Longtan Lake Scenic Area Introduction
Longtan Lake, formerly known as "Dapi Lake," is commonly referred to as "Dapi Lake." It was once one of the "Twelve Scenic Spots of Lanyang" and is the largest lake among the five famous lakes in Yilan, preserving its original natural simplicity. Located in Longtan Village, Jiaoxi Township, it is about 6 kilometers from Yilan City, with convenient transportation. The lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides and has an area of nearly 20 hectares, making it quite spacious, with a depth of 4.5 zhang. Temples are plentiful surrounding the mountains, with the clear waters resembling a mirror reflecting the lush green mountains, creating a picturesque scene. Visitors can paddle boats in the lake to explore, enjoying the tranquil beauty of the lake and mountains. A walking or jogging path circles the lake, where the gentle waves accompany one's exercise, making for an enjoyable experience. Nearby are the Huanglongshan Yellow Emperor Temple and Zhangfu Temple, among others. Zhangfu Temple serves as the faith center for the residents of Longtan Village, and near the temple entrance, there is a tree approximately the same age as the new temple, with stone benches and tables underneath for the residents of Zhangfu Road to rest. Huanglongshan Yellow Emperor Temple, famous for its legends and significance in Xuanyuanism, is located on a side road near the second public restroom along the lakeside road, offering a serene landscape and a wide plaza that overlooks the entire Longtan Lake. Zhangfu Temple is located a few hundred meters in front of the lake's outlet. Established as the faith center for the residents of Longtan Village, nearby roads are named after Zhangfu Temple, collectively referred to as Zhangfu Road. In 1973, the old temple was renovated into the new temple, which now faces away from Longtan Lake, while the old site has turned into a spacious front plaza. The new temple entrance features a tree about the same age as the new temple, alongside stone benches and tables for local residents. Longtan Sanhuang Temple, located in the Longtan Lake Scenic Area, was originally named Yingde Temple. Longtan Sanhuang Temple is dedicated to the worship of the Three Officials. Its origin dates back to the autumn of the seventh year of the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty (1802), established by the ancestors of Wang Wanzhi from Zhangzhou. They transported the statue of the Great Emperor across the sea to Lan, responding to requests from the nephew of Wu Shagong, Wu Hua, who recruited settlers to develop the Wuwei area (suburbs of Yilan City) and established offerings for daily worship, appointing it as a guardian deity.
