Lantan Lake Introduction
Chiayi City at Night - "Lan Tan Moonlight" Lan Tan under the moonlight is particularly enchanting and is known as "Lan Tan Moonlight." It is one of the eight scenic spots in Chiayi. At Sanxin Pavilion, a gentle breeze accompanies the elegant moonlight, where visitors can stroll, have romantic conversations, gather with family, or meet for tea and casual chats, adding to the warm beauty of Lan Tan. The water in Lan Tan is crystal clear, surrounded by rolling hills, and when the moonlight is hazy over the lake at night, it creates a poetic and picturesque scene. Thus, "Lan Tan Moonlight" is listed as one of the eight scenic spots in Chiayi. The lakeside road allows for a scenic tour where one can see observation towers. From the top of the tower, the view of Lan Tan is unobstructed. There are several mountain trails leading to the back of Lan Tan, with towering trees along the way continuously releasing phytoncides. The flatter areas naturally form spaces for badminton or folk dance, while some trails have steep gradients, becoming a challenge for those who love sports. It is a great place for people to exercise, relax, and enjoy leisure activities. The natural resources are quite rich, and the Chiayi Wilderness Protection Association has established observation groups in the back of Lan Tan, the tree garden, Taohua Garden, and Yuanlanzai Cold Spring Area, leading many ecology enthusiasts to visit the beautiful and diverse nature over the years. Through in-depth observation and experiences, it aims to make connecting with nature a lifestyle rather than just an ideal. Everyone is encouraged to befriend the numerous birds, insects, plants, and trees, and to appreciate the beauty of ecology and the essence of biodiversity during the learning process. Historical Tidbit: Lan Tan is located near the eastern suburbs of Chiayi City, three kilometers from the city center. It was formerly known as "Red-haired Pond," rumored to be dug by the Dutch three hundred years ago, hence the name "Lan Tan." During the Dutch period, water from Bajiang Creek was diverted here to build a dam for irrigation of the Wangtian area, which was directly managed by the Dutch East India Company. It remained during the Zheng period but gradually fell into disuse after the Qing Dynasty, although the name persists. During the Japanese colonial period, the "Water Great Wall" - the Chiayi-Nantou Irrigation Canal, planned by engineer Tadao Yasu, transformed Lan Tan into a reservoir for the largest water conservancy project in Asia, and it remains a major water supply source for the Chiayi area today.
