Maple Lake Introduction
Maple Lake is located to the west of the Datun Mountain Range and is currently the only area in Taiwan with a large forest of Magnolia flowers. Commonly known as "lotus flowers growing on trees," these blossoms have been revered and cherished by Buddhists for centuries. They are also highly valued materials for medicine and spices, making them quite precious. The flowers have been cultivated for over 50 years by local farmers, with thousands of Magnolia trees planted across the area. The shape of the Magnolia flowers resembles lotus pedestals, which are rare in Taiwan, typically found only at Zhongtai Zen Temple, Alishan, and Fo Guang Shan, but large-scale cultivation exists only at Tamsui Maple Lake. Don't miss the most mysterious and precious floral sea in Taipei! Despite its name, Maple Lake does not contain a lake; the name originated from six huge maple trees located at the early entrance. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the area has a shape resembling a lake, hence the name. Nearby, mountain cherry blossoms and camellias bloom together, creating a stunning sea of red and white flowers in spring. In recent years, the area has opened to visitors for free, becoming a popular flower-viewing destination during the blossom season. Walking along the Maple Lake Trail, one can see several historic century-old trees, such as centuries-old cloth trees, banyan trees, and eggplants standing tall among them, alongside rows of green maples that turn red and shed their leaves in autumn, creating breathtaking views. Additionally, there is a cherry blossom viewing spot nearby—Tianyuan Temple—where visitors can enjoy flowers at both locations, taking in the abundant mountain floral scenery.
