漫步綠川水岸 / Strolling along Shin Sei Green Waterway

自從到過台中之後，我一直很喜歡台中的氣候，沒像北部時常下雨，夏天又很悶熱，也不像南部，一年四季都很熱，典型的熱帶氣候，位於中部的台中，氣候相對宜人，一年四季都很舒服，綠川流經台中，在台中火車站前，綠川原名「新盛溪」，是日據時期台中「小京都」計畫中的亮點河川，所以，有些日本風情，是當時的台中八大夜景之一，近年來，搭配附近的宮原眼科、第四信用合作社、一中街、大魯閣新時代等特色景點，綠川也成為台中新景點之一。

宮原眼科除了是一間冰店之為，也是台中知名地標，及新潮打卡景點，宮原眼科起源於日治時期，由日本眼科權威「宮原武雄」設立，日本戰敗後收歸為政府資產，改建為台中衛生院，之後歷經921大地震、卡玫基颱風讓宮原眼科嚴重受創，一度成為危樓，還好有集團收購改建才沒有被拆除，保留了宮原眼科招牌和紅磚復古外觀，及店內富麗堂皇的巴洛克風格裝潢，奇妙的新舊融合讓宮原眼科成為打卡景點，我常常經過宮原眼科，常常看見內外的人潮，也明白很多人都是觀光客心態，為了來這裡打卡而已，但是它的外觀，真的是特別有特色。

不像流經高雄的愛河，在整治之後，還是隱隱有著臭味，流經台中的河川沒有這樣的問題，介紹上提到，綠川有八景，分別是綠川小路、水舞台、圓舞曲、櫻橋、綠水協奏、中山綠橋、管弦重奏與綠川回憶，有解說看板，介紹綠川整治的過程，讓原本要注入綠川的廢水，先截流再淨化，搭配河道內的自然植生，讓水質變的超好，水質好到，河川裡面還可以養魚，搭配自然造景設計，讓這裡成為白天及夜晚散步的好地方，當我走在綠川水岸步道上時，我就覺得這裡的白天及夜晚，各有不同的美。

假如老事物不重新思考及整理，保留以往的文化及歷史意義，並添加新時代概念及思維，不但維持了維持社會的文化記憶，也讓後人了解和傳承歷史文化，宮原眼科及綠川都是很成功的例子，像我這樣的外地人，來到台中，不希望看到嶄新的建物或時尚的餐廳，反而會希望看到能和現在連結的在地的歷史及文化，我不想要看到髒亂或混亂的老事物，老舊沒關係，但要乾淨及舒服，這才是成功的給老事物賦予新生命。

Ever since I visited Taichung, I've really liked its climate. It's not like the north where it rains a lot and the summer is unbearably humid, nor is it like the south, where it's hot all year round with a typical tropical climate. Taichung, located in the central region, has a more pleasant climate, making it comfortable throughout the year. The Green River runs through Taichung, passing in front of Taichung Station. Originally named “Xinsheng Creek,” it was a highlight of Taichung’s “Little Kyoto” project during the Japanese occupation, so it has a bit of a Japanese vibe. It was also one of Taichung’s eight famous night scenes at the time. In recent years, along with nearby attractions like Miyahara Eye Clinic, Fourth Credit Union, Yizhong Street, and Taroko Mall, Shin Sei Green Waterway has become one of Taichung’s new landmarks.

Miyahara Eye Clinic is more than just an ice cream shop; it’s a well-known Taichung landmark and a trendy photo spot. It originated during the Japanese occupation, established by Japan’s ophthalmology authority, Dr. Takeo Miyahara. After Japan’s defeat, it was taken over by the government and converted into Taichung Health Center. However, after the 921 Earthquake and Typhoon Kammuri, Miyahara Eye Clinic was severely damaged, becoming a dangerous building. Fortunately, a group purchased and renovated it, preventing its demolition. The iconic sign and retro red-brick exterior were preserved, and the luxurious Baroque-style interior decor was added. This unique blend of old and new has made Miyahara Eye Clinic a must-visit spot. I often pass by and see crowds of people inside and outside, knowing many are tourists just here to take photos. But the building’s exterior really is special.

Unlike the Love River in Kaohsiung, which, even after renovation, still has a faint odor, the rivers flowing through Taichung don’t have this problem. According to introductions, Shin Sei Green Waterway has eight scenic spots: Green River Alley, Water Stage, Waltz, Sakura Bridge, Green Water Concerto, Zhongshan Green Bridge, Symphony, and Green River Memories. There are informational signs explaining Shin Sei Green Waterway's renovation process, which diverted wastewater from the river for purification before allowing it to flow back, combined with natural vegetation in the river, resulting in excellent water quality. The water is so clean that fish can be raised in the river, and the natural landscape design makes this a great place for walking, both day and night. When I walk along Shin Sei Green Waterway, I feel that the day and night each offer their own unique beauty.

If old things aren’t reconsidered and renovated, preserving their cultural and historical significance while adding modern concepts and ideas, not only do we maintain the cultural memory of society, but we also help future generations understand and carry forward this history and culture. Miyahara Eye Clinic and Shin Sei Green Waterway are both great examples of this. As an outsider visiting Taichung, I don’t want to see brand-new buildings or trendy restaurants. I’d rather see the local history and culture that connects with the present. I don’t want to see dirty or chaotic old things. It’s okay for them to be old, but they should be clean and comfortable. That’s what it means to successfully give old things a new life.

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