Shimen Reservoir, Taoyuan, Taiwan

4Jeffry b 5:00 PM Oct 27, 2016

Stone Gate Dam a local favourite
The Shiman Shiuku (Stone Gate Dam) is one place in North Taiwan that a local friend with a car may take you to. If there has been little rain recenrly, it may be a trifle deficient in water. For the sake of internatonal relations, try and show some enthusiam. Don't say "it's not like the Hoover Dam." Let's face it, very few dams are.

4TravelerKai79 5:00 PM Jan 25, 2019

Iconic old Taiwan landmark for local tourism
Family of 5 (kids 8, 11, 13), drove there in rental car which is necessary if you want to explore extensively. The entire area is kind of a national park with multiple areas of interest all of which are quite a distance apart and none of which are easily accessible using local transportation. The reservoir's claim to fame is as one of the major national building project in the post-WWII era and thus serves as an iconic symbol for the nation. We just went to the reservoir, but there are many other points of interest near by and you can spent a whole day there to make the most of the entrance fee. It's not a must see by any means, particularly for foreigners who might have seen more impressive reservoirs. But it's a good place to mingle with locals and see how they spend their day off. There are reminders of the Chiang's (old ruling presidential family of Taiwan) in many places, and you might be able to spot some local disdain for them. In general there are plenty of scenic spots throughout and the kids enjoyed exploring. Some areas are not very well guard-railed or separated between pedestrians and automotive traffic so be sure to hold on to the little ones. Pros: scenic, good for local spotting, many areas to explore Cons: safety measures are lacking for pedestrians, difficult to visit without your own car, not well marked particularly for foreigners, local cuisine seem over-hyped