Dapu Township: A Hidden Peach Blossom Spring in the Mountains, 6 Legendary Sites in Siraya You Must Visit

Dapu is home to over a quarter of Taiwan’s eagles, with recent statistics showing around 200 crested goshawks alone. Visitors to Dapu can often spot eagles soaring in the sky or circling above the reservoir. The more common species include black kites and crested goshawks, which is why there are statues of crested goshawks on local street lamps, reinforcing Dapu’s image as the land of eagles. Eagles mostly nest in the highest canyons on both sides of the Zengwen Reservoir, also known as “Eagle Canyon.” In recent years, due to natural disasters, local boatmen say that some eagle nests have moved away from Eagle Canyon. As the boat slowly enters Eagle Canyon, the quiet waters stretch endlessly alongside the towering cliffs, as if journeying into a hidden realm of a peach blossom spring. Though you only reach the entrance of Eagle Canyon, along the way you may frequently spot rare birds and animals emerging from the surrounding forests—it's truly like an otherworldly paradise.

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Along the way to Eagle Canyon, rare birds and animals can often be spotted in the surrounding valleys. (Photo by Travel Site’s Li Xinyi)

Eagles rely on thermal updrafts to fly and are most active during peak air convection times—around 10–11 AM and 3–4 PM in winter—when they are easiest to spot. To explore the secret corners of the reservoir, the Zengwen Reservoir sightseeing cruise departs daily at 9 AM. The itinerary includes Mirror Mountain, Eagle Canyon, Wild Boar Island, and Red Garden, taking about 30–40 minutes, with a fee of NT$200 per person.

Zengwen Reservoir Sightseeing Cruise