Dahu Park, located in Neihu District, Taipei, is also known as “Egret Lake” due to the frequent gatherings of egrets on its waters. The park lies beside Mount Bailu, with distant views of Wuzhi Mountain and Zhongyong Mountain, creating a beautiful landscape of lake and hills. Covering about 13 hectares, with the lake itself occupying 10 hectares, it is a classic Chinese-style garden park. Since its completion in 1979, it has become a favorite recreational spot for city residents.
With the changing seasons, Dahu Park is adorned in different colors. In spring, azaleas and golden shower trees bloom; in summer, Taiwan golden rain trees flourish; while in autumn and winter, bald cypress trees turn red along the lakeshore. The lake is rich in ecology, hosting egrets, night herons, and wild ducks, with seasonal visits from grey herons and great egrets. Families often come here to bird-watch, stroll, or fish by the lake.
The park’s classical architecture is another highlight. The arched Jindai Bridge, with its reflection mirrored in the water, resembles an ink painting and has been acclaimed as one of the “world’s most beautiful fairyland bridges,” making it a must-see for photographers. The winding Nine-Curve Bridge, named for its “nine turns and thirteen bends,” offers a unique charm when crossing it. The Shui Xie Ge Tai, a two-story lakeside pavilion, provides not only panoramic lake views but also distant glimpses of the MRT Wenhu Line trains passing by, making it a perfect observation and photo spot.
Visitors to Dahu Park can stroll under willow trees along the lakeshore, wander through bald cypress groves, enjoy the scents of nature, fish, picnic by the water, or even plan hiking routes that connect to the surrounding mountains. Whether for a half-day or a full-day trip, the park offers a chance to escape the bustle of the city while experiencing the harmony of lakeside scenery and classical garden elegance, making it one of Taipei’s most charming suburban retreats.
