Lantan Introduction
At night, Chiayi City reaches its peak with the enchanting "Lan Tan Moonlit Nights." Known for its beauty, Lan Tan is one of the eight scenic spots in Chiayi. At Sanxin Pavilion, gentle breezes accompany the elegant moonlight, allowing visitors to stroll, enjoy romantic conversations, gather with family, or meet for tea and chats, enhancing the warm beauty of Lan Tan. The water of Lan Tan is crystal clear, surrounded by undulating hills, where the mountains and water create a picturesque scene, especially during moonlit nights, leading to its recognition as one of the eight scenic spots in Chiayi. The lakeside road allows for a tour around the lake where one can see observation towers, providing a panoramic view of Lan Tan from the top. Several mountain trails lead to the back of Lan Tan, where tall trees continually release phytoncides, and flatter areas naturally form spaces for playing badminton or traditional folk dancing. Some paths are steep, offering challenges for sports enthusiasts, making it a great place for exercise, leisure, and recreation. The rich natural resources have led the Chiayi Wilderness Conservation Association to set up observation teams in areas such as the back mountain of Lan Tan, Tree Park, Tao Flower Garden, and the Yuansuanzi Cold Spring area, guiding many nature lovers to visit diverse and beautiful natural scenes over the years, with the hope that deep observation and experiences will make closeness to nature a lifestyle rather than just a concept. It is anticipated that everyone can befriend many birds, insects, plants, and trees, appreciating the beauty of ecology and understanding the essence of biodiversity in the learning process. Historical Tidbit: Lan Tan is located near Shanziding, in the eastern suburbs of Chiayi City, about three kilometers from the city center. It was formerly known as "Hongmao Pond," believed to be excavated by the Dutch 300 years ago, hence the name "Lan Tan." During the Dutch period, water from the Bajhang Creek was diverted here, and embankments were built to irrigate the Wangtian area. The Dutch East India Company directly managed Wangtian, and although it survived during the Zheng period, it gradually fell into disuse after the Qing dynasty, with the place name still existing. During the Japanese rule, the project engineer for the "Water Great Wall" — the Chianan Canal, Hatta Yui, included the construction of embankments around Lan Tan as a reservoir for the water supply plant, which remains a primary source of water supply in the Chiayi area to this day.
