Jiantan Reservoir Introduction
In Dalong Village, "Jiantan" was established in the 45th year of the Republic of China for the purpose of water conservancy by building the Jiantan Reservoir. The legends surrounding the pond are numerous, adding an air of mystery that has endured over time. It is a unique site that may not be included in alternative folk tales, but it certainly adds interest during conversations over tea and meals. Origin of the name: One story links it to Zheng Chenggong, while another relates to Lin Shuangwen. The former is said to have occurred more than 300 years ago when Zheng Chenggong led his troops to Dalong Village to "subdue the indigenous people." After several days of unfavorable encounters, Zheng, lamenting his plight near the deep pond, threw his sword into the water in frustration, causing the pond to churn for seven days and nights before settling. Thus, it became known as "Jiantan." However, local folklore and historical accounts diverge significantly, providing only a vague and beautiful speculation. The latter tale involves Lin Shuangwen, who raised an army against the Qing Dynasty in the 51st year of the Qianlong reign, leading battles across the province but ultimately fleeing after defeat. In despair after crossing a bridge, he threw his sword into the pond. Another version states that when Lin passed this way with his troops, they suffered from thirst, and upon raising his sword, water gushed forth, creating the pond, while the precious sword was lost in its depths. Legends about how to retrieve the sword also exist. One version claims it can only be retrieved using a husk as a rope. There was a person who used maltose to stick a husk for fishing out the sword, and indeed the sword appeared on the surface of the pond, but a voice from afar exclaimed, "That is not a husk, but a maltose rope," causing the sword to sink again. Though the idea of distant transmission may seem absurd, it does spark the imagination. Another story suggests that on the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, the pond's water is particularly clear, and the sword floats to the surface, only to sink again afterward. Villagers have invited each other to verify this, but so far, no one has succeeded in retrieving it.
