Shimen Reservoir is a multi-purpose dam completed in 1964 on the Dahan River at the border of Daxi, Longtan, and Fuxing districts in Taoyuan, standing 133.1 meters tall with a catchment area of about 763 square kilometers, serving irrigation, power generation, flood control, and public water supply. Standing atop the dam, visitors can take in the full arc of the dam body and the blue reservoir surface, while the surrounding area is home to Taiwan's well-known cluster of fresh-fish restaurants, creating a distinctive reservoir tourism ecosystem.
Shimen Reservoir was built between 1956 and its completion on June 14, 1964, making it Taiwan's first multi-purpose reservoir; the dam stands 133.1 meters tall with a catchment area of 763.4 square kilometers, and the Water Resources Agency lists its current effective storage capacity at about 251.88 million cubic meters, reduced from the original figure due to decades of sediment buildup.
Highlights of Shimen Reservoir
Construction of Shimen Reservoir began in 1956 and was completed eight years later in 1964, making it Taiwan's first multi-purpose reservoir. It intercepts the water source of the Dahan River, with a catchment area of 763 square kilometers. The dam uses a concrete gravity arch design, and the dam crest features a viewing walkway with 360-degree views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. The spectacular water curtain during flood discharge is also a celebrated moment to witness (discharge timing is unpredictable — check the reservoir's official announcements).
Restaurants around the reservoir serve fresh-fish dishes using fish farmed in the reservoir, with "fresh fish three ways" (活魚三吃) or "fresh fish multiple ways" being the most famous. This is a prime example of Taiwan's reservoir tourism blending with local food culture. In addition, the spillway and diversion tunnels are open for visitors to see, offering some educational value about hydraulic engineering.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- By car, follow Provincial Highway 3 or County Road 113 north. The reservoir has a paid car park. Crowds are heavier on weekends — arriving before 10 a.m. is recommended.
- For opening hours and admission fees, refer to the official Shimen Reservoir website; some areas may be temporarily closed for maintenance or water-level management.
- Public transport: take Taoyuan Bus to Shimen Reservoir Station. Buses are infrequent — check the timetable in advance.
Nearby Connections
- Longtan District also has Sankeng Old Street (sp-ty-19) and Taoyuan Hakka Cultural Center (sp-ty-18) — plan a full day in Longtan combining all three.
- Daxi Old Street is roughly 20–30 minutes away by car and can be extended to include Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum and Daxi Yuemei Constructed Wetland (sp-ty-28).
Sources: Shimen Reservoir official website, Taoyuan City Government tourism data. Hero image pending Dio's original photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Shimen Reservoir completed?
Construction began in 1956 and Shimen Reservoir was completed on June 14, 1964, after eight years, making it Taiwan's first multi-purpose reservoir.
How tall is the Shimen Reservoir dam?
The dam stands 133.1 meters tall as an earth-and-rock dam, with a catchment area of 763.4 square kilometers.
What local food is the area around Shimen Reservoir known for?
The area is known for fresh-fish restaurants serving 'three ways' preparations of fish farmed in the reservoir.
Can visitors predict when the reservoir will discharge floodwater?
Discharge timing depends on water conditions and has no fixed schedule; checking the reservoir's official website or Water Resources Agency announcements is recommended.
Sources
- 石門水庫 — 經濟部水利署北區水資源分署官方網站，壩高、有效蓄水量數據
- 石門水庫 (臺灣) - 維基百科 — 開工竣工年份、集水區面積等背景資料