Chumen Hydropower Plant, Hydroelectric power station in Shishan Village, Taiwan.
The Chumen Hydropower Plant is a power station in Shishan Village that converts river water into electrical energy using turbines and generators. The facility includes intake systems, channels, and structures designed to direct and control water flow for electricity production.
The facility was built in 1908 as one of Taiwan's earliest hydroelectric installations during the island's industrial expansion. It represents an important early step in bringing modern electricity to local populations.
The plant reflects how engineering and nature work together to power local communities, and locals see it as part of their region's identity and progress. Walking around the facility, you notice how it has shaped the way people live and work in this valley.
The plant sits in a river valley setting, with some areas at higher elevation that require walking on paths or stairs to explore fully. The best time to visit is during drier seasons when water flow is visible and access paths are in good condition.
The plant received official recognition as a country-level monument by Taiwan Power Company in 2003, making it a protected historical site. This status honors its contribution to the nation's energy history and preserves it for future generations.
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