Bitan Scenic Area Introduction
Bitan, once one of the "Eight Scenic Views and Twelve Attractions of Taiwan," has various theories about its name. One theory suggests it is named for the lake's clear blue waters, while another refers to the magnificent stone cliffs along the shoreline. Regardless of the explanation, all descriptions convey the enchanting lake and mountain scenery of Bitan. When visiting Bitan, you can explore the installation art and colorful stairway on the eastern bank, dine at scenic restaurants serving Southeast Asian cuisine while enjoying the gentle riverside breeze, or shop for snacks and drinks in the riverside market. You can also walk across the Bitan Suspension Bridge to the western bank, ascend to the Biting Pavilion, which is inscribed with "Bitan," to take in the stunning views. Nearby, the He-mei Mountain Trail offers hiking opportunities; the blue route lets you admire the beautiful mountain and lake scenery, while the green route leads to a mountaintop viewpoint overlooking Nangang Mountain and Taipei 101. No visit to Bitan would be complete without the joy of a boat ride on the lake! Tourists can choose to pedal a paddleboat, which requires teamwork, or relax on an electric boat, allowing for close-up views of the picturesque riverside scenery and Little Chibi (Small Red Cliff). At night, Bitan transforms into a different scene, with vibrant lights from shops and the suspension bridge reflecting on the riverbank, creating a romantic nightscape worth wandering and savoring.
