臺北市政府文化局

Located on Da Lun Tou Mountain in Neihu, Tianshui Yuanyang Lake presents such a lush and abundant expanse of water that it is hard to imagine that less than 20 years ago, it was a muddy, weed-infested pond. 

This lake used to be the highest water source in the Neihu area, as indicated by its other name, Da Pi Tou, suggestive of its former use for irrigation. Apart from providing residents with ample water, the area was also home to many flocks of Mandarin ducks. However, in 1983 leaks began to occur in the area, causing the pond to temporarily dry up, and the flocks of ducks left. 

Since the pond was no longer the primary source of water for residents, it was abandoned, and no-one visited it or cared about it until 2008, when the city government embarked on a two-year project to clean up the area. Instead of using conventional cement, which is easy to use but bad for the environment, they opted instead for a highly waterproof and environmentally friendly bentonite liner to repair the water bed. The restoration was a success, and the restored pond was transformed into a secluded haven known only to a few. 

Why not bring a loved one or your crush here for a hike? You may even have the opportunity to see pairs of Mandarin ducks swaying gracefully on the lake, adding a touch of romance!