Shiding Thousand Island Lake View | New Taipei Attraction

Shiding Thousand Island Lake is not a separate lake but rather the landscape visible when you look down from Bishan Road onto the Feicui Reservoir basin: dozens of low hills protrude above the water surface, resembling islands scattered across a lake — a structure similar to China's Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang, hence the name. With no direct public transit, reaching it requires a private vehicle or motorcycle, making it a favored destination among photography enthusiasts and self-drive travelers.

Highlights of Shiding Thousand Island Lake View

The best viewpoints are at several high points along Bishan Road, from which you can look down over the full reservoir basin. The reservoir water level directly affects the scenery: at high water levels, only the tops of the hills are exposed — more islands, but smaller; at low water levels, more of each hill is visible and the scene is comparatively plain. Feicui Reservoir is Taipei City's main water source; entry to the reservoir itself is prohibited, so viewing is only possible from elevated positions on the surrounding roads.

The best light for photography is in the early morning before the mist has lifted (around 6–8 a.m.), when water-surface fog adds depth to the layers of hills; evening light also creates a warm-color effect. Visibility is better after rain when the air is clear than on dry sunny days. Bishan Road is a winding mountain route with a narrow carriageway — watch for oncoming traffic and parking. Some of the viewpoint spots have roadside space to pull over, but capacity is limited.

How to make the most of your visit

📸

Early morning mist is bestWithin an hour of sunrise, the mist has not yet cleared, and the hills appear and disappear — far more layered for photography than in the harsh midday light.

🌊

Check the reservoir water levelFeicui Reservoir water level information is available on the Taipei Water Department official website. After summer typhoons, water levels tend to be at their highest, producing the best scenery.

🏍️

Motorcycles or small cars are more maneuverableBishan Road is narrow; large vehicles find it difficult to pass oncoming traffic. Bicycles or motorcycles are easier to park at viewpoints; car drivers should watch road conditions carefully.

⛽

Fuel up and bring food in advanceThere are no convenience stores or gas stations along the Shiding mountain road. Resupplying at Shiding Old Street or Pinglin before heading up Bishan Road is advisable to avoid running short in the mountains.

Practical information

Getting there & timing

No direct public transit; driving or riding a motorcycle is required. From Shiding Old Street, the drive along Bishan Road takes about 20–30 minutes.
The viewpoints are along open roadside, accessible at any time, with no entry fee. Mountain roads may be restricted during typhoons — check New Taipei City road conditions.

Nearby connections

After descending, you can visit Shiding Old Street; the waterside stilt-house settlement is an easy walk, and you can have a meal in the old street before returning to Taipei.
Shiding to Pinglin is about a 20-minute drive, making a combined Shiding Old Street + Thousand Island Lake self-drive route a natural fit.

Sources: Taipei Water Department Feicui Reservoir data, Wikipedia entry for Feicui Reservoir. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.

🗺️ View on the map ← All New Taipei attractions