Looks like a pavilion！Boating at Jianshanpi Reservoir — take a "pleasure boat" and pretend to be Emperor Qianlong traveling down the south of the Yangtze

Reported and photographed by reporter You t
ru / Tainan

Located in Liuying District, Tainan City, Jianshanpi Reservoir was developed by the Tainan-based company in 2000 into the "Jianshanpi Jiangnan Resort," making it a popular accommodation choice for travelers. Within the resort, visitors can enjoy a rare-in-Taiwan experience — a “Qianlong Travels Down the South” lakeside pleasure boat ride. Board a pavilion-like boat and cruise along the reservoir; it’s extremely picturesque.


▲ "Qianlong Travels Down the South" pleasure boat ride.

The "Jianshanpi Jiangnan Resort" spans 76 hectares and features a wide range of recreational facilities. The park includes Chinese and Western-style restaurants, a swimming pool adjacent to the reservoir, a park train, and even unique standalone lodging built atop a reservoir — the only one of its kind in Taiwan. The most renowned architecture in the resort was designed by Li Zuyuan, the architect behind Taipei 101. Thanks to its beautiful scenery, the resort has been aptly named the "Jiangnan Resort."

Since it’s named after the scenic Jiangnan region, the names of various areas in the resort naturally carry poetic meaning. There are five major zones: Xiangsi Lake (Love Lake), Lvxiangyuan (Green Countryside Garden), Yashiju (Elegant Residence), Daguan Garden, and Yeyan Di (Wild Banquet Land). Xiangsi Lake, also known as Jianshanpi Reservoir, is a key scenic spot in the resort. Visiting in early summer, the reporter observed how the breeze rippled the lake surface amid a sea of green, creating a truly beautiful scene.


▲ The most renowned architecture in the resort was designed by Li Zuyuan, the architect behind Taipei 101.


▲ Swimming pool adjacent to the reservoir.


▲ Park train.
%techstrong>Features mascot characters inspired by the Four Talented Scholars of Jiangnan.


Boating here offers a special experience called the "lake pleasure boat ride," where you board boats modeled after those used during Emperor Qianlong’s legendary southern tours. With their traditional Chinese architectural style and pavilion-like appearance, these boats offer around 20 minutes of sailing on the lake. From afar, it looks like a painting, and passengers become part of that artwork — truly poetic.


▲ %techstrong>Features traditional Chinese architectural design, adding to the local ambiance.



▲ Interior space.

While boating, you’ll pass by a small island in the middle of the lake called "Love Island," as well as the "Home of the Old Soldiers," which comes with a beautiful legend. You can also admire from afar Taiwan’s only standalone residence built on a reservoir. Gliding across the water with a gentle breeze and surrounded by lush greenery, the strong Jiangnan vibe makes for a delightful experience.


▲ Love Island.


▲ Taiwan’s only standalone residence on a reservoir.


▲ Home of the Old Soldiers.


Jianshanpi Jiangnan Resort  
Address: No. 60, Xushan Village, Liuying District, Tainan City
Phone: 06 623 3888
Pleasure boat operating hours: 09:00–16:00 (departs on the hour)
Fee: 100 NTD per person