Northern Taiwan’s Top Maple Viewing Spot: Maple Stone Gate Island-Hopping Picnics by the Reservoir

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

To help the public deepen their appreciation of the maple hues at Shimen Reservoir, the annual “Maple Stone Gate” event, part of the Shimen Reservoir Maple Viewing Month, typically runs from early December to early January. In 2014, the Maple Stone Gate event combined activities such as “Shimen Land & Water Island-Hopping Treasure Hunt,” “Shimen Gourmet Picnic Day,” “Free Guided Tours,” along with various stage performances and prize giveaways. These allowed visitors to learn about water resource knowledge while enjoying the maple scenery—blending education with fun for both adults and children to spend a wonderful holiday at Shimen Reservoir.

● “Shimen Land & Water Island-Hopping Treasure Hunt”
Besides admiring the beautiful scenery of Shimen Reservoir and its vibrant maple leaves, cruising the lake is an unmissable experience. The “Shimen Land & Water Island-Hopping Treasure Hunt” combines scenic water routes with an orienteering-style adventure, taking participants to destinations like Dragon Pearl Bay, Pine Forest, and Ginger Mother Island. Using maps as guides, attendees can fully immerse themselves in the local landscape.

● “Shimen Gourmet Picnic Day”
Under the guidance of Taoyuan County Government, eight local live fish vendors developed and designed a variety of picnic box flavors, including signature and creative dishes such as Squirrel-Style Sweet and Sour Fish, Fish Port Steamed Dumplings, Fish Scale Aspic, and Sushi Fish Rolls. Orders placed online can be picked up on-site on December 13th, “Shimen Gourmet Picnic Day,” where participants will also receive a picnic mat—offering the double delight of spectacular maple views and delicious fresh fish cuisine.

In addition to the orienteering treasure hunt and the Shimen Gourmet Picnic Day, various activities are available for the public to join during weekends from December 6th to 14th, such as the “Shimen Reservoir Water Resources Education Tour,” “Environmental Education Pavilion Guided Experience,” “Hakka Village Cultural Deep Dive,” “Shimen Scenic Spot iPhone Raffle,” “Shimen Maple Scenery Photography Contest,” and many more exciting events.

【Info】
Maple Stone Gate
Event Dates: December 6th, 2014 – December 14th, 2014
December 6th: Shimen Land & Water Island-Hopping Treasure Hunt
December 13th: Shimen Gourmet Picnic Day
12/6-14
Hakka Village Guided Tours, Shimen Reservoir Park Guided Tours, Environmental Education Pavilion Experiences, Power Plant Tours (on holidays)
Maple Trail Tea Tasting (on holidays) Shimen Scenic Spot iPhone Raffle