When it comes to the most representative lakeside attraction in Chiayi City, many people first think of Lantan Scenic Area.
The Lantan Reservoir boasts beautiful lake and mountain scenery, surrounded by hills, with varying charm throughout the four seasons. It is not only a popular spot for local residents to stroll and cycle, but also a must-visit natural attraction for many travelers coming to Chiayi City.
Among them, the Sanxin Viewing Pavilion (Sanxin Pavilion) by the lakeside is one of the most iconic landmarks of Lantan. Climbing up to the observation deck offers a panoramic view of the Lantan lake scenery, and on clear days, one can even see the Alishan Mountain Range and Yushan Peaks in the distance, creating a refreshing and delightful vista.
Sanxin Viewing Pavilion
Address: Chiayi Lantan Scenic Area
The Lantan Reservoir was formerly known as Hongmao Pi, located in Luliao Village, East District, Chiayi City. Legend has it that about three hundred years ago, the Dutch trained their navy here, hence it was called "Hongmao Pi" in the past, and later renamed "Lantan."
The Lantan Reservoir is shaped like a yuanbao, approximately 1 km east-west and 2 km north-south, covering an area of about 2 square kilometers. It is an off-channel reservoir and one of the important sources of domestic water for the Chiayi region. Today, in addition to its water supply function, its beautiful lake views and well-developed lakeside trails have made it a famous tourist and recreational spot in Chiayi City.
The Sanxin Viewing Pavilion in the Lantan Scenic Area features a circular two-story design with a white body paired with an orange-red roof, creating a striking contrast with the azure lake water. It is also a popular spot for many visitors to take photos and check in.
Whether viewing the Sanxin Pavilion from the lakeshore or looking down at the entire Lantan from the observation deck, one can appreciate the beautiful scenery from different angles.
Climbing the stairs to the second-floor observation platform of the Sanxin Viewing Pavilion instantly opens up the view.
Looking out, the lake surface sparkles, surrounded by lush greenery, with the Lantan lake and mountain scenery fully in view. On clear weather, one can further see the Alishan Mountain Range and Yushan Peaks in the distance, where layers of mountains intertwine with the lake water to form a natural landscape painting, making one want to slow down and fully appreciate the scenery before them.
From the other side, one can view the Lantan Dam and the large expanse of security forest below. Lush green forests intertwine with suburban hills and settlements in Chiayi to form a natural landscape, with urban buildings faintly visible in the distance, showcasing Lantan's unique charm that combines nature and city.
Next to the Sanxin Pavilion are two outdoor easels displaying works by Taiwanese senior painter Chen Cheng-po depicting Lantan, allowing travelers to appreciate not only the natural scenery but also the integration of art and local culture.
After Chen Cheng-po returned to Taiwan from living in Tokyo and Shanghai, he successively depicted Chiayi streets, parks, forests, and scenic spots with deep hometown sentiment. 《Hongmao Pi》 is one of his important representative works from his later years depicting his hometown, also showcasing the natural appearance of Lantan in its early days.
Another work, 《Chiayi Lantan》, is set from Lantan looking toward the hills. In addition to depicting the Lantan lake view, the painting also shows the rural settlements and simple lives of residents at the foot of the hills, forming a stark contrast with the golf course on the hills. This gives the entire work both landscape depiction and humanistic narrative, allowing visitors to rediscover the former Chiayi Lantan through the artwork.
In addition to climbing high to enjoy the views, the lakeside road surrounding Lantan is also worth a leisurely walk.
Many local residents ride bicycles, jog, or stroll, and many visitors ride scooters along the lakeshore to enjoy the scenery. One side of the road offers expansive lake views, while the other side features lush green hills. The scenery along the way is very pleasant, making it ideal for a leisurely lakeside stroll.
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