By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — Yancheng Civic Plaza (鹽埕市民廣場) has reopened after a yearlong renovation. The Parks Office (公園處) said the project was completed in May and has reshaped the almost-one-hectare plaza with new landscaping, pedestrian routes, and public gathering areas.
The plaza sits in central Yancheng District (鹽埕區), once one of the city’s main political and commercial centers. The site was formerly known for the Yancheng Traffic Circle (鹽埕圓環), a landmark remembered by many longtime residents.
After the traffic circle was removed, the area became Yancheng Civic Plaza and was linked with 228 Peace Park (二二八和平公園), formerly Renai Park (仁愛公園), and the Love River waterfront.
The Parks Office said the aging plaza had become less inviting in recent years and required a major renovation.
The “remake” project opened up views across the plaza and improved pedestrian access through the site, the office said.
The redesigned plaza uses a “splashing water drop” concept, with layered planting to increase greenery. Its central area incorporates the image of the old Yancheng Traffic Circle through a feature called the Yancheng Cool Ring (鹽埕酷環), which combines misting facilities, stepped seating, and varied terrain.
The office said the space can be used for public events, daily recreation, and summer cooling, with the misting system intended to create a more comfortable microclimate.
Pedestrian routes have also been integrated into the plaza design, allowing visitors to move more easily between nearby streets, green space, and the waterfront, the office said.
