Qilin Pond Introduction
Qilin Pond, originally named "Dashuipori," is a small pond located at the foot of Dongding Mountain and serves as the first stop for entering the Phoenix Valley Scenic Area. Its shimmering waters reflect the green mountains and red-tiled roofs, showcasing a beauty comparable to the lakes and mountains of Switzerland, and it is hailed as one of the eight scenic spots of Nantou. Surrounded by rolling hills, neatly arranged terraced tea trees line the foothills by the pond, which also supports fish for anglers. In the early morning and evening, a thin layer of mist envelops the area, creating a charming scene. Walking along the path around the pond offers an opportunity to admire the natural beauty of the lake and mountains, where wild ducks and swans can be seen swimming. The view of Dongding Mountain shrouded in layers of mist adds to the ethereal atmosphere. Climbing to the top of Qilin Pond provides an even broader vista, allowing one to overlook the entire Dashuipori, gaze north towards Jiji by the Zhuzhui River, view the town of Zhushan and the Chianan Plain to the west, and see the Phoenix Mountain Range and the terraced fields of Dongding across the pond. The beautiful scenery is truly captivating. Qilin Pond was originally a small water pond at the foot of Dongding Mountain, and 150 years ago, villagers from Yonglong took advantage of the surrounding mountains to build a dam to store water for agricultural irrigation. It gradually expanded, forming a body of clear water. Currently, the pond covers an area of approximately 13 hectares, surrounded by tea plantations that add to its charm and are often shrouded in mist, making it one of the eight scenic spots in Nantou.
