Wushantou Reservoir, located between Chiayi and Tainan, is one the popular scenic spots of southern Taiwan. Surrounded by mountains, it is formed by more than thirty tributary streams. Since it resembles a piece of coral from a bird's-eye view, it also is called Coral Lake. The Reservoir was built in 1920. At that time, the Japanese used the natural valley of Kuan Tien Hsi for building a dam near Wushantou to impound water for the irrigation of the farmland of the Chianan plain. Coral Lake became one of the most popular attractions upon its completion. The Republic of China government in more recent years has established such recreational facilities as highways, hotels, villas, pavilions, parks and parking lots, which were formally opened to tourists in 1969.
The shape of the Reservoir gives the impression that water surrounds t he mountains and the mountains circle the water. The blue water lies against the green mountains, with wooded islands rising steeply in the middle. Boating on the lake offers the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the quiet valley and winding waterways. Wushantou Reservoir covers about 1,300 hectares (3,250 acres). The nearby forest areas total about 4,700 hectares. There are more than 100 small islands in the lake, some inhabited. The islanders live simple farm lives. The bamboo raft is their major means of transportation. Tourists appear to envy their peaceful, tranquil ways of life. The Reservoir administration currently is building wooden cabins to permit more visitors to enjoy the attractions of Coral Lake. These cabins are located in the deep forest on the mountain slopes. Tourists are well hidden while the residents can quietly enjoy this paradise-like resort.
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