Text / Compiled and reported by the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
Taiwan, located on a tectonic fault line, has developed highly diverse terrain over years of plate compression. Its compact size boasts remarkably varied landscapes, and its wealth of hiking trails attracts many visitors. Jiaming Lake, secluded in Haiduan Township, Taitung County, is located seven kilometers in a straight line from Xiangyang Mountain on the South Cross-Island Highway, at an altitude of 3,310 meters. It is the largest alpine lake along the main ridge of the southern Central Mountain Range.
The sapphire-blue waters of Jiaming Lake have made it a popular hiking destination in recent years. (Image source / Taitung Forest District Office)
The shoreline of Jiaming Lake is elliptical, leading some to call it the "Egg Pond," butthe lake’s azure waters, like a gem fallen to Earth, have earned it the romantic name "Angel’s Tear."Though no streams flow into it, Jiaming Lake’s clear waters remain unfrozen year-round. Coupled with the breathtaking surrounding mountain scenery, it has become a highly sought-after hiking spot in recent years.
(Image source / Taitung Tourism Bureau)
The hiking trail to Jiaming Lake features rich and varied alpine ecosystems. Especially from May to June, when Yushan azaleas are in full bloom, hikers flock to the area. The completion of the Xiangyang Forest Recreation Area and the Jiaming Lake Shelter has further improved hiking facilities. Hikers can enter via the Daguanshan Tunnel entrance, reach the mid-section of the South Cross-Island Highway, then proceed to the Xiangyang Recreation Area and Xiangyang Mountain Shelter. Along the way, they can enjoy views of the Xiangyang and Guan Mountain cliffs. Upon reaching the Xiangyang Mountain Trailhead, they can access Jiaming Lake and Sancha Mountain, where the breathtaking scenery provides a perfect finale to the hiking adventure.
[Info]
Jiaming Lake
Address: Haiduan Township, Taitung County
Phone: 089-324121 (Taitung Forest District Office)
Transportation:
1. From National Freeway No. 1 (Zhongshan Expressway), transfer to National Freeway No. 5 (Beiyi Expressway) at the Xizhi System Interchange. After passing through the Snow Mountain Tunnel, exit at the Su’ao Interchange and head toward Highway No. 9. Arrive in Chihshang Township, Taitung, then connect to Provincial Highway No. 20A, and continue on Provincial Highway No. 20 to the Xiangyang Mountain Trailhead. Follow the hiking route to reach Jiaming Lake.
2. From National Freeway No. 5, transfer from National Freeway No. 3 (Second Northern Expressway) at the Nangang System Interchange. Then take National Freeway No. 5 (Beiyi Expressway), pass through the Snow Mountain Tunnel, exit at the Su’ao Interchange and head toward Highway No. 9. Arrive in Chihshang Township, Taitung, then connect to Provincial Highway No. 20A, and continue on Provincial Highway No. 20 to the Xiangyang Mountain Trailhead. Follow the hiking route to reach Jiaming Lake.
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