Kirin Pond Introduction
Qilin Lake, originally named "Dashuipo," is a small pond located at the foot of Dongding Mountain and serves as the first stop for those entering the Phoenix Valley Scenic Area. The shimmering water reflects the green mountains and red roofs, boasting a beauty comparable to the scenery of lakes and mountains in Switzerland, and is hailed as one of the eight scenic spots in Nantou. Surrounded by rolling hills, orderly tea trees are planted in terraced formations along the mountainside by the lake. The pond is home to fish, providing opportunities for fishing. In the early morning and evening, a thin layer of mist covers the area, creating a captivating landscape. Walking along the path around the lake allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty, where wild ducks and swans can be seen leisurely swimming. The view of Dongding Mountain is often veiled in layers of mist, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. Climbing to the top of Qilin Lake offers an even broader perspective, allowing one to gaze over the entire Dashuipo, with views north towards Jiji by the Zhuoshui River, west towards Zhushan Township and the Chianan Plain, and east towards the Phoenix Mountain Range, including the terraced fields on the opposite bank of Dongding. The picturesque scenery is all within sight. Qilin Lake was originally a small pond under Dongding Mountain. About 150 years ago, villagers from Yonglong took advantage of the surrounding mountains to build a dam for irrigation, gradually expanding it to form a body of clear water. Currently, the lake covers an area of about 13 hectares, surrounded by tea gardens. The scenery is remarkably beautiful, especially in the misty mornings and evenings, earning its reputation as one of the eight scenic spots in Nantou.
