Baishi Lake Leisure Agriculture Area Introduction
Bai-shih Lake - Origin of the Place Name When it comes to "Bai-shih Lake," we must first understand the origin of its name! It is said that early settlers referred to the natural depression created by low-lying areas in the mountainous region as "lake." Additionally, this area is rich in pure white sandstone, which gave rise to the name "Bai-shih Lake." Thus, "Bai-shih Lake" is not actually a lake! During the late Qing Dynasty, in the Guangxu period, a quarry was established in the Neihu mountainous area, which provided materials for the construction of the Taipei city wall. Due to the area's strategic terrain, Bai-shih Lake was a historic battlefield where Lin Shuangwen's anti-Qing ally Lin Xiaowen fought against Qing troops in March of the 52nd year of Qianlong (1787). It was also inhabited by the Ketagalan tribe. It is said that the Ketagalan tribe originally inhabited the west bank of the Keelung River in Songshan but gradually moved to the Bai-shih Lake area due to the influence of Han migration during the Qing Dynasty, leading to the change of their name to "Xinli Tribe" to differentiate themselves from the "Jiuli Tribe" of original Songshan. Today, the Ketagalan tribe has integrated into Han society and has disappeared. After Taiwan's retrocession, due to the presence of the Bishanyan Kaizhang Shengwang Temple in the area, the name was changed to "Bishan Village," and later officially renamed "Bishan Li" in the 57th year of the Republic of China, which continues to this day. Surrounded by Mountains - The Bai-shih Lake Community Surrounded by mountains dates back to the Qing Dynasty over 200 years ago. It is surrounded by Bishan, Bai-shih Lake Mountain, Daluan Mountain, Kaiyan Mountain, Dajian Mountain (now known as Zhongyong Mountain), and Xiao Jian Mountain (now known as Yuanjue Jian Mountain), making it the highest elevation community in the Neihu District (approximately between 250 and 450 meters). The Bai-shih Lake area features a valley topography with a subtropical broadleaf forest ecology. In addition to being suitable for developing leisure agriculture, it integrates surrounding hiking trails such as Bai-shih Lake Mountain, Daluan Mountain, Kaiyan Mountain, and Longchuan Rock. This area serves as a refreshing backyard for local residents and has become a popular weekend getaway choice for Taipei citizens. Other Recreational Highlights in the Bai-shih Lake Area: Bai-shih Lake Suspension Bridge, Houhu Wetland (Concentric Circular Ecological Wetland), Guquipi, Couple Tree, Shikang Huang's Ancient Residence (Ziyun Ju). Neihu Strawberry Season From December to May of the following year is the strawberry harvesting season in the Neihu District of Taipei City. The peak season is from March to April, and there are several strawberry farms in Neihu suitable for family outings, romantic dates, or gatherings with friends. Some farms also offer various agricultural experiences, such as DIY strawberry jam making and kiln-baked pizza, allowing visitors to enjoy the delicious taste of strawberries while appreciating the beautiful mountain scenery of Neihu. (Source: Bai-shih Lake Recreational Agriculture Area)
