Parks #3 in Wushantou Village

Shanhutan Park

4 · 854 reviews
Reflective and tranquil
Shanhutan Park, 烏山頭水庫風景區旅客服務中心停車場 Wushantou Village, Guantian District, Tainan City, Taiwan 720
Interesting facts
1

The reservoir is nicknamed 'Coral Lake' due to the intricate, branch-like patterns of its flooded topography.

2

The dam is an earth-fill structure built without concrete, relying on a clay core for stability.

3

Yoichi Hatta's statue is positioned overlooking the reservoir he designed, rather than facing the park entrance.

4

The irrigation system designed by Hatta revolutionized agricultural production in the Chianan Plain by providing stable water access.

5

A bronze statue of Hatta was secretly preserved by locals during World War II to prevent it from being melted down for the war effort.

Overview

Shanhutan Park is located within the Wushantou Reservoir Scenic Area, a critical hydraulic engineering site developed during the Japanese colonial period. The park centers around the expansive reservoir, known for its coral-shaped shoreline that creates numerous small islands and inlets. It serves as a commemorative space for Yoichi Hatta, the engineer responsible for the dam's gravity-fed irrigation system. The landscape features manicured gardens, Japanese-style architecture, and diverse botanical plantings. Visitors can view the dam structure, which remains one of the oldest and largest earth-fill dams in Taiwan. The surrounding area integrates industrial heritage with recreational forest trails. It serves as a hub for visitors exploring the wider Guantian District reservoir landscape.

Photo spot

The viewing platform overlooking the dam spillway and the adjacent Coral Lake shoreline.

Insider tips

Bring high-quality insect repellent, as the reservoir's humidity attracts mosquitoes.

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip for exploring the uneven terrain near the water's edge.

Carry a refillable water bottle, as the park covers a large area with limited refreshment kiosks.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to swim in the reservoir, as it is strictly prohibited for safety and water quality protection.

Good to know

Open daily, though park access may be restricted during severe weather conditions or typhoon alerts.

Etiquette

Maintain quiet decorum near the Hatta Yoichi memorial areas; refrain from feeding wildlife in the reservoir.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon during autumn or spring to avoid the intense tropical heat.
Address
Shanhutan Park, 烏山頭水庫風景區旅客服務中心停車場 Wushantou Village, Guantian District, Tainan City, Taiwan 720
23.197, 120.372
Get directions
Details
Shade & rest areasLimited natural canopy; most rest areas are located near the visitor center and memorial structures.
Key featureHydraulic engineering heritage site with historic dam views

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning or late afternoon during autumn or spring to avoid the intense tropical heat..

The viewing platform overlooking the dam spillway and the adjacent Coral Lake shoreline.

Close by you'll find Wusanto Reservoir, Hatta Yoichi Memorial Park, Timeline Plaza.

About Wushantou Village