Xiaoli Pond is an agricultural reservoir in Bade District, Taoyuan, first excavated in 1741 (the 6th year of the Qing dynasty's Qianlong reign) — over 280 years ago — making it the first agricultural pond ever built in Taoyuan's history. Its water surface covers about 6 jia (roughly 5.8 hectares), making it the largest agricultural water body in Bade District. Each winter from November to January, the bald cypress trees planted along the bank turn from green to orange-red, their fallen foliage reflecting on the water — one of the most closely watched seasonal landscapes among Taoyuan's many agricultural ponds.
Xiaoli Pond was excavated in 1741 (the 6th year of the Qing dynasty's Qianlong reign) through a joint effort between Han settlers and Zhimuliu, the Ketagalan Xiaoli community's liaison headman, who together dug the Xiaoli Canal and gathered stream water and springs to form the pond — making it Taoyuan's first agricultural pond, now over 280 years old. Its surface covers about 6 jia, the largest agricultural water body in Bade District, and its bald cypress trees change color each year from November to January.
What to See at Xiaoli Pond Bald Cypress Grove
The construction of Xiaoli Pond can be traced to the Jiaqing era of the Qing dynasty. It was one of the upstream reservoir ponds in the Taoyuan Irrigation System and has long served agricultural irrigation purposes. The bald cypress trees along the bank were planted later. Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is native to North America; its flood-tolerant root system is well suited to planting close to the water's edge, and its autumn-to-winter color change is its most distinctive ecological trait.
The pace of color change in the bald cypress depends on temperature. The foliage typically begins turning orange-yellow in mid-to-late November, reaching orange-red from December to January, then progressively dropping. The effective viewing period is about one to two months, with slight variations each year. A simple trail allows visitors to walk around the pond; the mirror reflection on the water surface is clearest on windless mornings. The bare-branch silhouettes after leaf drop have a different kind of spatial quality, though the experience differs markedly from the peak color period.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Time
- Drive from Taoyuan or Zhongli to the Xiaoli area of Bade District and follow the directional signs. Roadside parking is limited and more difficult to find during peak season.
- The pond bank area is open all day with no admission fee; the best light for the bald cypress falls from early morning to before noon.
Nearby Connections
- Bade District has a connected pond walking trail system for exploring other Taoyuan pond landscapes.
- Combine with dining in Taoyuan or Zhongli city center for a half-day winter suburban outing.
Sources: Taoyuan City Irrigation Agency, pond-related materials. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Xiaoli Pond first excavated?
It was excavated in 1741, the 6th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing dynasty, built jointly by Han settlers and Zhimuliu, headman of the Ketagalan Xiaoli community — now over 280 years ago.
Why is Xiaoli Pond called Taoyuan's first agricultural pond?
Because it was the earliest agricultural pond ever built in Taoyuan's history and remains the largest agricultural water body in Bade District, covering about 6 jia.
When is the best time to see the bald cypress at Xiaoli Pond?
From November to January the trees turn from green to orange-red, with the color most saturated from December through January.
Sources
- 認識場域 Explore the Field — 中原大學設計學院埤圳USR計畫，開闢年代1741年（乾隆6年）考據
- 霄裡大池(霄裡池) | 桃園觀光導覽網 — 桃園市政府觀光導覽網景點資訊頁，桃園第一座埤塘、面積6甲說明