Bitan - The Elegant West Bank

Pedal Boats

Little Red Cliff

The west bank of the Xindian Creek is filled with giant rocks and steep cliff from years of weathering. Due to the resemblance to the Red Cliff of the Yangtze River of China, scholars have referred to it as the "Little Red Cliff". Tourists' eyes are easily drawn to the Cliff from the east bank and they are keen to get closer to it by pedal boat. The uncanny work of nature produced several peculiar looking rocks that look like a staircase, coffin, sow, tiger, etc.

Xindian Creek Bike Path

Starting off from the Bitan car park and adjacent to the riverside, the bike path is the starting point of the Xindian Creek and Danshui Riverside Bike Path that heads north from Bitan, passing the Bitan Suspension Bridge, the viaduct of National Highway 3, the Liugongzun Monument; and crossing the Xiulang Bridge to Zhonghe/Yonghe's Danshui Riverside Bike Path that continues all the way to the estuary of Danshui River. The delightful sights along the path make bike touring one of the most popular outing activities of families during weekends and holidays.

Great Buddha Temple

From the west bank of the Bitan Suspension Bridge, take the path on the left of the little rock hill to reach the Great Buddha Temple. The Temple was built by the abbot, Master Shinengding, during the 1960s. The sublime temple often exudes incense. The spacious and tranquil garden always attracts followers to overlook the great Xindian area, while searching for the destination of one's soul. The Buddha of Mercy(Avalokiteshvara) worshipped in the main hall is of an austere-style, highlighting the minimalism of the temple.

Mt. Hemei Trail

Mt. Hemei sits on the west bank of Bitan Lake, and one can take the paths from the Great Buddha Temple  or Meizhicheng Co,,unity to the top of the mountain. The 3km marble walk path makes the walk through the forest rather pleasant and refreshing. The scenic viewing platform and pavilion expose a wide magnificent landscape.

Haicang Temple

One of the most renowned features of the vintage Haicang Temple is the "flesh-body bodhisattva" of Master Qing Yan, who predicted his own death. After death, his body was sealed inside a giant underground pot. The fleshbody bodhisattva reveled after six years in 1975 once caused a great sensation across the county. The bodhisattva is now placed inside Haicang Temple for the purpose of worship.

Taiping Temple

Built in the Jiaqing Period of the Qing Dynasty, the Taiping Temple is the oldest and largest temple on the west bank of the Lake. It is also the religious center for the people of Outer Wuzhangzhuang, Ankeng. The splendid Fukien-style temple highlighted the majesty of the Sage King Kaichang. The temple fair held in February of the lunar calendar is always packed with religious followers.

Pedal Boats

The most well-known activity on the Bitan Lake is the pedal boats. There are a variety of boats to fit any group size, whether for a couple or the whole family. With the boat, one can get really close to the water, the Little Red Cliff, and truly enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by nature.