20 September 2020,05:15-06:00
Jiaming lake, so called "God's Lost Sapphire" is the hiking trail I've dreamed to go for years
Now I finally have time and well-prepared mind/phisical ability to go~
Come join me with the Buuuutiful sunrise!!
- Date: Sunday, September 20th, 2020
- Time: 05:15 a.m. ~ 06:00 a.m.
- Place: The Posted Coordinates (which is Jiaming Lake).
Introduction to Jiaming Lake
Jiaming Lake is located at the southern end of the Central Mountain Range in Taiwan and sits 3,310 meters above sea level. Legend has it that Jiaming Lake was formed thousands of years ago when a meteorite struck the Earth and left an oval-shape impression upon the land. It has also been suggested that the lake formed because of glacier movements nearly ten thousand years ago.
The lake is referred to by many names. Its standard Chinese name is Jiaming Lake (嘉明湖), which is said to be named after the two people who first discovered the lake. This is a symbolic finding I would say since the the names of these two people could be so appropriately translated as "Beautiful" and "Bright", hence giving Jiaming Lake a very fitting name in Chinese. In the local Bunan Language of the Bunan Aboriginal people of this area, the lake is called "Cidanumas-Buan", which means "Mirror of the Moon." Furthermore, along the same poetic lines, Jiaming Lake is also known as "The Sapphire of the Mountains" or "God's Lost Sapphire." However, arguably the most idyllic and ethereal name Jiaming Lake is referred to by is "Angel's Tears". This is probably because of the turquoise blue color the lake reflects, which could only come from the celestial being, Angels.
Jiaming Lake is indeed a hidden gem high atop the grand mountains of Taiwan, and definitely worthy of a visit. Come see a piece of heaven and take in all the wondrous beauty around you here at Jiaming Lake!
Please Note: On average, people plan 3 days to get to the lake and back. The trip,however, can be done in a day if you like the challenge and want to take on the 26-kilometer roundtrip journey with varying elevation gains and rocky terrain. A one-way trip will take between 9 and 12 hours to complete depending on your own physical abilities and how often you stop for breaks. Also, you must apply for permission in advance to enter this area, otherwise you will be denied entry. All information (including applying for permits, route planning, booking accommodations and paying for any fees) can be found on the official website here.
Or you can refer some hiking tips to Jiaming lake here.