Explore the Hidden Gem of Guantian by the Lake—An Unforgettable Day Trip in This Charming Town

Text / Scenic Spots Magazine, compiled and reported
 
Guantian is situated in the center of Tainan, with pleasant rural paddy field scenery. It was once a flourishing Han Chinese settlement developed through agriculture, and during the Japanese colonial period, many ponds and reservoirs were dug to support irrigation, resulting in a unique hydrological landscape. Bring your family along for a weekend getaway to Guantian.

Designed and constructed by Japanese hydraulic engineer Yoichi Hatta from 1920 to 1930, Wushantou Reservoir is a key irrigation facility for the Chianan Plain. Its challenging engineering made it famous across East Asia. The reservoir features numerous amenities such as a water-friendly park, the Yoichi Hatta Memorial Room, a structure modeled after the Temple of Heaven, and a historically valuable locomotive. There’s also a resort hotel and camping area, making it a great leisure destination for travelers.
 
Address: No. 68-2, Jianan Li, Guantian District, Tainan City

Transformed from a 14-hectare mango orchard into a forest by local residents working together, Chuanwen Mountain is known as “Little Yangmingshan of Guantian.” The park is lush with greenery and offers a tranquil environment, complete with walking trails and pavilions. At the mountaintop, there are two iconic century-old banyan trees that are definitely worth visiting.
 
Address: No. 75, Balin Li, Guantian District, Tainan City

Dream Lake’s stunning mountain and lake scenery resembles an ink-wash landscape painting. Due to its less accessible location, it has an even more mysterious atmosphere compared to Sun Moon Lake. It is part of the upper reaches of Wushantou Reservoir, offering different views in each season—lush greenery under the bright summer sun, and the desolate beauty of withered trees and mist in autumn and winter, giving off an untouchable fairyland vibe.
 
Address: Guantian District, Tainan City

The Hulu Pi Reservoir in Guantian, Tainan, was dug in 1770 for irrigation and water storage. Originally called Fanzi Tian Pi, it earned the name Hulu Pi (Gourd Pond) later due to a road cutting through it, resembling a gourd tied with a string. The reservoir is famed for its beautiful water scenery and rich habitat for the purple heron. There’s also a retro-style convenience store named Gan Zi Dian. Visitors can not only enjoy the serene pond views but also experience vintage fun here.
 
Address: No. 207, Section 2, Zhongshan Road, Guantian District, Tainan City