By MOOK Scenic Spots, compiled and reported
The 111-year-old Guanyinshan Reservoir, previously closed to the public, is now open. (Photo / Taipei City Government, the same below)
The Taipei Water Department officially opened the site to the public on the first day of the Lunar New Year this year. It's especially suitable for a spring outing and visiting this century-old European-style historic site. In addition to the picturesque scenery reminiscent of a foreign land, you can also explore the mysterious landscape of the Guanyinshan Reservoir.
The reservoir is approximately 42 meters above sea level and has a capacity of about 4,500 tons. Completed in 1908, it is part of the “Taipei Water Source Site” municipal historic buildings within the Taipei Water Park. Now called the “Guanyinshan Reservoir,” it was referred to as the “Taipei Water Purification Reservoir” during the Japanese colonial period. It primarily supplied domestic water to the Mengjia and Dadaocheng areas at the time. The main structure is made of reinforced concrete.
View at the entrance of the Guanyinshan Reservoir.
The main structure is made of reinforced concrete and features a semi-underground design with winding guide walls. The interior remains cool in summer and warm in winter. The exterior showcases neoclassical architectural characteristics and stands as a milestone witnessing Taipei’s transition to modern water supply. Due to its location at the highest point in the park, it was once rarely visited because of heavy protection as a key water source, adding a layer of mystery and tranquility.
The official opening times for the Taipei Water Park this time are from the first to the sixth day of the Lunar New Year 2019 (February 5 to February 10), and subsequently every Saturday and Sunday. There are two tours per day (at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM), with professional guides providing commentary and group entry and exit. To maintain service quality and safety, each tour is limited to 20 participants. Those wishing to visit must pick up a number at the ticket booth half an hour before the tour (10:30 AM and 2:30 PM)—phone reservations are not accepted. The Guanyinshan Reservoir secret site tour is completely free, but entry to the park requires a ticket.