Zhuzihu Introduction
Zhuzihu is located in the core area of Yangmingshan National Park, at an elevation of approximately 650-670 meters. To the north lies Xiaoguanyin Mountain, to the east is Qixing Mountain, to the west is Mount Datun, and to the south, it opens up to offer a panoramic view of the Taipei Basin. Originally formed 350,000 years ago from volcanic eruptions, it is a "debris dam lake." Due to erosion, an opening developed, causing the lake water to gradually drain, resulting in a depression. Historically, it has been divided into three enclosed areas: Donghu, Dinghu, and Xiahhu. Donghu refers to the area around Hutian Elementary School, which is the origin point of the name Zhuzihu; Dinghu is a small basin of about 20 hectares located just after crossing the Hutian Bridge along the right side of the industrial road, named for its elevated position above Donghu; Xiahhu refers to the basin around Haiyu Avenue, through which the Zhuzihu Stream flows, known as Xiahhu for being at a lower elevation compared to Donghu. The name Zhuzihu originates from its status as a debris dam lake formed by volcanic lava. As the lake water gradually drained, a wetland emerged. More than a thousand years ago, the Plain Indigenous Ketagalan people began to settle in the area. Two hundred years ago, when Han settlers arrived to cultivate the land, they saw the muddy terrain scattered with bamboo and therefore named it Zhuzihu (in Minnan language, "hu" means muddy land). According to an ancient local legend, the area was once densely populated with arrow bamboo, and the mountain winds swaying the bamboo created a visual effect reminiscent of rippling lake water, thus the name Zhuzihu. Zhuzihu Calla Lily Season The calla lily, originally from South Africa, is called "horse hoof lily" because its spathes bloom upside down like a horse's hoof, and the plants grow in water like lotus flowers. Currently, the area of calla lily fields in Zhuzihu covers about 13 hectares, accounting for over 80% of the total calla lily production in Taiwan; the blooming period is from January to May, with the peak blooming season occurring from March to April. The calla lilies in Zhuzihu are predominantly white, where the elegant white part known as the "Buddha Flame Spathe" is not the flower itself; many inconspicuous small flowers bloom on the yellow inflorescence at the center, distinctively separated by gender in an orderly manner. Zhuzihu Hydrangea Blossoms As late May approaches, the romantic white calla lily fields gradually come to an end, followed by the blooming of purple-blue hydrangeas during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday. The hydrangeas grown in the Zhuzihu area consist of about 7 to 8 varieties, featuring diverse colors including pure white, pink with red edges, pink, purplish-red, light blue, and blue. The shapes include large and medium flower varieties, with vibrant colors and rich layers, enhancing the ever-changing beauty of the hydrangeas, making them perfect for memorable photos.
