White Horse Pavilion Introduction
Baimating is located at the top of Dakeng Mountain on the eastern side of Zengwen Reservoir in Dapu Township, Chiayi County, at an elevation of about 750 meters. It is a route from Chiayi County to Tainan City, accessible by climbing up from the 307-kilometer mark on Provincial Highway 3, which takes about an hour of walking. At the end of the Qing Dynasty, a captain surnamed Yeh was tragically killed while leading troops to suppress bandits in the Dakeng Mountain area, and his white horse has since roamed the mountains. Every morning at dawn, the white horse can be heard lamenting atop the mountain, faintly audible to the villagers below. Later, to commemorate the spirit and loyalty of this white horse, Baimating was built atop the mountain for locals and tourists to hike and take in the view. Baimating is the best vantage point to overlook Dapu, but the path is winding and filled with gravel. Some routes incline over 45 degrees, and with the loose gravel, hazards abound. Due to its high location, Baimating offers an excellent panoramic view; not only can you see the entire Zengwen Reservoir and Dapu Village, but also the distant peaks of Mount Dafeng. At sunrise, golden light dances and sparkles, while at sunset, the red clouds reflect on the lake's surface, creating a captivating scene with mist gently hugging the green mountains. Baimating is a hiking route suitable for all ages, and one can ascend via the industrial road from the Dapu Village Water Plant, with a round trip to the summit taking about two hours. Standing at Baimating and reading the story of the loyal white horse on the wall while enjoying the panoramic view of Zengwen Reservoir makes for a challenging hiking route and the best spot for trekking and sightseeing in the Dapu scenic area.
