This year, four typhoons bypassed Taiwan, and due to the lack of rainfall, the water surface of Jioming Lake—located at an altitude of over 3,000 meters—has shrunk by nearly half. By August, it had become much smaller, prompting some visitors to joke that the "Angel’s Tear" has become even more heartbreakingly beautiful.
This summer, as four typhoons failed to make landfall, the Central Weather Bureau has not yet issued any land typhoon warnings. Without replenishing rainfall, the once oval-shaped Jioming Lake has now contracted into a near circle, with its diameter reduced to only about 70–80 meters.
Jioming Lake is situated on the eastern side of Sancha Mountain in the Central Mountain Range, at an elevation of 3,310 meters. It measures approximately 120 meters in length, 80 meters in width, covers an area of about 1.9 hectares, and has a depth of six meters. As the second-highest alpine lake in Taiwan, it is known for its oval shape and strikingly azure waters, earning it the nickname "Angel’s Tear."
A hiker surnamed Lu noted that since there are no mountain streams or creeks flowing into it, Jioming Lake relies solely on rainwater accumulation. As a result, it typically shrinks during the dry season each year, only regaining full water levels during the typhoon season in June and July. However, even by August this year, the lake had yet to refill.
The hiker added that although significantly shrunken, Jioming Lake remains as stunning as ever—a glittering alpine gem exuding a delicate, poignant charm that is truly captivating.