Longtan Lake Scenic Area Introduction
Longtan Lake, formerly known as "Dapi Lake" and commonly referred to as "Dapei Lake," was once one of the "Twelve Scenic Wonders of Lanyang" and is the largest lake among the five famous lakes in Yilan. It retains the pristine natural scenery and is located in Longtan Village, Jiaoxi Township, approximately 6 kilometers from Yilan City, making it easily accessible. The lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides, covering an area of nearly 20 hectares, with a depth of about 4.5 fathoms. Numerous temples dot the surrounding hills, creating a serene atmosphere with clear waters reflecting the landscape. Visitors can paddle boats to explore the calm lake, and the scenic combination of lake and mountains offers a tranquil environment for walking or jogging along the lakeside road, accompanied by the gentle waves. The Huanglong Mountain Huangdi Temple and the Zhangfu Temple are situated near the lake. Zhangfu Temple serves as the faith center for the residents of Longtan Village, and near the temple entrance stands a tree roughly the same age as the new temple. Beneath this tree, there are stone benches and tables for local residents to relax. The Huanglong Mountain Huangdi Temple, a significant site for the Xuanyuan sect, is located along a side road near the second public restroom beside the lakeside road. It is renowned for its picturesque scenery and the temple grounds offer a sweeping view of Longtan Lake. Zhangfu Temple is located a few hundred meters in front of the outlet of Longtan Lake. As the faith center for the residents of Longtan Village, roads in the area are named after Zhangfu Temple, such as Zhangfu Road. In 1973, the old temple was rebuilt into a new one, which has been oriented away from Longtan Lake, with the site of the old temple now converted into a spacious courtyard. Near the entrance of the new temple is a tree that is roughly the same age as the new construction, with stone benches and tables underneath, providing shade for residents of the Zhangfu Road area. Longtan Sanhuang Temple, located in the Longtan Lake scenic area, was originally named Yingde Temple. It enshrines the San Guan Da Di as the main deity. Its origins trace back to the autumn of the seventh year of the Jiaqing period in the Qing Dynasty (1802), when the ancestors led by Wang Wanzhi brought the Jindshen of the Da Di from Zhangzhou across the sea to Lan. Invited by Wu Shagong’s nephew, Wu Hua, they recruited settlers to develop the Wuwi area (suburbs of Yilan City), establishing a stove for worship and serving as the protector god.
