Lantan Lake

The climax of nighttime in Chiayi City — 'Moonlight over Lantan Lake.' Lantan Lake is most enchanting on moonlit nights and is known as 'Moonlight over Lantan Lake,' one of the Eight Scenic Wonders of Chiayi. At Sanxin Pavilion, a gentle breeze wafts, accompanied by elegant moonlight. Visitors stroll, share intimate conversations, gather with family, or meet to brew tea and chat, all adding to the warm beauty of Lantan Lake. The water of Lantan Lake is crystal clear to the bottom, surrounded by rolling hills on all sides. The scenery of mountains and water is picturesque. On hazy moonlit nights, the lake becomes poetic and picturesque, which is why 'Moonlight over Lantan Lake' is listed as one of the Eight Scenic Wonders of Chiayi. Along the circumferential road around the lake, a viewing tower can be seen. Standing at the top of the tower, Lantan Lake stretches out completely before one's eyes. Several mountain trails lead to the hills behind Lantan Lake. Along the way, towering trees continuously release phytoncides. Flatter areas naturally transform into badminton courts or folk dance venues, while some trails have steep slopes, attracting avid sports enthusiasts for a challenge. It has become a great place for public exercise, leisure, and recreation. Its natural resources are abundant. The Wilderness Protection Association of Chiayi has established fixed observation groups in the hills behind Lantan Lake, the arboretum, Taohuayuan, and Yuanlanzi Cold Spring area. For years, they have led numerous nature enthusiasts to explore this beautiful and diverse natural environment. They hope that through in-depth observation and experience, connecting with nature can become a lifestyle, not just an idea. They look forward to everyone befriending the many birds, insects, plants, and large trees, and appreciating the beauty of ecology and realizing the true meaning of biodiversity through the learning process. . A brief history: Lantan Lake is located near Shanzi Peak in the eastern suburbs of Chiayi City, three kilometers from the city center. It was formerly known as 'Hongmao Pond.' Legend has it that it was dug by the Dutch three hundred years ago, hence its name 'Lantan' (the 'Lan' in 'Holland'). During the Dutch period, water from the Bazhang River was diverted here, and a weir was built to form a mound, irrigating the Wangtian area. The Dutch East India Company directly operated Wangtian. It continued to exist during Koxinga's (Zheng's) era but gradually fell into disuse after the Qing conquest, though the place name persists. During the Japanese colonial period, Yoichi Hatta, the planning engineer of the Chianan Irrigation Canal – 'The Great Wall of Water' – dammed Lantan Lake to serve as a reservoir for the water treatment plant as part of the largest water conservancy project in Asia he was responsible for. To this day, it remains the primary source of tap water for the Chiayi region.