Shimen Reservoir, Water reservoir in Guanxi, Taiwan
The Shimen Reservoir stretches across the Dahan River in northern Taoyuan City, held by a dam 133 meters high with a crest length of 360 meters. The water surface extends through several valleys, connecting forested slopes with viewpoints along the shoreline.
Construction began in the early sixties and was completed in 1964, requiring the relocation of more than two thousand residents. The project permanently altered the landscape and enabled flood control along the Dahan River.
The reservoir takes its name from rocky gorges upstream that resemble a stone gate, a landmark travelers used for navigation in earlier times. Today, families and hikers come to the lakeside walkways to enjoy mountain silhouettes and spend weekend outings cycling or strolling along the shore.
The site is accessible via National Freeways 1 or 3, with bus services running from Zhongli Station on weekends and holidays. Parking areas and overlooks appear along the access roads, offering a first view of the water.
More than 120 smaller barriers upstream catch sediment before it reaches the main reservoir and reduces storage capacity. A dedicated processing center along the shore prepares dredged material for other uses.
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