“Taipei’s Back Garden” Features a Red Heart-Shaped Lake — Looks Like a Strawberry Cake from Afar

▲In the Baishihu Community of Neihu, Taipei, the Twin Hearts Lake is now adorned with red and yellow poinsettias, becoming a new Christmas destination for couples. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Department of Urban Development)

By Reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive Report

As the year draws to a close and Christmas approaches, this year the Taipei City Department of Urban Development has specially decorated the Twin Hearts Lake in the Baishihu Community of Neihu, known as “Taipei’s Back Garden,” with multicolored poinsettias to celebrate the holiday season, offering the public a chance for a romantic red-themed light trip over the weekend.

Huang Li-yuan, Director of the Taipei City Department of Urban Development, stated that the Twin Hearts Lake, which features a double-heart shape, was originally an abandoned spring. Later, the Baishihu Community transformed it into an ecological wetland spring with a double-heart design called the “Twin Hearts Lake,” along with a lakeside resting pavilion named the “Eternal Bond Pavilion.” The ecological wetland and waterside platform surround each other, symbolizing “eternal unity” and creating a romantic destination for couples and lovers.

▲The Twin Hearts Lake has wooden walkways that allow visitors to walk to the center of the lake to take close-up photos of the “heart in the lake.” (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Department of Urban Development)

With Christmas approaching, the Department of Urban Development has worked with local residents to decorate the Twin Hearts Lake. In the Love Island area, red and yellow poinsettias — symbols of love — are arranged in inner and outer layers to express the idea of being “in sync,” and from afar, they resemble a strawberry cake in the shape of a heart. The nearby Eternal Bond Pavilion also features a Christmas tree, adding festive fun and allowing visitors to experience the joyful Christmas atmosphere up close along the lakeside path.

Besides the vibrant poinsettias, Baishihu also offers the experience of picking red strawberries. Local farmers say that the strawberry season in Baishihu lasts until May, and the berries are grown in greenhouse trellises, so there’s no need to worry about muddy paths during picking. Even on rainy days, you can still pick strawberries with ease. Nearby farms also offer special meals that combine strawberries with local produce, and some shops have special Christmas promotions — just check in at the Twin Hearts Lake Facebook page to enjoy discounts.

Transportation to Baishihu Community, Neihu, Taipei City
By Car: From the highway, take the Chenggong Road Interchange, turn left toward Donghu, then continue on Jinlong Road, follow Bishan Road, and follow the signs to Bishan Rock.
By Bus: Take the MRT to Neihu Station, then transfer to bus 小2 or 小2 (branch line) at the Bihu Elementary School bus stop near the exit to reach Bishan Rock.