In the 1920s, Japanese civil engineer Hatta Yoichi planned this reservoir in the hills of Guantian as the core water source for the Chianan Canal irrigation system. Construction took ten years to complete; the lake's shoreline, irregular with bays and inlets, earned it the name Coral Lake. A century later, the reservoir is still in operation, and Hatta Yoichi's staff quarters and a memorial park have also been preserved here, keeping alive the human story behind the engineering.
What to See at Wushantou Reservoir
Wushantou Reservoir was designed and overseen by Japanese civil engineer Hatta Yoichi; construction began in the 1920s and was completed in 1930. It is a key facility in the Chianan Canal water system. The Chianan Canal's irrigation area covers the Chianan Plain, making it one of the largest-scale water engineering projects in Taiwan's agricultural history. The dam was built using the Hydraulic Fill Dam method, which was an advanced engineering technique at the time.
The reservoir's lake surface, shaped by the surrounding hilly terrain, formed a contour with many bays and inlets — resembling coral when viewed from above, hence the name Coral Lake. Inside the grounds is the Hatta Yoichi Memorial Park, which preserves his work quarters and features an exhibition documenting the reservoir's construction process and the impact of the Chianan Canal on Taiwan's agriculture. A bronze statue of Hatta Yoichi stands beside the dam — the park's signature landmark.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- Located in Wushantou, Guantian District, about 30 km from central Tainan; driving is recommended — public transport near the area is infrequent.
- The grounds charge admission; the Hatta Yoichi Memorial Park and the lake tour boat may be priced separately — check the official website for ticket prices and opening hours before you go.
- Weekends are more crowded; if you want to visit the memorial park at a leisurely pace, a weekday visit is better.
Nearby Connections
- Guantian District is known for water caltrop; the season runs from September to November each year — available at rural markets around the reservoir.
- Zengwen Reservoir is about a 40-minute drive from Wushantou — they can be combined into a two-reservoir day route through Tainan's reservoir landscapes.
Source: compiled from contextual facts; for ticket prices and opening hours, please consult the official Wushantou Reservoir website. Photos pending replacement with Dio's actual shots.