a local event into a major international contemporary light art exhibition.
The design team behind the park received the Taiwan Landscape Architecture Award for its integration of water management and cultural revitalization.
The park's path layout mirrors the historical curves of the river, which have changed significantly due to centuries of sedimentation.
Yuejingang Riverside Park is an urban waterfront park located in the Yanshui District of Tainan, Taiwan, centered around the historic Yuejingang harbor area. The park spans approximately 10 hectares and features a network of trails surrounding a meandering waterway that was once a bustling trading port. It is world-renowned for hosting the annual Yuejingang Lantern Festival, where international artists install large-scale light sculptures along the water. The landscape design incorporates flood mitigation infrastructure that doubles as public leisure space, blending historical preservation with modern civil engineering. Walkways are connected by several bridges, including the notable 'Moonlight Bridge' (Yueguangqiao) which spans the river. Native vegetation and aquatic plants are maintained along the riparian corridors to support local biodiversity. The park serves as a central hub for connecting historical heritage sites, such as the Yanshui Octagonal Building, to the broader district. Visitors can traverse the winding paths that follow the natural flow of the river, which historically shaped the development of Yanshui.
The mid-point of the Yueguangqiao (Moonlight Bridge) offering a panoramic view of the river and the illuminated art installations.
Visit during the daylight hours to appreciate the landscape design, then stay after sunset to view the permanent light installations.
Bring insect repellent as the riverside location can be prone to mosquitoes during humid months.
Walk the full length of the trail to reach the old Yanshui harbor sites which provide context to the river's history.
Do not attempt to walk on the grassy embankments during or immediately following heavy rains, as these areas are designed to flood.
The park is open year-round, but access to specific art installations is significantly enhanced during the Yuejingang Lantern Festival, which typically occurs in the first quarter of the year.
Stay on designated paths to protect restored riparian vegetation; keep the noise level low in the residential-adjacent zones.
