Sisters' Ponds Introduction
After passing by the Alishan House, and traversing a grove of Japanese cedar, you will find a clear little pond on the left side—this is the Mei Pond of the Sisters Pond (Sisters Lakes). The Sisters Pond consists of two alpine lakes of different sizes, and legend has it that this was the place where two mountain sisters sacrificed themselves for love, hence the name. Mei Pond is roughly circular, covering an area of about 20 ping, and is surrounded by dense forests of red cypress. This red cypress forest was naturally seeded by the Japanese in 1930 and is currently one of the densest areas of red cypress within the Alishan National Scenic Area. The larger sister pond, Ji Pond, is rectangular and approximately 160 ping. The pond features two pavilions called the "Aisle of Sorrow" supported by two cypress trees, connected by wooden bridges to the shore, creating a beautiful scene. The two ponds are only about 50 meters apart, with clear green water that resembles a still mirror. The trails surrounding the Sisters Pond are well designed, allowing visitors to easily appreciate the serene and beautiful natural scenery of these two interdependent alpine lakes.
