Cheng-ching Lake is a popular scenic spot of southern Taiwan. It is six kilometers from Kaohsiung and four from Fengshan. Ten to fifteen minutes drive will get you there from Kaohsiung. Originally, Cheng-ching Lake was the reservoir of the Kaohsiung Industrial Water Supply Plant and was called Ta-p'i Lake. In 1954, it was reconstructed as a scenic area. Since it contains many beautiful shells, it gained another name-Ta-pei lake which means Big Shell Lake. It was formally opened to tourists in 1959. The water of the lake is always green and clean, so it was given another name-Cheng-ching Lake-meaning clear in 1964. Since then Cheng-ching Lake has attracted countless visitors.
The Cheng-ching Lake scenic area covers 375 hectares (948 acres), in which the lake itself occupies 103 hectares. The lake is 1.1 kilometers by 1.4 kilometers in size, with an elevation of 18 meters. Surrounded by low hills, it has the appearance of a mirror. Tall trees and colorful flowers are planted around the border, so that the flowers are reflected on the "mirror" of the lake surface.
Freedom Pavilion, the Elevated Platform, Flower Stand, Fengyuan Pavilion, Fu-kuo Isle and the Woods of One Thousand Trees are six spots that a tourist should not miss. There are also other noteworthy spots, including the plum blossoms, Zigzag Bridge, lotus flowers, hills, dense woods, pavilions and the "Fairy Isle." The bell tower and a playground are also particularly artistic and appealing.
The Tower to Reach the Moon