Bai Shi Lake Leisure Agricultural Area Introduction
Bai Shi Lake - Origin of the Place Name When we mention "Bai Shi Lake," we must first understand the origin of its name! It is said that the early settlers referred to the naturally formed low-lying areas in the mountains as "lakes." Additionally, the local area produced abundant white sandstone, giving rise to the name "Bai Shi Lake." Therefore, "Bai Shi Lake" is not actually a lake! During the late Qing Dynasty, a quarry was established in the Neihu mountainous area, and materials for the construction of the Taipei city wall were sourced from this location. Due to its strategic geographical position, Bai Shi Lake was the ancient battleground where Lin Shuangwen's anti-Qing ally Lin Xiaowen fought against the Qing army in March of the 52nd year of the Qianlong reign (1787 AD). It was also inhabited by the Ketagalan tribe community. It is said that the Ketagalan community originally distributed along the western bank of the Keelung River in Songshan gradually migrated to the Bai Shi Lake area due to the influence of Han settlers during the Qing Dynasty, thus changing its name to "New Li Tribe" to distinguish it from the original "Old Li Tribe" in Songshan. Today, the Ketagalan tribe has integrated into Han society and has disappeared. After Taiwan's retrocession, due to the existence of the Bishanyan Kaizhang Shengwang Temple in the region, the area was renamed "Bishan Village," and later officially changed to "Bishan Li" in the 57th year of the Republic of China, which remains to this day. Surrounded by Mountains - The Bai Shi Lake community, nestled within the embrace of surrounding mountains, has a development history tracing back to over 200 years ago during the Qianlong reign. It is surrounded by Bishan, Bai Shi Lake Mountain, Daluntou Mountain, Kaiyan Mountain, Dajian Mountain (now known as Zhongyong Mountain), and Xiaojian Mountain (now known as Yuanjue Mountain), making it the highest-altitude community in Neihu District (approximately 250 to 450 meters above sea level). The Bai Shi Lake area features a valley terrain with subtropical broadleaf forest ecology, making it suitable for developing leisure agriculture. Coupled with the surrounding hiking trails such as Bai Shi Lake Mountain, Daluntou Mountain, Kaiyan Mountain, and Longchuan Rock, it serves not only as a refreshing backyard for local residents but also as a popular destination for Taipei citizens on weekends and holidays. Other recreational highlights in the Bai Shi Lake area include the Bai Shi Lake Suspension Bridge, Houhu Wetland (Concentric Circles Ecological Wetland), Ancient Guiaipi, Couples Tree, and the historic Huang Family Residence (Ziyun Residence). Neihu Strawberry Season From December to May of the following year is the strawberry harvest season in Neihu District, Taipei City, with peak production occurring from March to April. Several strawberry farms in Neihu District are suitable for day trips for families, couples, or friends' gatherings, and some farms offer various agricultural experiences, such as DIY strawberry jam and wood-fired pizza, providing rich courses while enjoying delicious strawberries and the beautiful mountain scenery of Neihu. (Source: Bai Shi Lake Leisure Agriculture Area)
