Zhuzihu Introduction
Zhuzihu is located in the core area of Yangmingshan National Park, at an altitude of approximately 650-670 meters. To the north lies Xiaoguanyin Mountain, to the east is Qixing Mountain, to the west is Lin Da Tun Mountain, and to the south opens up to a panoramic view of the Taipei Basin. It was originally formed as a "dam lake" by volcanic eruptions 350,000 years ago. Due to erosion, a gap was created, causing the lake water to gradually drain and form a depression. Historically, it has been divided into three enclosed areas: Donghu (Eastern Lake), Dinghu (Top Lake), and Xiahu (Lower Lake). Donghu refers to the area around Hu-tian Elementary School, the origin point of the name Zhuzihu; Dinghu refers to a small basin of about 20 hectares located above Donghu, which one reaches by crossing Hu-tian Bridge and continuing along the right industrial road; Xiahu refers to the basin around Haiyu Avenue, through which the Zhuzihu Stream flows, being lower in elevation than Donghu, hence the name Lower Lake. The name Zhuzihu originates from its formation as a dam lake due to volcanic lava eruptions. As the lake water gradually drained, it gave rise to a wetland where the Pingpu people, specifically the Ketagalan tribe, began to settle over a thousand years ago. When the Han people first arrived to cultivate the land two hundred years ago, they found the muddy land covered in bamboo forest, thus naming it Zhuzihu (in Taiwanese Hokkien, "hu" means a muddy place). There is also a local ancient legend that describes the early growth of arrow bamboo in the mountainous basin; the wind blowing from the mountaintop sways the arrow bamboo, resembling rippling lake water, hence the name Zhuzihu. In terms of calla lily season, the calla lily is originally from South Africa. Because its spathe opens like an upside-down horseshoe and the plant grows similarly to a lotus in water, it is referred to as "horseshoe lily." Currently, the total production area of calla lily fields in Zhuzihu is about 13 hectares, accounting for over 80% of the total yield of calla lilies in Taiwan. The blooming period of calla lilies is from January to May each year, with the peak bloom occurring in March and April. The primary variety in Zhuzihu is the white calla lily, characterized by its elegant white spathe called "Buddha's flame" which is not the flower itself; the inflorescence in the center is yellow, filled with many inconspicuous small flowers, organized with male and female parts. As the season progresses to late May, the romantic white calla lily field gradually comes to an end, followed by the blooming of purple-blue hydrangeas during the Dragon Boat Festival holidays. The area around Zhuzihu cultivates about 7 to 8 varieties of hydrangeas in a variety of colors, including pure white, pink with red edges, pink, purplish red, light blue, and blue; the shapes feature both large-flowered and medium-flowered varieties across the farms, showcasing vibrant colors and rich layers that enhance the diverse beauty of hydrangeas, making it a great spot for taking photographs.
