Longtan Lake Scenic Area Introduction
Longtan Lake, formerly known as "Dapi Lake" and commonly referred to as "Dapi Lake," was once one of the "Twelve Scenic Spots of Lanyang." It is the largest lake among the five famous lakes in Yilan, preserving the original natural simplicity. Located in Longtan Village, Jiaoxi Township, it is about 6 kilometers from Yilan City and easily accessible. The lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides, covering an area of nearly 20 hectares, and is very spacious, with a depth of 4.5 zhang. Numerous temples are situated in the mountainous surroundings, accompanied by the sounds of morning and evening bells. The clear water quality reflects the surroundings like a mirror, with the green mountains casting beautiful reflections. Boating is available for exploration, and the picturesque combination of mountains and waters offers a serene atmosphere. Walking or jogging along the lakeside path, one can enjoy the waves and agile figures, resembling playful dragons emerging from the water. The Huanglong Mountain Huangdi Temple and Zhangfu Temple are located by the lake. The Zhangfu Temple serves as the spiritual center for the residents of Longtan Village, and near the temple entrance is a tree that is about the same age as the new temple, with stone benches and tables provided for the residents of the Zhangfu Road area to rest. The Huanglong Mountain Huangdi Temple, affiliated with the Xuanyuan Sect, is the most famous and legendary site, located on a branch road near the second public toilet along the lakeside road. It is a tranquil and scenic spiritual place, with a spacious courtyard offering a panoramic view of Longtan Lake. Zhangfu Temple is located a few hundred meters in front of the outlet of Longtan Lake. It is the faith center for the residents of Longtan Village, thus the nearby roads are named referring to Zhangfu Temple, known as Zhangfu Road. In 1973, the old temple was rebuilt into a new one, and its orientation was changed to face away from Longtan Lake, while the old site became a wide front courtyard. Near the entrance of the new temple is a tree approximately the same age as the new temple, with stone chairs and tables provided for the residents of the Zhangfu Road area to enjoy the breeze. Longtan Sanhuang Palace, located in the Longtan Lake Scenic Area, was originally named Yingde Temple. Longtan Sanhuang Palace is dedicated to the Three Officials, and its origin dates back to the autumn of the seventh year of the Qianlong era in the Qing Dynasty (1802) when the ancestor Wang Wanzhi brought the statue of the Great Emperor from Zhangzhou across the sea to Yilan. It was established when Wu Huah, the nephew of Wu Shagong, recruited settlers to develop the Wuwei area (suburbs of Yilan City), where an incense burner was set up for worship morning and evening, making it a guardian deity.
