Miaoli｜Liyutan Reservoir—The Bluest Day at the Bay: Dam Top View, Ring Road, Cloud Shadows, and the Breath of the Mountains 🌊⛰️

#SeptemberGoodPlaces2025
Driving slowly along the Liyutan Reservoir ring road, the shimmering blue water and mountain ridges follow each other. Stopping at the dam crest, viewing platforms, or red railings at bends, the wind sweeps the cloud shadows across the water, and at that moment, you'll feel as if time has slowed down.

Information Card
•Name | Liyutan Reservoir
•Location | Mountainous area at the junction of Dahu Township and Sanyi Township, Miaoli County (near Sanyi Woodcarving Old Street and Shengxing Station; approximately 25–35 minutes from the Miaoli Sanyi Interchange)
•Openings/Prices | Outdoor access is free all day; Entrance to the dam area and restricted areas is subject to on-site notices.
•Parking | Small parking lots are available along the lake route and at viewpoints; arriving early is recommended during long weekends.

Background Story and Development Brief History | A Reservoir Built for the People, Loved for Its Scenery

Located among the hills of Miaoli, Liyutan Reservoir intercepts local streams, providing water for daily life, irrigating farmland, and regulating floods. Located on the rainy windward side of the reservoir, its bay, like a sliver of blue glass between fingers, has become a vital water source for central China since its opening in the 1990s. It has also unexpectedly become a favorite "side trip" for travelers: you might be heading to the Sky City, Sanyi Wood Sculpture Park, Shengxing Station, or Dahu Strawberry Farm, only to be stopped by this expanse of blue.

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My Real Journey
1. First Look: Overlooking the Observation Deck
I arrived between 9 and 10 am, with the light just barely falling on the lake. The expanse of blue in the photo, flanked by pink mountain cherry blossoms, was a perfect seasonal experience. I parked in a small open space and opened the window for a fresh breeze—the air smelled of resin and earth, like a newly opened pencil case. 2. Second Stop: Green Sea on the Mountainside
A section of the Ring Road offers a mountain's profile: a dense sea of green stretches before your eyes, occasionally thickened by clouds, and light and shadows sweep across the treetops like waves. During this section, I love turning off the music and listening to the wind rustling the leaves.
3. Third Stop: Red Railings on the Dam Top
Parking by the dam, the red railings and reservoir facilities give the scene an industrial feel. The mountains on the opposite bank appear as if cut through with a knife, the texture of the rock face clearly visible. Standing here, you can feel the water literally breathing: the rhythm of waves crashing against the wave-breaking blocks is truly soothing.
4. Ending: Looking Back at the Lake
On the way back, I'll make a point to look back. The sky is a brilliant blue, the clouds sweep across like a brush, and the blue of Liyu Lake, the green of the mountains, and the red of the railings become the three primary colors of the day.

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Half-Day/Full-Day Itinerary Recommendations (Self-Driving is Best)

Half-Day Quick Walk (3-4 hours)
Liyu Lake Observation Deck → Drive slowly along the Ring Road, observing 2-3 angles → Red railings on the dam top → Descend the mountain for lunch (recommended via Sanyi or Dahu).

Full-Day Itinerary (6-8 hours)
Morning: Observe Liyu Lake → Enjoy noodles at Lai Xinkui Noodle House in Sanyi at noon → Afternoon: Stroll around Sky City or Shengxing Station → Evening: Return to Sanyi Old Street for coffee and some wood carvings.

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Recommendation (Why it's worth a special trip)

1. Breathtaking View: Enjoy a low-angle view of the lake, capturing the three layers of mountains, clouds, and lake in one breathtaking scene; both sunny and cloudy days offer unique views.
2. Convenient Transportation: Enjoy a convenient itinerary that links you to popular attractions like Sky City, Sanyi Wood Sculpture Park, Shengxing Station, and Dahu Strawberries. 3. A vibrant season: Spring cherry blossoms, Summer greens, Autumn crimsons, Winter mists—every visit captures a different hue.
4. Free and flexible: No fixed ticket prices or time slots, giving you a lot of freedom.
5. Photographer-friendly: High angles, side views, and the industrial-style dam are all available, allowing you to capture stunning photos with your phone.
6. Family-friendly: The walking distance after parking is short; but please hold your children close around waterfront areas and curves.
7. Quiet white noise: Wind, water, and birdsong create a natural ASMR experience, perfect for drivers seeking relaxation.
8. Even in bad weather, don't be embarrassed: Even with heavy clouds, you can still capture stunning layers and reflections.

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Photography cheat sheet (follow this for stunning photos) 📸
• Lake bay views: Place the horizon in the bottom 1/3 of the frame, leaving the other 2/3 for sky and clouds; use tree branches as the foreground. • Undulating Senhai: Stand higher and look straight at the mountain ridge. Lower the exposure slightly by 0.3–0.7EV to create a more stable green.
• Industrial Style on the Dam Top: Align the red railing with the diagonal line of the frame to maximize the lines.
• Portrait: Stand at a 45-degree angle inside the railing, with the subject facing the sidelight and the lake in the background. This will create a clearer skin tone.
• Telephoto Small Scene: Zoom in on the opposite rock face or the trees on the island to create a more dramatic image.

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Safety and Traffic Flow (Important, Please Read)⚠️
• Regulatory Notices: There are often no-entry signs near the dam and water intake facilities. Please obey them. When flying a drone, pay attention to air traffic control regulations.
• Road Conditions: The road around the lake has many turns and few passing points. It can be slippery due to fallen leaves after rain, so drive slowly.
• Water Safety: Do not climb on wave-breaking blocks or gravel areas; do not cross the railings. • Weather: The sun is strong at noon, so bring sunscreen and water. The northeast monsoon in winter can cause the perceived temperature to drop by 2–3 degrees Celsius.
• Take your trash with you: The reservoir is a public water source, so please do not cook or light fires or litter.

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Food Review (with address!) — After a lakeside stroll, satisfy your taste buds.

1) Lai Xinkui Noodle House (Sanyi's most classic, straight-ball noodles)
• Address: No. 170-1, Zhongzheng Road, Sanyi Township, Miaoli County
• I ordered: Dry noodles + meatball soup + braised dried tofu and kelp. The dry noodles were incredibly fragrant with oil and scallions, and the soy sauce was a refreshing touch. The braised noodles were not overly salty and had a nice, chewy texture.
• Why it's recommended: The Liyu Lake shuttle is only 10–15 minutes down the mountain, with fast turnover and affordable prices. It's a regular ritual after every lakeside trip.

2) Paradise Castle Restaurant (Lunch Tea with a Scenic View within the Sky City Park)
• Address: No. 33, Shifen, Xinkai Village, Dahu Township, Miaoli County (Sky City)
• My order: Shufei Chicken Steak + Mixed Vegetables or Hot Tea + Dessert. The view from the window offers a distant view of Liyu Lake and the hills, making dining feel like watching a slow-motion movie.
• Why I recommend it: If you want to combine lake views with delicious food, this is the easiest place to go; admission is deductible for some purchases (subject to on-site announcements).

If you're looking for souvenirs, consider Dahu Winery/Strawberry Culture Museum (No. 2-4, Baliao Bay, Fuxing Village, Dahu Township, Miaoli County). During strawberry season, buy jams and dried fruits to keep the sweetness of the day coming home.

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Accommodation/Extension Points (Extend Your Trip a Little Longer)
• Accommodation: Grand Royal Shangshun Hotel (Toufen), Maison de Chine Hotel (Miaoli City), and **Zhuoye Cottage (Sanyi)** are all well-known and well-received hotels in the area. Choose according to your budget. • Extended attractions: Shengxing Station, Longteng Broken Bridge, Sanyi Woodcarving Museum, Sky City, Beikeng Creek Trail. A one-day tour of "lake-mountain-old street-coffee" is a must.

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Ending: Real Feelings

I love Liyu Lake not because of its check-in opportunities, but because every time I stop, I'm recalibrated by the scenery: the mountain's contours bring peace, the color of the water sobers. Slowing down along the lakeside road, listening to the waves crashing against the wave-breaking blocks from the dam's crest, watching the clouds shift from the observation deck—these small moments are enough to transform an entire weekend into a gentle journey. Next time you're in central Taiwan, consider spending a morning at Liyu Lake; you'll find yourself feeling more relaxed and at peace as you continue your journey. 👏🏻

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Liyutan Reservoir | Dam Top Viewpoint | Sanyi Lai Xinkui Noodle House | Sky Castle Paradise Castle | Dahu Winery | Shengxing Station
#Miaoli #LiyutanReservoir #Liyutan #LakeRingRoad #SkyCastle #SanyiFood #Lai XinkuiNoodleHouse #DahuWinery #ShengxingStation #MiaoliTravel ✨