A Nature Reserve You Can Book in Advance – A Hidden Gem in Yilan with “Bald Cypress Forests and Monet’s Pools”

▲ Yilan’s Yuanshan’s “Shengou Water Source Ecological Park” combines a water treatment facility with an ecological park, offering a completely different experience. (Photo / Provided by netizenLiao JianxingPlease do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Yilan has another picturesque attraction to explore. While many assume water source ecological parks are boring, Yilan’s Yuanshan’s “Shengou Water Source Ecological Park” combines a water treatment facility with an ecological park, offering a completely different experience. The scenic ecological pool reminiscent of Monet’s “Water Lilies,” along with a double row of bald cypress trees standing in the water, are all hidden within this reservation-only hidden gem.

▲ A double row of bald cypress trees stands in the water, showcasing seasonal beauty. (Photo / Provided by netizen Liao Jianxing, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

The “Shengou Water Source Ecological Park” is located in Yuanshan Township, Yilan County, covering an area of about 23 hectares. The park has five water intake wells, primarily supplying domestic water to northern Yilan. Its vast green spaces and wetlands nurture diverse aquatic plants and water insects, and also serve as a habitat for rare birds such as the Formosan Blue Magpie. At the same time, the park plays an important role in water resource conservation.

▲ A scenic ecological pool reminiscent of Monet’s “Water Lilies.” (Photo / Provided by netizenhuiting.wuPlease do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

Since water is the main focus here, you shouldn’t miss the pearl-like spring water gushing from underground or learn about the roles of different wells, which also teaches you how to cherish water resources and protect the environment. Strolling through the park feels like exploring a large forest park, complete with leisure trails, retention ponds, artificial streams, and a beetle breeding area.

▲ Shengou Water Source Ecological Park is like a large forest park, featuring leisure trails, retention ponds, artificial streams, and a beetle breeding area. (Photo / Provided by netizen Liao Jianxing, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

To protect the environment and ensure water supply safety, the “Shengou Water Source Ecological Park” is generally open to group reservations of 10 or more people on weekdays. On weekends, it is open to the general public by appointment, with volunteers guiding visitors to explore this treasure trove of nature. It takes about 1.5 hours to walk around, combining leisure with educational value.

▲ Open to groups by appointment on weekdays; open to the public by appointment on weekends, guided by volunteers to explore this treasure trove of nature. (Photo / Provided by netizen Liao Jianxing, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

Shengou Water Source Ecological Park
Address: No. 265, Section 2, Yuanshan Road, Yuanshan Township, Yilan County
Official Website:http://sgwep.water.gov.tw/04visit.asp
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays) from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (closed on national holidays)