Baishi Lake Leisure Agricultural Area Introduction
Bai Shi Lake - Origin of the Place Name When we mention "Bai Shi Lake," we must first understand its origins! It is said that in the early years, the ancestors referred to the relatively lower open areas in the mountainous region as "lake." Additionally, the area is rich in pure white sandstone, which led 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 Mountain area, where materials for building the Taipei City Wall were sourced. Due to its strategic position, Bai Shi Lake was also the site of battles between Lin Shuangwen's anti-Qing faction, Lin Xiao Wen, and the Qing army in March of the 52nd year of the Qianlong reign (1787). It was also inhabited by the Ketagalan tribe. The Ketagalan tribe originally distributed on the west bank of the Keelung River in Songshan gradually moved to the Bai Shi Lake area due to the influence of Han Chinese settlement during the Qing Dynasty, and thus, it was renamed "New Li Tribe" to distinguish it from the original "Old Li Tribe" in Songshan. Today, the Ketagalan tribe has merged into Han society and disappeared. After Taiwan's recovery, due to the presence of the Bishanyan Kaizhang Shengwang Temple in the area, it was renamed "Bishan Village," and later officially became "Bishan Li" in the 57th year of the Republic of China, which continues to this day. Surrounded by Mountains - The Bai Shi Lake community is nestled amidst surrounding mountains, with its development history traceable to over 200 years ago during the Qianlong reign. It is surrounded by Bishan, Bai Shi Lake Mountain, Da Lun Tou Mountain, Kai Yan Mountain, Da Jian Mountain (now known as Zhong Yong Mountain), and Xiao Jian Mountain (now known as Yuan Jue Jian Mountain), making it the highest elevation community in the Neihu District (approximately 250 to 450 meters above sea level). The Bai Shi Lake area is characterized by a valley topography and subtropical broadleaf forest ecology, which is suitable for developing leisure agriculture. Coupled with nearby hiking trails of Bai Shi Lake Mountain, Da Lun Tou Mountain, Kai Yan Mountain, and Long Chuan Rock, it serves as a backyard for local residents to enjoy fresh mountain air and has become a popular weekend getaway choice for Taipei citizens. Other recreational highlights in the Bai Shi Lake area include the Bai Shi Lake Suspension Bridge, Hou Hu Wetland (Circular Eco Wetland), Gu Cui Pi, Couple Tree, and the historic Huang's House (Zi Yun Ju). Neihu Strawberry Season From December to May each year, it is strawberry season in the Neihu District of Taipei City, with peak production occurring from March to April. There are many strawberry farms in the Neihu District suitable for family, couples, or friend gatherings for a day trip. Some farms also offer various agricultural experiences, such as DIY strawberry jam and DIY brick-oven pizza, enriching courses that allow visitors to not only enjoy the delightful taste of strawberries but also appreciate the beautiful mountain scenery in Neihu. (Source: Bai Shi Lake Leisure Agriculture Area)
