Xizhi Dream Lake is a small pond in the hills of Xizhi District, New Taipei City, originally excavated by the local Liao family for irrigation and water storage. Roughly triangular with sides of about 50 meters and sitting at an elevation of around 325 meters, it is surrounded by green mountains. Its name comes from the mist that often rises over the pond on winter afternoons, giving it a dreamlike appearance; it is a familiar morning walking spot for Xizhi residents and a favorite easy-hike destination for visitors from Taipei.
Dream Lake was originally a pond dug by the local Liao family for irrigation and water storage — not a natural lake. It is roughly triangular, with sides of about 50 meters, at an elevation of approximately 325 meters. It gets its name from the misty, dreamlike scenery that often forms on winter afternoons; walking the full loop around the pond takes under 10 minutes.
What to see at Xizhi Dream Lake
The trail from the trailhead to the lakeshore takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes, with a gentle gradient and surfaces of stone slabs and earthen path. The lake surface is serene, with aquatic plants growing along the banks and some waterbirds in residence. A simple viewing platform beside the lake offers views of the surrounding ridges. The overall setting is a natural trail without large recreational facilities.
Morning mist effects are most common around spring (March–May) and before and after the plum rain season (May–June). The mist gradually disperses within one to two hours after sunrise; during this window, light is soft and reflections on the lake are sharp. The nearby Xinshan Reservoir can be reached by connecting trail. The reservoir's water surface is larger than Dream Lake, and together the two destinations require about 1.5 to 2 hours of walking.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and timing
- No direct public transport. Driving from Xizhi city center up into the hills takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The trail is open all day with no admission fee.
- Mountain roads may flood after typhoons or heavy rain. Check New Taipei City road and trail conditions before setting out, and only go once it is confirmed safe.
Nearby connections
- The Dream Lake trail can be extended to Xinshan Reservoir. The two can be connected on foot without returning to the parking area — an out-and-back or point-to-point route is worth planning.
- Xizhi city center has a Keelung River cycling path. After leaving Dream Lake, you can head down the mountain to the area around Xizhi Railway Station and take the TRA back to Taipei.
Source: New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau; Wikipedia entry on Dream Lake (Xizhi). Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Xizhi Dream Lake a natural lake?
No — it was originally a pond dug by the local Liao family for irrigation and water storage.
Where does the name 'Dream Lake' come from?
Mist often rises over the pond on winter afternoons, giving it a dreamlike appearance, which inspired the name.
How big is Dream Lake and how high up is it?
It sits at an elevation of about 325 meters, is roughly triangular with sides of about 50 meters, and can be circled on foot in under 10 minutes.
Sources
- 汐止三湖紀事：新山夢湖、翠湖、金龍湖面對的難題 - 我們的島 — 夢湖為廖氏家族開闢之灌溉埤塘、名稱由來報導
- 新山夢湖與拱北殿一日遊 - 新北市汐止區公所 — 官方旅遊資訊，海拔與湖形描述