Jian Tan Reservoir

Jian Tan in Dalong Village, in 1956, a reservoir was built for water conservancy and named 'Jian Tan Reservoir.' Numerous legends abound around the pond, with myths adding to its mystery, and it's remarkable how they have endured over time. While not quite qualifying as an alternative folk 'Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio,' they certainly add a touch of interest to conversations after meals. Origin of the place name: One version attributes it to Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong), the other to Lin Shuangwen. The former legend states that over 300 years ago, Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong), after entering Taiwan, led his troops to Dalong Village to 'conquer the barbarians.' For several days, his encounters with the barbarian warriors were unsuccessful. Koxinga, happening upon a deep pond nearby, lamented the unfavorable turn of the war, angrily complaining that his treasured sword had lost its power. In a fit of rage, he threw his sword into the pond. Immediately, the pond water churned violently, only settling after seven days and nights. Thus, it earned the name 'Jian Tan' (Sword Pond). However, this local tale differs significantly from official history, possessing only a beauty of vague conjecture. The latter legend tells that Lin Shuangwen rose in rebellion against the Qing dynasty in Changhua in the 51st year of Qianlong's reign (1786). After fighting across the province, his forces were defeated and fled north. Passing through Zaoqiao, utterly despondent, he threw his sword into the pond. Another version states that when Lin Shuangwen led his troops past this spot, his soldiers were suffering from unbearable thirst. Lin Shuangwen plunged his sword into the ground, causing spring water to gush out and form a pond, and the treasured sword was lost within it. Regarding how to retrieve the sword, there are also legends. One says it can only be fished out using a rope made of rice husks. Someone once used malt candy to stick rice husks together as a fishing line to retrieve the treasure. Indeed, the sword appeared on the surface of the pond. But a voice from far away declared: 'That's not a rope of rice husks, but a rope of malt candy!' The treasured sword immediately sank. Such a voice from a thousand li away is absurd, but it certainly sparks imagination. Another legend states that on the first and fifteenth day of each lunar month, at midnight when the new moon and full moon occur, the pond water becomes exceptionally clear, and the treasured sword will float to the surface. Once the moment passes, the sword sinks again. Villagers have invited each other to verify this claim, but to this day, no one has succeeded.