Longtan Lake Jiaoxi
A serene lake surrounded by mountains, offering scenic trails, unique art, and a special fish ladder eco-park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Longtan Lake Jiaoxi
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene lake surrounded by mountains, offering scenic trails, unique art, and a special fish ladder eco-park.
"A tranquil site away from the town, perfect for walking and appreciating verdant hills and clean water."
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The 2.8km path is perfect for walking, so wear comfy shoes to enjoy the scenery without discomfort.
🦋 Nature Spotting
Bring binoculars to spot diverse bird species and butterflies. The lake is rich in biodiversity.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Circular Lakeside Path
Around the lake
Stroll or cycle the 2.8km path for stunning views of the water and surrounding verdant hills.
Fish Ladder Eco-Park
Near the lake's outlet
Witness the unique spectacle of thousands of fish ascending the ladder during spawning season (around May).
Art Installations
Scattered around the lake
Discover whimsical sculptures like dolphins, ships, and mermaids adding a playful touch to the scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The 2.8km path is perfect for walking, so wear comfy shoes to enjoy the scenery without discomfort.
🦋 Nature Spotting
Bring binoculars to spot diverse bird species and butterflies. The lake is rich in biodiversity.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Visit during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking light and reflections on the water.
🎣 Avoid Feeding Wildlife
While tempting, feeding the waterfowl can disrupt their natural behavior and the ecosystem.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The 2.8km path is perfect for walking, so wear comfy shoes to enjoy the scenery without discomfort.
🦋 Nature Spotting
Bring binoculars to spot diverse bird species and butterflies. The lake is rich in biodiversity.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Visit during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking light and reflections on the water.
🎣 Avoid Feeding Wildlife
While tempting, feeding the waterfowl can disrupt their natural behavior and the ecosystem.
💡 Check for Events
Local events or festivals might be happening, adding to the atmosphere or potentially increasing crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Longtan Lake for its tranquil natural beauty, scenic walking paths, and unique art installations. It's seen as a peaceful escape from city life, with the fish ladder being a particular ecological highlight. Some feel recent developments have detracted from its original natural charm, making it feel more commercialized.
"A beautiful scenery spot in the county! The lake is a tranquil site away from the town, open to the public for a recreation resort! There is a track surrounding the lake along the shore, so one can walk on it to appreciate the verdant hills and clean water. It is a quiet place to escape from hustling and bustling of the city!"
Matthew Su
"I have such mix feeling for this place. Longtan lake used to be the top nature lake destination in yilan back in the old days. Because it’s nature beauty surrounding by gentle hills around it. When Taiwan Formosa group (台塑）bought lots of its land and built different buildings, it became more industrial like. On top of that, government started to build lots of man made facilities, most recent one is the bridge linked 2 sides which serves little functions and destroy its nature beauty further more. These short sided visitor activities are promoted by the local government that completely turn this place into a big playground."
The Foodie Architect
"It’s one of the five largest lakes on Lan Yang plain. It’s a nature a scenic spot where the water in the lake comes from the mountains around it, not coming from any rivers. In the period of Japanese administration in Taiwan(1895-1945), Japanese government designed and constructed the agricultural water cannel system which incubates all the rice fields around the area in Jau Shi town, Yi Lan county. There is a road surrounding the lake and it attracts A lot of local people and tourists to go hiking there. A new cluster of shops related to beauty and health were opened and gives visitors education guide."
Tayi Lin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Longtan Lake is easily accessible by public transport. Buses like GR15, Y1 Bus Taxi, and 772 service the area, making it convenient for visitors without private vehicles.
Yes, there are parking facilities available for visitors who choose to drive to Longtan Lake.
Absolutely! The circular path around the lake is well-maintained and ideal for cycling, offering scenic views as you ride.
Walking the 2.8km circular path is highly recommended for a leisurely experience. Cycling is also a popular option.
Yes, you can take local bus routes like the Y1 Bus Taxi from Jiaoxi Train Station to reach Longtan Lake.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Longtan Lake is a public recreation resort and is generally open to the public with no entrance fee.
The lake area is typically open year-round during daylight hours. Specific facility hours might vary.
No advance booking is required as there is no admission fee for general access to the lake area.
While the park is generally accessible, it's advisable to check for any specific holiday hours or temporary closures.
The eco-park and fish ladder are accessible during park hours, but the peak viewing for fish migration is in May.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, cycling, bird watching, photography, and picnicking. Kayaking is also available.
Yes, it's a great spot for families with its walking paths, art installations, and open spaces for children to explore.
The lake is home to various insects, plants, birds, and fish. Keep an eye out for butterflies and waterfowl.
Restroom facilities are available within the park for visitor convenience.
Yes, Longtan Lake is a popular spot for picnics, with ample space and scenic views to enjoy your meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The circular path offers diverse angles, especially near the art installations and the fish ladder. The reflections on the water are stunning.
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) provide the most beautiful light for landscape and wildlife photography.
The fish ladder during spawning season (May) and the colorful night lights offer unique photographic subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing wildlife.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules before flying to avoid any issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake, making it a relaxed and budget-friendly outing. While the fish ladder is fascinating, the main draw for families is the open space, gentle walking paths, and the chance to observe local birdlife. It's a safe and engaging environment for kids to connect with nature.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
If you're visiting in May, the fish ladder is a must-see, showcasing a unique ecological event. Bringing binoculars will enhance your wildlife spotting experience. The lake's water source from the surrounding mountains and the well-preserved ecosystem make it a valuable spot for nature appreciation.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the chance to photograph the fish ladder during the spawning season in May for a truly unique and dynamic shot. At night, the colorful lights around the lake create a romantic and atmospheric scene, perfect for evening photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Fish Ladder Ecosystem
However, the ecosystem faces challenges. Invasive predatory species like the snakehead murrel and jaguar guapote threaten the native fish population. Changes in weather patterns and past regulatory issues have also impacted the delicate balance. Efforts are ongoing to conserve this unique environment and protect the Distoechodon tumirostris population for future generations.
Visitors interested in conservation and unique natural events should prioritize a visit during the spawning season. It's a remarkable opportunity to observe a natural process that is rarely seen elsewhere in the world. Understanding the ecological importance of the fish ladder adds another layer of appreciation to the visit.
Navigating Longtan Lake: Transport & Trails
The primary way to experience Longtan Lake is by exploring its well-maintained 2.8km circular footpath. This path is suitable for all ages and offers continuous scenic views of the water and surrounding mountains. Many visitors also enjoy cycling along this route. For a different perspective, a 250m cross-lake path provides further exploration opportunities.
Beyond the main path, the area is dotted with various art installations, adding a whimsical element to the natural landscape. These sculptures, ranging from dolphins to mermaids, provide fun photo opportunities and enhance the visitor experience. The combination of natural beauty and artistic touches makes Longtan Lake a well-rounded destination for leisure and exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit