Liyu Lake is an inland lake in Chinan Village, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County, covering about 104 hectares — the largest natural lake in Hualien County, with a roughly 5-kilometer lakeside cycling path.
Liyu Lake, located in Chinan Village, Shoufeng Township, covers about 104 hectares (roughly 1.04 square kilometers) — the largest natural inland lake in Hualien County. It measures about 1.6 km at its longest (north-south) and 930 meters at its widest (east-west), with a maximum depth of about 15 meters. The lakeside cycling path runs about 5 km with no significant grade.
Highlights of Liyu Lake
Liyu Lake is a natural lake on the Rift Valley plain, with no factories or large-scale development in the surrounding area, keeping the lake surface in a relatively pristine state. Carp, grass carp, and other freshwater fish inhabit the lake, attracting a variety of water birds to forage here. The lakeside vegetation is dominated by casuarina trees, acacia trees, and bamboo groves that display different colors in different seasons. On clear days, the reflections of the Central Mountain Range and the Xiuguluan mountain system are sharply visible on the water.
The lakeside cycling path is smooth and the full 5 km circuit has no significant inclines, making it suitable for all ages. Several parking areas and rest facilities are available around the lake, and water activities such as kayaking and swan paddle boats are available for rent. Liyu Hill rises on the southern side of the lake, shaped like a carp leaping from the water — the origin of the lake's name. The summit offers a bird's-eye view of the entire lake; the hiking trail takes about 30 minutes one way.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Time
- Located in Liyu Lake Village, Shoufeng Township, about a 20–25-minute drive from Hualien City, or take the Taiwan Railways to Shoufeng Station and transfer by shuttle or taxi.
- If you plan to combine the lake circuit cycling with the hill hike, allow a half day (3 to 4 hours). A lakeside stroll or cycling trip alone takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Bicycle rental stands are located near the entrance to the lake road. Bikes can run short on busy weekends — arriving early is recommended.
Nearby Connections
- Shoufeng Township has additional attractions including Yunshanyuan Dream Lake and the Fengtian Immigrant Village, which can be combined for a deeper half-day tour of Shoufeng.
- Heading south, the route can be extended to Guangfu Sugar Factory in Guangfu Township, forming a mid-Rift Valley one-day itinerary.
Sources: Hualien County Tourism Bureau; Shoufeng Township Office. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which administrative area is Liyu Lake in?
Liyu Lake is located in Chinan Village, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County, and is the county's largest natural lake.
How large is Liyu Lake?
Liyu Lake covers about 104 hectares, or roughly 1.04 square kilometers.
How long is the lakeside cycling path?
The lakeside cycling path is about 5 km long, with a smooth surface suitable for all ages.
Sources
- 鯉魚潭 (花蓮縣) - 維基百科 — 面積104公頃、長寬深度、行政區位置（池南村）
- 鯉魚潭環潭自行車道 - 花蓮觀光資訊網 — 環潭自行車道長度約5公里