Water Resources Ecological Education Center Introduction
The Shimen Reservoir is the first double-curved, variable-thickness concrete arch dam designed and constructed by Taiwanese people. The dam stands 122.5 meters tall, and its water storage capacity is second only to that of the Zengwen Reservoir. Construction began in 1979 and was completed in 1987. It primarily supplies tap water to the Taipei area and also serves hydroelectric power generation. To protect the quality of the water source, the reservoir is not open to sightseeing activities; fishing and water sports are prohibited in the water area. The Water Resource Ecology Education Center within the Shimen Reservoir was established in 2003 to promote environmental education, continuously optimizing the soft and hard facilities of the Shimen Reservoir Environmental Learning Center. In terms of hardware, in 2016, the display hall's environmental education facilities were re-planned, and new display areas for the Shimen Dam and hydrological basin models, as well as a green energy experience area, were added. In 2020, the "Shimen Reservoir Smart Tour Guide System" was set up, creating a virtual reality (VR) experience of the reservoir's waters and an interactive touch wall for the Xindian River basin, using immersive projection and interactive teaching (such as videos, animations, and explanatory texts) to help the public understand information about the entire Xindian River basin. Additionally, a creative photography studio was established at the Shimen Reservoir, allowing guests who rarely visit the reservoir to take pictures with the unique background of the Shimen Reservoir. In terms of software, three sets of environmental education courses were designed focusing on the five major features of the Shimen Reservoir: ecology, green energy, history, safety, and operation management, catering to different age groups, nurturing the public's awareness of water conservation and protection concepts, and further implementing these ideas into daily life. This aims to enhance the quality of water resource education and environmental education, establishing it as an exemplary location for environmental education. Visitors must first register and make an appointment through the Taipei Shimen Reservoir Water Resource Education Activity Registration System (click here to proceed).
