Lovers Lake Park

Lovers Lake Park is located on the mountainside of Dawulun Mountain in Wailaoliao Village, on the western outskirts of Keelung City. It is formed by the convergence of six small streams and is Keelung's only highland lake. Although the lake surface is not very wide, the scenery is exquisite and beautiful, possessing the charm of a 'petite beauty.' The surrounding area is densely wooded, the lake water is emerald green, and the mountain and water scenery is fresh and pleasant. The air is clean, and during spring and summer, there are chirping insects and birds, colorful butterflies fluttering, and migratory birds. It's a place worth visiting for people to embrace nature. Lovers Lake was originally named 'Wuchaobei' (Five Cross Monuments). Later, because the Keelung Youth Corps often held activities here, it was renamed Lovers Lake. Another theory for the name 'Lovers Lake' is that there are two connected lakes, one large and one small, within the scenic area, resembling lovers leaning on each other. This gave rise to the name, and also a very romantic legend: it is said that the Lovers Bridge over Lovers Lake possesses a special magic. When lovers visit and walk across the Lovers Bridge hand-in-hand, they will have a good marriage. Because of this beautiful legend, many newlyweds specifically come here to take wedding photos. The uniquely shaped windmill next to Lovers Lake also adds more beauty to this legend. The lake area is equipped with facilities such as observation pavilions, Lovers Suspension Bridge, observation waterfront platforms, windmills, and mountain and lake trails. The trails are lush with trees on both sides, and various plants showcase the beauty of the four seasons. While enjoying a forest bath of phytoncides, visitors can admire the picturesque lake and mountain scenery along the way. Heading north from Lovers Lake, there is a trail leading up to a ridge facing the sea. From the ridge trail, one can view the ocean, seeing not only Aodi Fishing Port on the shore but also distant views of Keelung Islet and Yehliu Cape, which instantly uplifts the spirit. Cannon Mountain, located directly east of Lovers Lake, is not only the highest peak in the vicinity but also a historically significant area. The Dawulun Battery (a national historic site) on the summit was built during the Qing Dynasty's Daoguang period and is one of the important relics from the Sino-French War. Many of its walls and related structures have been preserved, and the intertwining old banyan trees around them add much ancient charm to the area.