Longtan Lake Scenic Area Introduction
Dragon Lake, formerly known as "Dapi Lake" and commonly referred to as "Dapei Lake," was once one of the "Twelve Scenic Spots of Lanyang" and is the largest lake among the five famous lakes in Yilan. It retains its original natural simplicity and is located in Longtan Village, Jiaoxi Township, about 6 kilometers from Yilan City, with convenient transportation. The lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides, covering nearly 20 hectares, and has a depth of 4.5 fathoms. There are numerous temples around the mountains, with the sounds of bells and gongs. The clear water quality makes the lake surface as transparent as a mirror, reflecting the lush green mountains, creating a pleasant scenery. Visitors can paddle boats on the lake to explore its beauty in tranquility. The lakeside paths are perfect for walking or jogging, with the waves accompanying the lively figures, making one feel as if they were a dragon rising from the water. Huanglong Mountain Huangdi Temple and Zhangfu Temple are located by the lake. Zhangfu Temple serves as the center of faith for the residents of Longtan Village. Near the temple entrance, there is a tree believed to be as old as the new temple, with stone benches and tables underneath for the residents of Zhangfu Road to cool off. Huanglong Mountain Huangdi Temple: Located near the second public restroom on Huanhu Road, it is a branch road that leads up. The "Huanglong Mountain Huangdi Temple" of Xuanyuan Cult is the most renowned and legendary. The temple plaza is very spacious and offers a panoramic view of Dragon Lake. Zhangfu Temple: A few hundred meters in front of the lake outlet is Zhangfu Temple, which is the faith center for the residents of Longtan Village. Consequently, the roads in the vicinity are named after Zhangfu Temple, including Zhangfu Road. In 1973, the old temple was rebuilt into a new one, and its orientation was changed to face away from Dragon Lake, with the old site now serving as a spacious front plaza. Near the entrance of the new temple, there is a tree believed to be as old as the new temple, with stone benches and tables underneath for the residents of Zhangfu Road to rest. Longtan Sanhuang Temple: Originally named Yingde Temple, Longtan Sanhuang Temple in the Dragon Lake Scenic Area venerates San Guan Da Di as the main deity. Its origin dates back to the autumn of the seventh year of the Jiaqing reign during the Qing Dynasty (1802), initiated by the ancestors of Wang Wanzhi from Zhangzhou. They transported the golden statue of the Grand Emperor from Zhangzhou across the sea to Lan, where they called upon Wu Huah, the nephew of Wu Shagong, to recruit settlers to develop Wuwei (on the outskirts of Yilan City), setting up altars for morning and evening worship, dedicating it as a guardian deity.
