Kirin Pond Introduction
Qilin Pond, originally named "Dazui Pond," is a small pond located at the foot of Dongding Mountain, serving as the first stop into the Phoenix Valley Scenic Area. The shimmering surface reflects the green mountains and red-tiled roofs, boasting a scenery that rivals the lake and mountain views of Switzerland, and is regarded as one of the eight major attractions in Nantou. Surrounded by rolling hills, neatly arranged terraced tea trees grow along the mountain slopes by the pond, with fish swimming in the water, making it a suitable spot for fishing. In the morning and evening, a thin mist envelops the area, creating a picturesque scene. Strolling along the circular path around the pond allows visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the lake and mountains, where wild ducks and swans can be seen drifting in the water, while the view of Dongding Mountain is veiled in layers of mist and clouds. Climbing to the top of Qilin Pond offers a broader perspective, overlooking the entire Dazui Pond, with a view to the north of Jiji by the Zhuoshui River, to the west of Zhushan Township and Chianan Plain, and to the east of the Phoenix Mountain Range, as well as the terraced fields across the pond—each stunning view visible to the eye. Qilin Pond was originally a small water pond at the foot of Dongding Mountain, constructed by the villagers of Yonglong 150 years ago, who utilized the natural landscape of mountains on three sides to build a dam for reservoir irrigation. It was gradually expanded, forming a body of clear water. Currently, the pond spans approximately 13 hectares, surrounded by tea plantations. The scenery is exceptionally beautiful, often shrouded in light mist throughout the day, earning its recognition as one of the eight major attractions in Nantou.
