Liyutan Reservoir, Water reservoir in Sanyi Township, Taiwan.
Liyutan is a large reservoir in Sanyi Township in central Taiwan, held back by a tall dam and spreading across forested hills. The water collects in a deep basin surrounded by green mountains that reflect on the calm surface of the lake.
Construction began in the mid-1980s to meet growing water needs in the region and took about seven years to complete. The opening in the early 1990s brought a new water source to cities and farmland in the area.
The reservoir's name, translated from Chinese characters 鯉魚潭水庫, reflects the local heritage and geographical features of the Miaoli County region.
A visit works best on clear days when the surrounding mountains show up well on the water and the paths around the basin are easy to walk. The area near the dam offers viewpoints where you can see the whole reservoir and the landscape beyond.
The spillway uses a zigzag weir design that spreads the water flow more gently and reduces erosion on the slopes below the dam. This type of structure is fairly rare in Taiwan and helps protect the valleys downstream during heavy rains.
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