Menghu, Xizhi District, New Taipei City, Taiwán
Meng Hu, or Dream Lake, is 325 meters above sea level. It’s an artificial lake, used by early farmers for irrigation. Located in Xizhi, during the winter season there will often be fog in the afternoons, giving the lake a dream-like quality and hence its name as well. The mountains and forests of Xinshan Meng Hu is located on privately-owned land. But because so many people found the scenery to be beautiful, the landowner agreed to the city government building an industrial road leading to Meng Hu. That way, more people can continue to enjoy Meng Hu’s beauty.
Surrounding the lake, is a loop trail. In addition to having a pavilion where one may sit and rest, the lake is also surrounded by large, flat-surfaced rocks that can be sat on. In the middle of the lake is a boat; many people come here to take pictures or wedding photographs.
The landlord operates a “Meng Hu Coffee” by the lake, with the income earned used to clean up Meng Hu. The coffee shop offers services in addition to drinks, such as simple meals. Soon, the area will also provide camping, and until then visitors are welcome to make reservations. Wedding photography venues also offer their usual rental services, but one should pay attention that due to the large amount of visitors on weekends and holidays, restaurant environments are not easy to arrange and restaurant bathrooms are not in use.
Meng Hu in the future will be used for ecological purposes. The lake contains Taiwanese paradise fish, silver pearlfish, mosquitofish, and more, and aquatic vegetation like Taiwan water chestnuts. Every year from April to May, there are fireflies to watch too.
Epic Taiwan Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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