Longtan Lake Scenic Area Introduction
Longtan Lake, formerly known as "Daping Lake" and commonly referred to as "Dapei Lake," was once one of the "Twelve Scenic Wonders of Lanyang." It is also the largest lake among the five renowned lakes in Yilan, retaining its pristine natural beauty. Located in Longtan Village, Jiaoxi Township, it is about 6 kilometers from Yilan City, making it easily accessible. The lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides, covering nearly 20 hectares, and has a depth of 4.5 meters. With temples dotting the surrounding mountains, the serene environment is punctuated by the sounds of morning and evening bells. The clear waters of the lake reflect the mountains like a mirror, creating beautiful scenery. Visitors can enjoy paddle boating on the lake, taking in the tranquil views of the mountains and lake. The walking or jogging path around the lake offers a peaceful experience, accompanied by the gentle waves and the silhouettes of fitness enthusiasts. Nearby, the Huanglong Mountain Huángdì Temple and Zhangfu Temple are located alongside the lake. The Zhangfu Temple serves as the spiritual center for the residents of Longtan Village, and near the temple entrance, there is a tree approximately the same age as the new temple, along with stone benches and tables for locals to relax under its shade. Huanglong Mountain Huángdì Temple: This temple, part of the Xuanyuan teaching, is renowned for its legends and is situated along a side road near the second public restroom on the lakeside road. It is a secluded and scenic site with a spacious plaza that offers views of the entire Longtan Lake. Zhangfu Temple: Located a few hundred meters from the outlet of Longtan Lake, Zhangfu Temple is the spiritual center of Longtan Village residents, inspiring the naming of nearby roads as Zhangfu Road. In 1973, the old temple was renovated into a new one, which faces away from the lake, while the old site has been transformed into a wide front plaza. Near the entrance of the new temple is a tree of similar age, providing more stone benches and tables for locals to cool off in the shade. Longtan Three Emperors Temple: Originally named Yingde Temple, Longtan Three Emperors Temple, located in the Longtan Lake Scenic Area, is dedicated to the worship of the San Guān Dà Dì (Three Officials). Its history dates back to the autumn of the seventh year of the Jiaqing era in the Qing Dynasty (1802), established by the ancestor of the distinguished Wang Wanzhi. It was built to honor the Golden Body of the Grand Emperor brought over from Zhangzhou across the sea, inviting settlers to develop the Wuyuan area (suburbs of Yilan City) as they worshipped it as their guardian deity.
