Far from the city's noise, where Hsinchu's gentle countryside rolls into the foothills of the Lion's Head Mountain scenic area, lies a one-day journey that balances calm water and sacred peaks. It begins at Emei Lake, a reservoir born of the Tapu Dam in 1960, its still green surface reflecting the sky like a mirror. Instead of boarding a sightseeing boat, we choose to meet the lake on foot — the way that lets you feel every breeze and every bird's call.
Our morning starts at the Ximaopu Suspension Bridge, a slender walkway that sways gently over the water and offers the first sweeping view of the lake. From here we follow the lakeside boardwalk, about three and a half kilometres of easy walking that curves along the shore. Herons and egrets rise from the reeds as we pass; on a clear day the far mountains stand in layers of blue. The trail leads us towards the great bronze Maitreya Buddha, rising 72 metres above the water — billed as the world's tallest bronze statue of its kind. Standing beneath it, with the lake at its feet, you understand why the area is considered a sacred and serene retreat.
By noon we pause for a Hakka lunch in the old streets of Fuxing Village, where the flavours of the mountains and fields — braised pork, salted vegetables, bamboo shoots — are served in generous, homely portions. It is a simple meal, but it grounds the day in the region's living culture. After lunch, we sample Oriental Beauty tea, the famous “Pengfeng” oolong grown on these hillsides, its honeyed aroma a taste of Emei's terroir.
The afternoon belongs to Lion's Head Mountain. We arrive at the Lion's Head Visitor Centre and set out on the Shuilian Bridge Trail, a short but enchanting walk that follows a rushing stream through bamboo groves to the Shuilian Cave, also known as the Fanyin Temple. Here, spring water spills down a natural arch and veils the cave mouth like a curtain of silver threads — hence its name, “Water Curtain.” The sound of the falling water echoes in the grotto like chanting, and the small temple tucked inside gives the place a quiet, prayerful atmosphere.
For those with more energy, the Shishan Ancient Trail extends beyond the cave, winding upward through mossy stone paths past historic temples and old shrines that have stood here for over a century. The summit reaches 491 metres, a modest height that rewards hikers with cool forest air and glimpses of the valley below.
As the day closes, we return to the tea house for a final cup, watching the light soften over the lake. It is a day without hurry — a journey that pairs tranquil water with sacred peaks, and ends with the taste of tea in the mouth and the quiet of the mountains in the heart.
