The lake is often called the 'Lost Forest' or 'Taiwan's Mirror Lake' due to the reflection of the dead trees in the water.
The original cedar trees died after their root systems were permanently submerged following the 1999 seismic-induced flooding.
The forest remains a popular subject for long-exposure photography due to the stillness of the water and the stark verticality of the trees.
The site is located within the Central Mountain Range, requiring a significant multi-hour ascent from the nearest trailheads.
The water depth and extent of the lake change drastically between the wet season and the dry season.
Shuiyang Forest is a high-altitude wetland in Alishan, Chiayi, created following the 1999 Jiji earthquake. The seismic event caused a landslide that blocked a river valley, submerging a thriving cedar forest. The standing, bleached trunks of these dead cedar trees create a distinctive skeletal landscape mirrored in the still water. The site sits at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters within the Alishan National Scenic Area. It is a remote wilderness destination accessible primarily through challenging mountain hiking trails. The water level fluctuates significantly based on seasonal rainfall patterns. Dense fog frequently blankets the area, especially in the afternoon.
The shoreline edge where the density of bleached cedar trees provides the clearest reflection on the lake surface.
Ensure you carry a GPS device or offline map, as trail markers can be obscured by dense vegetation and mist.
Bring trekking poles to assist with the steep, uneven terrain common on the approach trails.
Check local weather reports specifically for the Alishan mountain region, as conditions can change rapidly and lead to trail closures.
Attempting the hike without adequate mountain trekking gear, as the terrain is rugged and weather-exposed.
Trails are frequently subject to temporary closure during typhoon season or following heavy seismic activity; verify trail status with the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency before departure.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles strictly; carry out all waste, as there are no trash collection facilities in this remote area.
