Sisters' Ponds Introduction
After passing by the Alishan House, and traversing a forest of Taiwan red cypress, you will find a clear little pond on the left—this is the Sister Pond, specifically the "Mei Pond" within the Sister Ponds. The Sister Ponds consist of two high mountain lakes of different sizes, and legend has it that this was the place where two mountain sisters committed suicide for love, thus giving it the name. The Mei Pond is slightly round in shape, covering an area of about 20 ping (approximately 66 square meters), surrounded by dense Taiwan red cypress forest. This forest was naturally regenerated by the Japanese in 1930 and is currently one of the most densely distributed areas of Taiwan red cypress within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. The other pond, the "Zi Pond," is larger, rectangular in shape, and approximately 160 ping (around 528 square meters) in size. The pond features two pavilions known as "Two Hearts," based on two cypress trees, connected to the shore by wooden bridges, creating a beautiful scene. The two ponds are only about 50 meters apart, with clear green waters that resemble a still mirror. The trails surrounding the Sister Ponds are well-designed, allowing visitors to easily appreciate these two interdependent high mountain lakes and experience the tranquility and stunning natural scenery.
