NANTOU, TAIWAN – July 18, 2025
After ten years of planning and construction, Taiwan’s largest artificial lake—Niaozuitan Artificial Lake—has officially opened to the public in Nantou County, promising to become both a major source of water and a scenic recreational destination in central Taiwan.
The newly unveiled lake features more than 10 kilometers of cycling and walking trails, scenic lookout platforms, and a visitor-friendly environment aimed at blending nature, sustainability, and smart technology. Early visitors expressed excitement at the site’s potential but noted that not all amenities are fully completed yet.
“It’s my first time here,” one visitor said. “There’s still a lot being developed, but it looks promising.”
Some visitors observed that the absence of trash bins in all six sections of the lake could be challenging, though officials said the decision was made intentionally to discourage littering and protect the natural surroundings. Others noted restrictions such as the ban on drone photography, which limits aerial views of the lake’s expansive beauty.
At the site, volunteer guide Ms. Lee explained features of the lake through an interactive model. “You can see how every part functions. Behind the display, an AI system provides real-time information on the local biodiversity,” she said, highlighting the integration of education and environmental awareness.
While it serves as a tourist attraction, the lake’s primary role is infrastructure—a strategic water management system designed to enhance the water supply stability in central Taiwan. Fed by the Wuxi River, Niaozuitan Lake consists of six reservoirs with a combined storage capacity of 14.5 million tons. It is capable of supplying 250,000 tons of water per day, with 210,000 tons designated for Changhua County and the remaining 40,000 tons for Caotun Township in Nantou.
Local authorities say the lake will play a crucial role in drought resilience while also contributing to tourism and ecological conservation. As the site continues to develop, it’s expected to attract both nature enthusiasts and those interested in Taiwan’s forward-thinking water infrastructure projects.
