Qilin Pond Introduction
Qilin Pond, originally named "Dàshuǐ Pǔ," is a small pond located at the foot of Mount Dongding and serves as the first stop for entering the Phoenix Valley Scenic Area. The shimmering water reflects the lush mountains and red-tiled roofs, creating a picturesque scene that rivals the lake and mountain views of Switzerland, earning it the title of one of the Eight Great Scenic Spots of Nantou. Surrounded by rolling hills, neatly arranged terraced tea trees line the slopes by the pond, while fish are raised in the pond for fishing. In the early morning and evening, a thin mist covers the area, making the scenery enchanting. Walking along the trail around the pond allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and mountains, where wild ducks and swans can be seen swimming. The view of Mount Dongding, shrouded in layers of mist, is breathtaking. Ascending to the top of Qilin Pond offers an expansive view, where one can gaze down upon the entire Dàshuǐ Pǔ, look north to Jiji by the Zhuoshui River, westward to Zhushan Township and the Chianan Plain, and eastward towards the Phoenix Mountain Range and the terraced fields across the pond, with stunning scenery before one's eyes. Qilin Pond was originally a small pond at the foot of Mount Dongding. About 150 years ago, the villagers of Yonglong utilized the natural mountainous surroundings to build a dam to store water for agricultural irrigation. It was gradually expanded, forming a body of clear blue water. Currently, the pond covers an area of approximately 13 hectares, surrounded by tea plantations. The thin mist that envelops the area throughout the day enhances its beauty, further establishing its reputation as one of the Eight Great Scenic Spots of Nantou.
