The Allure of Dasi

The eight spectacular scenes in the past only remain for reminiscence; however, Dasi's beautiful scenery still gives visitors much pleasure. From the tranquil lake landscape to the tranquility of the deep woods, the serene footpaths to the fun giving tourist resorts, they are all ideal places for joy and entertainment.

The ancient footpaths are living history written on the land. Each starting point of the footpaths is an entrance to the remote past. Walking along the archaic paths, it gives us fun and excitement by exploring the past. During the bloom of river transportation, Dasi, the town built upon Dahan Stream, was a prosperous town. In order to facilitate traveling and transportation, logistic roads were made. The buildings of these ancient footpaths were mainly for transportation of the goods, for example, shipping Dasi's prolific farm produce, as paddy rice, vegetables, tealeaves, camphor, timber, etc. Most of the ancient footpaths were built along the contour of the land. The steeper the land, the longer the construction time; therefore, the more frequent the twists and turns, and steps, the lesser the gradient. The purpose

was to make the carriers steps easier, causing lesser energy. Further, they could take frequent rests on the twists and turns. From today's perspectives, these zigzag ancient footpaths are enriched with our ancestors' wisdom. The ancient footpaths are also the witness of our ancestors' prosperous trade, frequent transportation, transportation means, everyday life and the changes of the town. Although the modern road system replaced the function of the ancient paths that were frequently trod by merchants and couriers, after maintenance, they are an ideal classroom for the woods, ecology, historical monuments, etc.

They are not only good places for hiking, providing ideal places for a tour, blending Phytoncide and healthiness, humanism and knowledge. Some famous ancient footpaths of Dasi include, Zhaiming, Datieliao, Yuzheng, Dajiugung, Xizhoushan, Baji Forest Footpaths etc.

Ximen Reservoir is located on the upper stream of Dahan Stream, traversing the towns of Longtan and Dasi. With a height of 133 m, the dam is a kind of stone dam, capable of collecting water up to 763.4 m2. With 6 gates for water paths, there are also back pool dikes, hydroelectric power plants, Ximen Brook, Round-the-Lake Road, etc, providing five major functions: irrigation, generation, flood prevention, and sightseeing. Being the biggest water conservation construction in Southeast Asia, it is one of the huge scale reservoirs built during the early Retrocession period. On the top of the Xiemen's dam, there is a

pavilion. Mounting the pavilion, you can see the entire view of the poetic and pictorial landscape. "Drizzle at Ximen", one of Dasi's eight spectacular scenes, is about the scattering drizzle dancing over the reservoir, conveying the beauty of obscurity. When the reservoir releases the water, the waves and ripples that resemble snowflakes awe visitors. In spring, plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and azaleas blooms ornate the mountains. In late spring and early summer, the whiteness of the blooming rapeseed spot the mountains like snow flakes. . In mid-summer, the woods give shade, providing coolness to the heart. In autumn, the maple red dyes the sky. In winter, the poinsettia flowers are red along the Round-Lake Road. These are Dasi's spectacular scenes during the four seasons. On the mountains around the lake, there are primitive woods, bamboo forests, and an artificial maple jungle, providing a good location for complete ecology. In the serene place, many kinds of birds dwell there; most of them are low sea-level birds. Around the reservoir, the scenery is gorgeous, with Round-Lake Road and the Dam as major tourist resorts. In the district, there are many minor spots, providing visitors many choices. Along the

roads, there are parks and pavilions for your convenience. Of course, the main appeal should be Ximen's fresh fishmeal. You can enjoy "Three Courses of Fresh Fish" to even "Ten Courses"; the gourmet tastes can give you a perfect ending to Ximen's tour.

Cihu is also called as "Nujiaunanbei" by the native people for it looks like ox horns. In the past, the ex-President Kai-Shek Chiang often spent his holiday at Dasi and Fuxing. From 1959 to 1960, President Chiang surveyed the area a few times and discovered it to be quite a utopia. Therefore, he ordered his official to purchase land and build a mansion there. The mansion was completed at 1962. Written by President Chiang himself, the board with the name "Cihu" was hoisted on the mainstay between the courtyard and the front gallery. Likewise, the place was called Cihu Mansion and the lake Cihu. After President Chiang passed

away in 1975, his memorial plate was placed in the front hall of Cihu Mansion. After setting his memorial hall there, people erected a black arch with black Kuanyin stone at the entrance. From the entrance to the tomb, there was a small path about 400 m long, with trees on both sides. Along the path, you can see white and black swans swimming on the blue tranquil lake. Walk along the path to the end of the lake, you can still see a white boat with double oars resting on a wooden frame. President Chiang used it for sailing on the lake. At the end of the path, you will find his tomb.

Taoliao lake is located at the foot of Xizhou Mountain. Made by digging a cave to lead the water from Dahan Stream, it is a synthetic lake, with an area of 19 hectares. Its water mainly comes from A-Mu Ping at its back. At Taoliao lake, there is the tranquil beauty of the mountains and lakes. At the entrance of Dajuangqiu ancient path nearby is the tourist resort of Dasanzhen area. Of pond and swan landform, there are mangrove forests surroundedv with plenty of weeds. Being a tranquil area, it provides an ideal resting place for wild life; therefore, many birds flock there, especially during the winter.

With beautiful scenery and many kinds of birds, bird watchers recommend the place highly. Further, a spectacular scene in Taiwan - "Tudigung Temple in the pond" is located right in the place. The temple is originally the first Tudigung (God of Neighborhoods) at Taoliao area. Later, the god did many miracles for the people there; likewise, it became the center of their religion. In 1967, in the extension project of Taoliao lake, Taoyuan Water Conservation Association planned to move the Beilun Tudiging. However, when the excavator dug near the Tudigung, it stopped and was unable to move. Such a strange

thing happened a few times, compelling the labor to give up the idea of demolishing the temple. They elevated the site instead, to make the construction progress smoothly. The miracle of Beilun Tudigung has long been a legend in the neighboring areas. In the past 30 years, the antique temple architecture has been erected on the middle of the lake, which is 19 hectares in area. With the reflection of the mountains, it forms an interesting picture. During dusk, in the twilight, when egrets glide through, breaking the tranquility with their white wings, it makes people believe it is a utopia.

A-Mu Ping is located at the end of Pillow Mountain's ridge, at a height of 631m above sea level. Neighboring Dasi, on the right bank of Ximen Reservoir's upper stream, it is a part of Dahan Stream's plateau. Being a canyon in landform, the zigzag stream and clear water form is a grand scene. Standing there, you can see the entire scene of Ximen Reservoir. In the park, pine trees give shade and serenity. It is a place where you can enjoy water fun and nature's retreat. Without proper management, there are fewer visitors now. However, the mountain's charm and lake's tranquility are still attractive, taking you close to nature and

providing a dating seclusion. Of course, the fresh fish restaurants on the outskirts are gourmet choices when you visit the lake. Why don't you just relax yourself and let the aroma of the fresh fish add more spice to your memory!

Zhongzheng Park was built in 1909 by the Japanese, when water transportation was at its apex. The park is now situated on the upper east side of Dasi hanging bridge, the spot where boats normally parked. Originally named Kanjin; therefore, the twin great sceneries "Xiyuantao" and "Kanjinkueifan" were two of the twelve famous scenes in Taiwan back then. Located on the Old Streets, west of Dasi at Taoyuan, Zongzheng Park is a long and narrow park. In the park, there are many old trees, giving the place lots of green. Watching the park from above, you can see Wuling Bridge afar, with Dasi's natural charm extending out. In the woods there are also brooks and bridges, lotus ponds, and pavilions, showing their elegance. In the flower season, flowers bloom and grasses green, giving endless charm. As the park is

located at the mid-stream of Dahan Stream, it is a piece of a plateau, with major synthetic woods, and minor secondary forests. As for birds, there are low sea level and stream birds, which flock the place mainly during the winter. Situated in the midst of a city, it is a botanical garden and an ecology classroom in an urban zone. In the park, there is President Chiang's statue, which is a portrayal of him riding horseback, and a stone plate recording the history of the park. When you visit the park, you can listen to the echo of each footstep, giving historical charm.

Dasi Health Herb Garden occupies 6000 pings of land, it is a joint project of the Commission of Agriculture, Taoyuan County Government, and Dasi Town Office. The park consists of an organic cultivating area and herb breeding zone, growing some 250 kinds of plants, which are mainly medicines supplying the demand at the herb market at Wanhua. In the park is 1800 pings of land dedicate to the following: healthy herb display zone, agricultural artifacts display zone, indoor and courtyard restaurant, and a huge parking lot. The personnel in the park are always happy to introduce you to the medical herbs and the

usage of them. They also provide catering services, allowing the tourists to learn something about the herbs and farm tools when they enjoy themselves in nature. Further, visitors can seize the opportunity to taste the gourmet tea there. It is really a natural park integrating the functions of sightseeing, leisure, catering, health preservation, and education. Cooperating with other leisure resorts nearby, the park also presents you with different tour packages and herb meal trips for your convenience.