The backyard garden of the residents of Chishang Township in Taitung — Dapo Pond

Text & Photography / Li Xinyi

Dapo Pond is located in Chishang, the homeland of rice, which sits at the junction of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Aside from the renowned Chishang rice, the fault-related geological sites also attract many researchers. Dapo Pond is a fault-formed pond where spring water gushes from underground and never dries up year-round. This natural wetland is often home to egrets that perch in the pond, making it a well-known tourist attraction in Chishang.

However, Dapo Pond has also gone through periods of human-caused damage. For instance, the “islands” in the pond turned out to be man-made, which greatly harmed the wetland’s ecology. It is said that it will take three years to remove them and restore Dapo Pond to its original state. Originally, the pond was covered with white lotus flowers, but local residents removed them to plant {Jwhite bamboo shoots. Now, dedicated individuals have painstakingly found white lotus seeds and are working to revive them in Dapo Pond. Despite several failed attempts, recent efforts have gradually succeeded. Even the local grandmothers were deeply moved when they saw it, saying it looks just like the white lotuses they remembered from the old days. In addition, Dapo Pond once glowed at night when fireflies were successfully reintroduced by conservationists. Unfortunately, as the environment deteriorated, the fireflies suddenly disappeared, marking another failed attempt at restoration.

Covering a vast area of about 20 hectares, Dapo Pond is perfect for cycling around and also serves as a recreational spot for locals. On clear days, the blue sky and white clouds are reflected on the calm surface of the pond, surrounded by lush green grass, creating a refreshing and serene view. This beautiful scenery is the result of the joint efforts of many Chishang residents and local homestay owners. As a result, migratory birds have returned, and more visitors come to enjoy a slow ride by bicycle.