Shimen Reservoir | Taoyuan Attraction

Shimen Reservoir, completed in 1964, stands 133 meters tall and holds approximately 300 million cubic meters of water, making it Taiwan's multi-purpose water infrastructure project integrating irrigation, power generation, flood control, and public water supply. Standing atop the dam, you can look out over the full arc of the dam body and the blue reservoir surface. The surrounding area is home to Taiwan's well-known cluster of fresh-fish restaurants, creating a distinctive reservoir tourism ecosystem.

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

🚶

Walk the dam crestThe dam walkway spans about 500 meters. You can clearly see the dam's curved profile, floodgates, and the full reservoir view — the most direct way to grasp the scale of the reservoir project.

🐟

Try the fresh-fish cuisineMultiple fresh-fish restaurants are clustered around the reservoir, generally serving steamed, sweet-and-sour, three-cup, and other preparations. For weekend visits, calling ahead to reserve a table is recommended.

🌊

Witness the flood discharge spectacleDuring typhoon season or when water levels are too high, flood discharge occurs — the water curtain cascading from the dam crest is a breathtaking sight, though the exact timing cannot be predicted. Follow the reservoir's official website or social media for announcements.

🚗

Drive the lakeside routeThe mountain roads around Shimen Reservoir are winding and scenic, well-suited for a self-drive or scooter ride along the lakeside road. The views are expansive along the way, with multiple viewpoints to stop at.

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.

🗺️ View on the map ← All Taoyuan attractions