Baishi Lake Leisure Agricultural Area Introduction
White Stone Lake - Origin of the Place Name When we mention "White Stone Lake," we must first understand the origin of its name! It is said that in the past, the early settlers referred to the low-lying areas of the mountainous region that formed naturally as "lakes." At the same time, the area produced a large quantity of pure white sandstone, which eventually led to the name "White Stone Lake." Therefore, "White Stone Lake" is actually not a lake! During the late Qing Dynasty, a quarry was established in the Neihu mountainous area, and the materials for constructing the Taipei city wall were sourced from this location. Due to its strategic terrain, White Stone Lake became a battlefield during March of the 52nd year of the Qianlong reign (1787) where Lin Shuangwen's anti-Qing loyalist Lin Xiaowen fought against the Qing army. It was also inhabited by the Ketagalan indigenous people. It is said that the Ketagalan originally lived on the west bank of the Keelung River in Songshan, but due to the encroachment of Han Chinese settlers during the Qing Dynasty, they gradually migrated to the White Stone Lake area, changing their name to "New Li Tribe" to distinguish themselves from the original "Old Li Tribe" in Songshan. Today, the Ketagalan community has integrated into Han society and has disappeared. After Taiwan's restoration, the area became known as "Bishan Village" due to the presence of Bishanyan Kaizhang Shengwang Temple, and was officially renamed "Bishan Li" in the 57th year of the Republic of China, which remains to this day. Surrounded by Mountains - The community of White Stone Lake, nestled among the surrounding mountains, has a development history that dates back over 200 years to the Qianlong era. It is encircled by Bishan, White Stone Lake Mountain, Dalun 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 between 250 to 450 meters above sea level). The White Stone Lake area features a valley topography characterized by subtropical broadleaf forest ecology, making it suitable for the development of leisure agriculture. Combined with surrounding hiking trails like White Stone Lake Mountain, Dalun Mountain, Kaiyan Mountain, and Longchuan Rock, it has become not only a backyard for local residents to enjoy fresh mountain air but also a popular weekend getaway for citizens of Taipei. Other recreational highlights in the White Stone Lake area include: White Stone Lake Suspension Bridge, Houhu Wetlands (Circular Ecology Wetland), Guqui Pond, Couples Tree, and Shi Kan Huang's Ancient House (Ziyun Residence). Neihu Strawberry Season The strawberry season in Neihu District, Taipei City, lasts from December to May of the following year, with peak production occurring from March to April. There are multiple strawberry farms in Neihu District suitable for family outings, couples, or gatherings of friends. Some farms also offer various agricultural experiences, such as DIY strawberry jam and kiln-baked pizza, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious strawberries while appreciating the beautiful mountain scenery of Neihu. (Source: White Stone Lake Leisure Agricultural Area)
