Miaoli｜Liyutan Reservoir (Cloudy Day Version) — When the clouds hug the mountains, the lake surface is like a breathing silver blanket 🌫️🌿

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On a cloudy day, Liyutan Lake doesn't boast a vibrant blue, but it captures the layers of mountains, mist, and gentle breeze in a single painting—so quiet that you can hear time slowing down.

• Attractions | Liyutan Reservoir
• Location | Junction of Dahu Township and Sanyi Township, Miaoli County (near Sanyi Woodcarving Street and Shengxing Station)
• Openings | Free outdoor access, all day; access around the dam and facilities is subject to on-site regulations.
• Parking | Small parking areas are available along the lakeside road and at viewpoints.

Background Story | Built for the people, loved for its scenery

Liyutan Reservoir is a vital water supply and irrigation reservoir in central Taiwan. Its water, enclosed by the mountains, changes color with the weather: on sunny days, it's a glassy blue; on cloudy days like today, the lake turns a soft silver-gray, its surface layered with layers of mist, highlighting the distant mountains. It's not a popular online attraction, but it's a truly soothing stop for travelers on their way to Sanyi, Shengxing, and Dahu Strawberry Farm.

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This is how I actually walked this trip (a three-step process that's even better on cloudy days).

① High Point on the Mountainside: Seeing "Silver Lake"

We parked at a high point. The rain hadn't fallen, and the clouds were low. The wind rippling the lake's surface, the isolated island beside it resembled an emerald. I put away my camera, took a few breaths of air, and my heart naturally slowed.

② A bird's-eye view of the countryside: The fog line and the terraced fields intertwined.

Continuing along the road around the lake, my view shifted to the village on the opposite bank. Houses, tea plantations, and fruit trees loomed in the fog, while the distant mountains were divided into three tones: dark green, gray-green, and light blue. The advantage of a cloudy day is that there's no harsh contrast, and the photos look like they have a built-in filter.

③ Red Railings on the Dam Top: The End of the Industrial Look

We finally stopped at the red railings near the dam. On the left are rock walls and hydraulic structures, and on the right is a bay shrouded in mist—the juxtaposition of nature and engineering is powerful. Waves crashing against the wave-breaking blocks create a soothing effect, like white noise.

A quick thought: Sunny days are like postcards, cloudy days are like poetry. Today, I prefer the latter.

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Recommendation (Why it's worth visiting even on cloudy days)

1. Amazing depth: When the clouds are low, the distance between the mountains is clear, and photos have a sense of atmosphere.

2. Soft contrast: No need to worry about overexposure, just take photos with your phone.

3. Fewer people: No traffic jams or crowds, just stop and enjoy the view.

4. ASMR-level silence: The sound of wind, waves, and birdsong is like a natural sleep aid.

5. Super smooth connections: You can visit Sanyi Woodcarving, Shengxing Station, Sky City, and Dahu Strawberry Park all in one trip.

6. Free and flexible: No ticket or time constraints, stop as long as you want. 7. Family-Friendly: Parking lots are often very close to viewpoints (keep your child's hand close even in waterfront areas).
8. Awesome photos no matter how you take them: The silvery-gray lake and the dark green mountain ridges are a sight to behold and last forever.

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Photography Tips (for cloudy days)📸
• Leave more sky: Keep the horizon within the lower 1/3 of the frame, letting the clouds take center stage.
• Find "green" in the foreground: Use branches and shrubs as a frame to create a sense of space on the silvery-gray lake.
• Diagonal red railings: Incorporating the railings into the frame as a guide creates a sense of tension.
• Portraits: Stand inside the railings at a 45-degree angle, facing the light, to keep your face clear. Choose a low-saturation jacket or raincoat to avoid overshadowing the view.
• Fine-tune exposure: EV -0.3 to -0.7 for more three-dimensional cloud details.

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Half-Day Itinerary (Just Copy and Go)

Morning: Overlook Liyu Lake from a High Point → Slowly stop and take photos at 2-3 spots along the Ring Road → Finish at the red railings on the dam top

Lunch: Descend the mountain for noodles or afternoon tea at the park → Pick up at Shengxing Station/Sanyi Old Street/Sky City in the afternoon

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Food Review (with address!) — After a cloudy day walk, warming your stomach is the best way to go

• Lai Xinkui Noodle House
Address: No. 170-1, Zhongzheng Road, Sanyi Township, Miaoli County
I had: Dry noodles + meatball soup + braised food. The aroma of scallions immediately made me hungry, but the salty aroma of soy sauce faded away completely. After walking along the lake, a bowl of hot soup was a perfect treat in the breeze.

Recommended: 10-15 minute pickup from the Ring Road, fast turnover, and affordable prices.
• Paradise Castle (Inside Sky City Park)
Address: No. 33, Shifen, Xinkai Village, Dahu Township, Miaoli County
I had: Hot black tea + dessert or light meal. From the window, you can see the silvery blue of Liyu Lake. The mountains on a cloudy day are even more gentle than on a sunny day.
Why Recommended: If you want to combine the view with afternoon tea, this is the easiest place to go (admission tickets can be used to offset some of your spending, subject to availability).

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Practicality and Safety (Please Read)⚠️
• Road Conditions: The road around the lake is winding and has few passing areas. Fallen leaves are slippery after rain, so driving slowly is the safest option.
• Regulations: There are often "No Entry" signs around the dam and water intake facilities; please obey them. Driving drones should pay attention to air traffic control regulations.
• Equipment: On cloudy days, the wind will be strong and the temperature may drop by 2–3°C, so bring a light jacket. Mosquito repellent and non-slip shoes are also essential.
• Dispose of your own trash: The reservoir is a public water source, so picnics and leaving no traces are prohibited.

Ending - Real Experience

I always thought that visiting a reservoir was best done on a sunny day. It wasn't until today, amidst the low clouds of Liyutan, that I finally understood the gentleness of a cloudy day: the wind carried the scent of grass and trees, the lake gently undulated like silver foil, and the distant mountains breathed through the mist. Slowing down, stopping at every corner, listening to the crash of the waves—these tiny moments are more soothing than any filter. Next time you visit Miaoli, don't wait for perfect weather; let Liyutan, at its most natural, be your weekend's quiet serenity. 👏🏻

Liyutan Reservoir | Red Railings on the Dam | Sanyi Lai Xinkui Noodle House | Sky Castle Paradise Castle | Shengxing Station
#Miaoli #LiyutanReservoir #Liyutan #CloudyDaysAlsoBeautiful #LakeRingRoad #Sanyi #Dahu #SkyCastle #ShengxingStation #TaiwanTravel 🌧️📷