Shimen Reservoir isn’t just about live fish—it also boasts world-class beauty like Mount Fuji and the Little Three Gorges of the Yangtze River

▲ Want to explore Shimen Reservoir in depth? A lake cruise is your best bet. (Photo / Reporter Cao Yuehua, same below.)

Reporter Cao Yuehua / Taoyuan reporting and photography

When people think of Shimen Reservoir, live fish cuisine often comes to mind. But beyond satisfying your taste buds, this destination also offers many world-class sights—with a romance level that rivals Sun Moon Lake. For an immersive experience,“Amping Wharf”is the perfect place to start your boat tour, offering sweeping views of Ernai Twin Peaks, Amping Eco Park, Dragon Pearl Bay, and more. Plus, we’ve uncovered two overseas-like attractions that let you explore the world without leaving home!

▲ Ernai Twin Peaks get their name from their distinctive shape.

1. Shixiu Bay—Beautiful Like China’s Little Three Gorges of the Yangtze River

▲ Shixiu Bay boasts scenery that rivals the Little Three Gorges of the Yangtze. (Photo / Screenshot fromFive-needle Pine Campsiteofficial website)

After navigating a few winding waterways and experiencing the poetic sensation of “a light boat gliding past countless mountains,” the mysterious veil of Shixiu Bay is lifted. Its majestic beauty might make you feel like you’re right in the Little Three Gorges of the Yangtze. The winding gorges of Shixiu Bay, paired with the shimmering lake waters, create a visual feast. Look up, and you’ll also see an old suspension bridge that once connected to the Changxing Tribe in Fuxing Township—a place where nature and history intertwine.

▲ From Shixiu Bay, you can see an ancient suspension bridge overhead.

2. Ginger Mother Island—Shaped Like Japan’s Mount Fuji

▲ Ginger Mother Island, formerly known as Pillow Mountain, is nicknamed the “Little Mount Fuji.”

Made famous by the idol drama “Fated to Love You,” Ginger Mother Island was originally called Pillow Mountain before being renamed nine years ago. Most of its residents were displaced by the construction of Shimen Reservoir, and today only around 20 households remain. Locals mainly make a living through fishing and growing mountain produce, while the younger population has largely moved away. Although life on the island isn’t very convenient, it remains an essential stop on any Shimen Lake tour. With its resemblance to Japan’s Mount Fuji, the island becomes even more enchanting when shrouded in morning mist.

Shimen Reservoir Amping Wharf
Address: No. 100, Minzu Rd., Daxi District, Taoyuan City (Amping Parking Lot)
Phone: 03 388 6486