Ponds and terraced paddies reflect the blue sky — the idyllic Baxian Village in Jinshan

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Is it water or sky? Surrounded by mountain mist, Baxian Village in Yangmingshan National Park features rare terraced paddies and crystal-clear ponds. On sunny days, the paddies and ponds mirror the sky, leaving visitors often wondering, “Is this water or the blue sky?” Moreover, the entire village has only nine households with 22 residents, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, resembling a scene straight out of an ancient tale of a hidden paradise.

▲ The “Water in the Middle” of Baxian Village reflects the sky and surrounding mountain mist on the water’s surface, making it hard to tell whether you’re looking at water or sky. (Photo / Intern Reporter Qiu Yunrong)

Baxian Village is located along Yangjin Highway in Jinshan District. The village’s most distinctive feature is the large pond called “Water in the Middle,” where several massive rocks are placed in the expansive water. Thanks to the clear water quality, the blue sky, white clouds, and surrounding mountain scenery are often reflected on the water’s surface. Nearby, a gentle stream flows into stone-lined irrigation channels and terraced paddies, complemented by a few traditional stone-built houses, creating a harmonious scene like a beautiful painting.

Due to population outflow and aging, this hidden paradise was left fallow starting in 1986 (the 75th year of the Republic of China), with paddies turning into dry fields and many terraces and irrigation channels falling into disrepair. It wasn’t until the Taiwan Eco-Technology Research Institute moved in and spent five years revitalizing the area that the “water” was brought back, giving Baxian Village a fresh new look and turning it into what visitors now call a “hidden gem.”

▲ Traditional terraced paddies with an old-world charm (left), and traditional stone-built houses in the village (right). (Photo / Intern Reporter Qiu Yunrong)

The remaining nine local households live self-sufficiently. On weekends, with visitors coming, they have started setting up small agricultural markets to sell their homegrown organic vegetables. In the past, people only associated Baxian Village with being a stop along the famous hiking trail “Fish Road Ancient Trail.” Now, however, many come specifically to visit. Local residents hope that, aside from experiencing the simple beauty of the place, visitors will also help preserve the environment.