Bai Shi Hu Leisure Agriculture Area Introduction
Baisih Lake - Origin of the Place Name. To understand "Baisih Lake," we must first know the origin of its name! It is said that the early settlers referred to the relatively low and open areas naturally formed in the mountainous regions as "lakes," and the area was abundant in pure white sandstone, thus giving rise to the name "Baisih Lake." Therefore, "Baisih Lake" is not actually a lake! During the late Qing Dynasty, a quarry was established in the Neihu mountain area, and materials for the construction of the Taipei City Wall were sourced from this place. Due to its strategic location, in March of the 52nd year of the Qianlong reign (1787), Baisih Lake was a battlefield where Lin Shuangwen and his allies fought against the Qing troops, and it was also home to the Ketagalan village. It is said that the Ketagalan village was originally distributed on the west bank of the Keelung River in Songshan but gradually migrated to the Baisih Lake area due to the influence of Han Chinese cultivation during the Qing Dynasty, hence the change of name to "New Li Tribe" to distinguish it from the "Old Li Tribe" of Songshan. To this day, the Ketagalan village has integrated into Han society and has disappeared. After Taiwan's retrocession, the area was renamed "Bishan Village" due to the presence of the Bishanyan Kaizhang Shengwang Temple, and was officially renamed "Bishan Li" in 1968, which remains its name to this day. Surrounded by Mountains - The Baisih Lake community, embraced by mountains, has a development history that dates back over 200 years to the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong period. It is surrounded by Bishan, Baisih Lake Mountain, Daluntou Mountain, Kaiyan Mountain, Dajian Mountain (now known as Zhongyong Mountain), and Xiaojianshan (now known as Yuanjue Mountain), making it the highest elevation community in the Neihu District (approximately between 250 to 450 meters). The Baisih Lake area has a valley topography and subtropical broadleaf forest ecology, which is not only suitable for developing leisure agriculture but also integrates nearby hiking trails such as Baisih Lake Mountain, Daluntou Mountain, Kaiyan Mountain, and Longchuan Rock. Besides being a refreshing garden for local residents to enjoy the fresh mountain air, it has become a popular weekend getaway for Taipei citizens. Other Recreational Highlights of the Baisih Lake Area: Baisih Lake Suspension Bridge, Houhu Wetland (Concentric Circle Ecological Wetland), Guchui Pond, Couple’s Tree, Shikan Huang’s Ancient House (Ziyun Residence). Neihu Strawberry Season: From December to May of the following year is the strawberry production season in Neihu District, Taipei City, with peak production occurring from March to April. There are several strawberry farms in Neihu District suitable for family outings, couples, or friends' gatherings, and some farms offer various agricultural experiences, such as DIY strawberry jam and DIY pizza from a wood-fired oven. While savoring the delicious strawberries, visitors can also enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery of Neihu. (Source: Baisih Lake Leisure Agricultural Area)
