Jiaming Lake Introduction
Located on the Southern Cross-Island Highway, on the eastern side of Xiangyang Mountain, is the high-altitude lake Jiamei Lake, about 7 kilometers in a straight line. This oval-shaped lake is acclaimed as the "blue sapphire lost by the emperors in the human world" and the "tears of angels." Surrounded by lush green forests, its clear surface reflects the deep blue sky, creating an otherworldly and tranquil atmosphere. Jiamei Lake, above Xiangyang, is the second highest alpine lake in Taiwan, surpassed only by Xueshan Cui Pond. The lake measures approximately 120 meters in length, 80 meters in width, and has a depth of about 6 meters, situated at an elevation of approximately 3,310 meters. Before heading to Jiamei Lake, visitors must complete mountain climbing registration at the Xiangyang Police Station within the Xiangyang National Forest Recreation Area to ensure their safety. After exiting the Xiangyang Forest Recreation Area, the journey includes passing by the Jiamei Lake trailhead, Xiangyang Mountain Hut, Heishui Pond, Yushan Juniper, the Xiangyang Great Cliff, Xiangyang Mountain, the Jiamei Lake intersection, Xiangyang Mountain triangulation point, Yushan Rhododendron, Sanchashan, Xiangyang Mountain fork, Sanchashan, the Jiamei Lake fork, Sanchashan triangulation point, Sanchashan, Jiamei Lake, and the Xinkang Mountain fork, finally arriving at Jiamei Lake. This hiking trip is expected to take about three days, with places to stay including the Xiangyang Mountain Hut, Jiamei Lake Mountain Hut, and the Jiamei Lake camping site. As the altitude increases along the route, the mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest changes to coniferous forest, then to alpine grassland, with a starry sky at night. The scenery shifts and intertwines, creating breathtaking views. The vast grassland is expansive, and Jiamei Lake resembles a brilliant blue sapphire set in an endless green velvet, dazzling and captivating. The forests and grasslands near Jiamei Lake are also habitats for Formosan sika deer, and if you're lucky, you might get a chance to interact with these deer. Although the journey is arduous and physically demanding, the stunning landscape is enough to discourage any thoughts of giving up.
