Qilin Lake Introduction
Qilin Pond, originally named "Dashi Keng," is a small pond located at the foot of Dongding Mountain and serves as the first stop to enter the Phoenix Valley Scenic Area. The shimmering water reflects the green mountains and red-tiled roofs, presenting a scene as beautiful as the lakes and mountains in Switzerland, and is recognized as one of the eight great scenic spots in Nantou. Surrounded by rolling hills, neatly arranged terraced tea trees grow along the mountainside by the pond. The pond is also stocked with fish, making it a great spot for fishing. In the early morning and evening, a thin layer of mist covers the area, creating a stunning landscape. Visitors can take a stroll along the pond's trail, enjoying the natural scenery of the lake and mountains, where wild ducks and swans leisurely swim. The view of Dongding Mountain, shrouded in layers of mist, is enchanting; from the top of Qilin Pond, the sight becomes even broader, providing a panoramic view of the entire Dashi Keng, a northern view of Jiji by the Zhuoshui River, a western view of Zhushan Township and the Chianan Plain, and an eastern view of the Phoenix Mountain Range, along with the terraced fields across the pond, all showcasing breathtaking scenery. Qilin Pond was originally a small water pond at the foot of Dongding Mountain. About 150 years ago, residents of Yonglong Village built a dam taking advantage of the three-sided mountain formation to store water for agricultural irrigation. Over time, it expanded into a beautiful expanse of blue water. Currently, the pond covers an area of approximately 13 hectares, surrounded by tea plantations. Shrouded in mist between day and night, it is very picturesque and is praised as one of the eight great scenic spots in Nantou.