Dream Lake

Dream Lake

Dream Lake is situated on the lower slopes of Qixing Mountain within Yangmingshan National Park in Taipei. Owing to the shielding effect of the terrain, in winter when the northeast monsoon prevails, clouds and mist frequently envelop the lake, lending it a romantic and mysterious ambiance — thus earning its name. Research by experts has revealed that around 5,600 years ago, a landslide occurred on the upper slope at the southern end of Dream Lake. The collapsed earth and rocks blocked a narrow valley, and the accumulating water in the enclosed depression gradually formed a lake, giving rise to Dream Lake.

Situated at an elevation of 870 meters, Dream Lake covers an area of 0.3 hectares and has a depth of less than 1 meter. Its primary source of water is rainfall. It is world-renowned for being home to the endangered Taiwanese water celery (Isoetes taiwanensis). This plant is endemic to Taiwan and found only in Dream Lake, making it an extremely rare and nearly extinct species of significant conservation and research value. In addition, aquatic plants such as water sedge, bulrush, water chestnut, common rush, and small waterwort are commonly found in and around the lake. The area is also frequently visited by the Taiwan tree frog (Rhacophorus prasinatus), another Taiwanese endemic species, which adds lively energy to the surroundings.

Menghuan Lake

Must-visit reason: The only habitat of Taiwan’s endemic species — Taiwanese water celery