Nestled in the southwest of Taoyuan City in northern Taiwan is the charming Hakka town of Longtan. With its picturesque scenery and serene atmosphere, Longtan is a rural area known for Longtan Lake (龍潭大池) and its proximity to the famous Shihmen Reservoir (石門水庫), high-tech industries, and mountains. It is also home to several military bases and research facilities, including the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology and the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research.
Watch the following video “A Beautiful Day in Longtan, Taiwan” for more exciting images.
This Hakka town has become a haven for both locals and tourists seeking tranquility in the embrace of nature. With its tranquil Longtan Lake serving as a centerpiece, this idyllic town sets the stage for various cultural and community gatherings, including the recent 2024 World Falun Dafa Day celebration.
The splendor of Longtan Lake
Longtan Lake, also known as Longtan Large Tourist Pond (龍潭大池), was originally built for irrigation. After constructing a temple and the suspension bridge at the lake in 1971, the 18-hectare (44.47 acre) lake has become a focal point for leisure and spiritual gatherings.
Surrounded by well-paved cycling and walking trails, lush rice fields, and a string of waterfront restaurants, this pristine body of water exudes a sense of serenity that attracts visitors from far and wide.
The most striking sight on the lake is the magnificent suspension bridge that gracefully spans the tranquil waters from Nantian Temple to the other side of the lake. This picturesque attraction offers visitors a breathtaking view of the lake’s natural beauty and surroundings. Another highlight of the lake is the nine-turned Jiuqu Bridge (九曲橋), which leads directly from the north shore of the lake to the temple.
In addition, there are several facilities and art installations around the lake, such as a children’s pool, a children’s playground with dragon-shaped slides, viewpoints, a memorial hall, a water plant area, an outdoor fitness facility, and several pavilions. Therefore, Longtan Lake is not only an excellent place for a romantic walk, but also a great place for fans of SUP (Stand Up Paddle) and other water sports, such as pedaling a swan boat on the calm water.
World Falun Dafa celebrations at the Longtan Lake
Hundreds of Taiwanese Falun Dafa practitioners converged at Longtan Lake on the afternoon of May 5, 2024. They were part of the Falun Dafa followers from Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County, and Miaoli County in northern Taiwan. They were there to commemorate 2024 World Falun Dafa Day, which fell on May 13, and to extend heartfelt wishes to Falun Dafa’s founder on his upcoming birthday on the same day.
As the practitioners gathered by Longtan Lake, their collective spirit radiated with reverence and gratitude, embodying the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance espoused by Falun Dafa. With heartfelt wishes for the founder’s upcoming birthday, the gathering served as a poignant reminder of Falun Dafa’s enduring legacy and global reach.
Marching for peace: A display of unity and spirit
About 200 Falun Dafa practitioners participated in a spirited march between Longtan Lake and downtown Longtan, while others demonstrated Falun Dafa exercises on the lakeshore. Led by the Tian Guo Marching Band, the march resonated with energy and enthusiasm, drawing warm applause and support from residents and passersby along the lake shore and the main streets of Langtan District.
This symbolic procession, which lasted from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., featured enchanting melodies and the demonstration of Falun Dafa exercises along the way. It was a testament to the magnificence of Falun Dafa and its practitioners’ unwavering devotion to this spiritual practice.
Cultural extravaganza by the lakeside
After the grand march, the lakeside stage came alive with a vibrant showcase of cultural performances. The Tian Guo Marching Band, in collaboration with the NTD Flag and Drum Team, delighted the audience with their captivating melodies and rhythmic beats, infusing the atmosphere with a palpable sense of joy and celebration. They were joined on stage by students from the Yunlin County Niaosong High School of the Arts (蔦松藝術中學), whose talent and passion lit up the stage and earned thunderous applause from the audience.
In conclusion, through the spirited march, cultural performances, and heartfelt gatherings, the magnificence of Falun Dafa resonated with joy and harmony, reaffirming its enduring presence in the hearts and minds of its followers.
Also, watch the celebration in Taipei: “A Beautiful Day in Taipei 228 Peace Memorial Park:
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