:::   :::     Solar Exploration Center is a landmark building. It is established to coordinate with the 6th generation of the Chiayi Tropic of Cancer signs. The set-up process of the Tropic of Cancer signs went through a lot of difficulties from the Japanese occupation of Taiwan to the establishment of the Solar Exploration Center. The first generation of the Tropic of Cancer landmark was built in 1908. It is also the first landmark tower in the world. The landmark was built to celebrate the completion of the north-south railway construction and was restored five times afterwards. The 6th generation signs were finished in 1995. The Chiayi County government made it a scientific education center of the railway line and remodeled the signs of all six generations. They chose the “sun” as the theme with help from the National Museum of Natural Science to establish its educational mission on astronomy. And they made it formally open to the public after finishing all the redecoration in 2005. The entrance fee is free now. Solar Exploration Center in Shueishang Township, Chiayi County, is the largest city landmark among the 16 countries where the Tropic of Cancer goes through. Taiwan is also the biggest island on the Tropic of Cancer. The outlook of the Solar Exploration Center is like a space shuttle. There are five floors in the building. On the first floor is the Astronomy Education Center; on the second, third, and fourth floors are the Astronomy Classrooms; and on the fifth floor is the Solar Theme Exhibition Hall with elevated platforms and areas to look far into the distance, so that people can enjoy the sight of the whole Solar Exploration Center. The outside of the park are the Sun Square at the entrance, the 9-planet water-playing area, the Time Trail and the Green Tunnel, the Astrology Area, the Ancient Astronomy Walk, the Ancient Astronomy Area, the Exhibition Area of signs from all generations, and the Imaginary Line of the Tropic of Cancer. Besides, trees planted here are all typically tropical or subtropical. There is also an imaginary line on Province Highway to distinguish the tropical area from the subtropical one. They completely and clearly display the astronomy geographical symbols of the Tropic of Cancer. With all the new given meanings, the Solar Exploration Center not only holds the mission of a landmark. It shoulder the task of a science education,social culture, tourism and recreation. Due to the fact that it is close to the Tai 1 Province Highway, the Shueishang Airport, and downtown Chiayi City, it is indeed a good choice for people to visit at leisure time. You can see tourists coming from all over the island and abroad every day. Outdoor learningsections can also be booked in advance. It is an unique landmark with lots of specialties and is definitely worth visiting.