Baishihu Recreation Agricultural Area

Baishihu – The Origin of the Place Name To talk about "Baishihu," we must first understand the origin of its place name! It is said that in early years, the early settlers referred to the relatively low-lying open areas in the mountains, which naturally formed as a basin, as a "lake." At the same time, the area was rich in clean, white sandstone, and thus the place name "Baishihu" was born. So, "Baishihu" is not actually a lake! In the late Qing Dynasty, during the Guangxu era, a quarry was established in the Neihu mountainous area. The stones used to build the Taipei Prefecture city walls were sourced from this location. Due to its strategic terrain, Baishihu was also an ancient battlefield in March 1787 (Qianlong 52nd year) during the Qing Dynasty, when Lin Xiaowen, an ally of Lin Shuangwen, fought against the Qing army. It was also once inhabited by the Ketagalan Lizu community. It is said that the Ketagalan Lizu community originally lived on the west bank of the Keelung River in Songshan. Affected by the development of Han Chinese settlers during the Qing Dynasty, they gradually moved to the Baishihu area and thus renamed themselves "Xinlizu" (New Lizu), primarily to distinguish themselves from the original "Jiulizu" (Old Lizu) in Songshan. Today, the Ketagalan Lizu community has assimilated into Han Chinese society and disappeared. After Taiwan's retrocession, due to the presence of Bixianyan Kaizhang Shengwang Temple in the area, it was renamed "Bishan Village." Later, in 1968 (Republic of China year 57), it was officially renamed "Bishan Li," which it remains to this day. Surrounded by Mountains – Baishihu The Baishihu community, nestled among mountains, has a development history traceable to the Qing Dynasty's Qianlong era, over 200 years ago. It is surrounded by Bishan, Baishihu Mountain, Dalunshan, Kaiyanshan, Dajianshan (now known as Zhongyongshan), and Xiaojianshan (now known as Yuanjuejianshan). It is the highest altitude community within Neihu District (approximately between 250 and 450 meters). The Baishihu area is a valley with a subtropical broadleaf forest ecosystem. Besides being suitable for developing leisure agriculture, it combines with surrounding hiking trails such as Baishihu Mountain, Dalunshan, Kaiyanshan, and Longchuan Rock. It serves not only as a backyard for local residents to enjoy the fresh mountain air but also as a popular choice for Taipei citizens on weekend outings. Other Recreational Highlights in Baishihu Area: Baishihu Suspension Bridge, Houhu Wetland (Concentric Circle Ecological Wetland), Guzui Pond, Husband and Wife Trees, Shikan Huang's Ancient Residence (Ziyunju). Neihu Strawberry Season From December to May of the following year is the strawberry season in Taipei City's Neihu District, with March to April being the peak season. Neihu District has many strawberry farms suitable for family outings, couples, or friend gatherings. Some farms also offer various agricultural experiences, such as DIY strawberry jam and DIY wood-fired pizza, allowing visitors to enjoy the delicious taste of strawberries while admiring the beautiful mountain scenery of Neihu. (Source: Baishihu Recreation Agricultural Area)