Emei Lake (officially Dapu Reservoir) is a mountain reservoir in Emei Township, Hsinchu County, and the first reservoir in Taiwan designed and built entirely by Taiwanese engineers, constructed from 1956 and completed in June 1960 to supply irrigation and industrial water to the Xiangshan, Baoshan, Zhunan, and Toufen areas. The official lakeside trail runs 5.4 kilometers, and a 72-meter bronze Maitreya statue stands at the Nature Loving Wonderland complex on the shore. Religious and natural scenery coexist here, forming the distinctive tourism core of Emei Township.
Emei Lake's official name is Dapu Reservoir. Construction began in 1956 and finished in June 1960, with water supply starting in 1961; it was the first reservoir in Taiwan designed and built entirely by Taiwanese engineers. The officially marked lakeside trail is 5.4 kilometers long, taking about 56 minutes and rated an easy, first-grade trail. The bronze Maitreya statue at the lakeside Nature Loving Wonderland complex was completed in 2011, standing 56.7 meters tall on a 15.3-meter pedestal for a total height of 72 meters, billed as the world's tallest bronze Maitreya statue, not 12 meters as sometimes misreported, and the reservoir is not documented as being called 'Zhongzheng Reservoir.'
What to see at Emei Lake
The lake's surface area changes with seasonal water levels — it is largest after the rainy season, when reflections are most complete. The lakeside trail passes through dense forest, with some sections featuring lower-elevation broadleaf trees and streamside vegetation, making it an easy ecological hike. Temples and shrines are scattered around the lake, the most prominent being the Maitreya Neiyuan (Inner Sanctum) on the hillside to the north, where the bronze statue sits against the slope in a dignified pose overlooking the water.
Emei Township is a major producer of Oriental Beauty tea, with tea gardens spread across the hills around the lake. Some tea farmers offer tasting experiences, and tea-themed shops can be found near the lakeshore. Visiting during the tea harvest season (spring tea around April, Oriental Beauty around May to June) opens up the option of combining the trip with a tea culture experience.
Tips for getting the most out of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and timing
- Driving is most convenient. Head toward the lake from Zhudong or Beipu following the signs; some sections are narrow mountain roads — watch for oncoming traffic.
- Open year-round; no admission fee. Opening hours for the temple grounds where the Maitreya statue stands should be confirmed from on-site notices or official sources.
Nearby connections
- Emei Township borders Beipu Township; combine a visit to Beipu Old Street and Citian Temple for a half-day outing.
- Zhudong Town is nearby — the Hsiao Ju-sung Art Park there makes a good additional stop.
Sources: The Wikipedia entry for Emei Lake and Hsinchu County Government tourism information. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emei Lake's official name?
Its official name is Dapu Reservoir; 'Emei Lake' is the common name, and no official source records it as 'Zhongzheng Reservoir.'
How tall is the Maitreya statue by Emei Lake?
The bronze Maitreya statue at the Nature Loving Wonderland complex stands 72 meters tall (a 56.7-meter body on a 15.3-meter pedestal), completed in 2011 and billed as the world's tallest bronze Maitreya statue.
How long is the official lakeside trail at Emei Lake?
The officially marked trail runs 5.4 kilometers, taking about 56 minutes, and is rated an easy, first-grade trail.
When was Emei Lake (Dapu Reservoir) completed?
Construction began in 1956 and finished in June 1960, with water supply starting in 1961, the first reservoir in Taiwan designed and built entirely by Taiwanese engineers.
Sources
- 峨眉湖環湖步道－交通部觀光署參山國家風景區管理處 — 官方步道長度與難度資訊
- 峨眉湖－交通部觀光署參山國家風景區管理處 — 官方水庫沿革與名稱介紹
- 1960年6月－大埔水庫竣工 — 經濟部水利署電子報，水庫興建與完工年份
- 峨眉彌勒大道大自然文化世界－臺灣宗教文化地圖 — 內政部宗教文化地圖，彌勒佛像高度與竣工年份