The San Cheng Ping Soil and Water Conservation Farm Pond Educational Park (三層坪水土保持農塘教育園區) is located at the junction of Jiaoxi Township and Yanshan Township in Yilan, Taiwan. It is the first park in Taiwan to feature a stepped farm pond with a nine-tier waterfall landscape, renowned for its high ecological value and aesthetic appeal.
The park is named after its unique three-step terrain, formed naturally by river erosion and deposition, which offers visitors a blend of ecological education, natural beauty, and environmental sustainability. On top of that, its bald cypress trees exude a serene beauty, and their vibrant autumn colors are reflected in the still waters, creating a tranquil and enchanting landscape.
Watch the following video on A Fascinating Stepped Pond with Nine-tier Waterfalls in Taiwan for more interesting images.
Origin and development of San Cheng Ping
The history of San Cheng Ping dates back to 1909, during the 42nd year of Emperor Meiji in the Japanese colonial period when the area was first developed for agriculture. It originally featured a simple farm pond designed to store water during the dry season and irrigate surrounding farmland. However, over time, the pond became silted, and during heavy rains, it frequently overflowed, causing significant flooding and damage to nearby fields.
The Soil and Water Conservation Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture launched an improvement project to address these issues. Because about 55 percent of the land belonged to local farmers, this government agency actively collaborated with these farmers to expand the original ponds into a tiered farm pond system, lining the pond bottoms with clay to prevent water seepage. This innovative design not only resolved the flooding problem, but also boosted the region’s capacity for soil and water conservation. It enhanced flood control and water storage, transforming the area into a vital resource for local agricultural development and a popular tourist attraction.
Upon completion, the project was handed over to the Yilan County Government, which assigned its management and maintenance to the Yilan County Zhenshan Industry and Culture Promotion Association. Even more impressively, in 2022, the park won top honors in the ‘Environment and Culture’ category of the National Award for Construction Excellence.
Characteristics of San Cheng Ping
One of the park’s outstanding features is the nine-tiered waterfall landscape, which resembles a natural water terrace. The cascading effect of the water, coupled with the stepped design of the farm pond, creates a stunning visual that has been compared to the famous terraces of Pamukkale in Turkey. The park’s more than 500 bald cypress trees add to the scenic beauty, especially in autumn and winter. During these seasons, the golden and orange leaves of the maples blend harmoniously with the bald cypresses to create a mesmerizing, romantic landscape that attracts visitors from near and far.
In addition to its natural beauty, the park is a key educational site. It has been developed into a soil and water conservation education park, providing visitors with insights into the role of stepped farm ponds in environmental protection. Spanning approximately 3 hectares (7.4 acres), the park also features well-designed walkways that allow visitors to explore at their own pace while learning about the vital importance of soil and water conservation.
Reopening and conservation efforts of the San Cheng Ping Park
The park opened to the public in 2021 and quickly became a popular tourist destination. However, the influx of visitors led to damage to the turf and traffic congestion in surrounding areas, prompting a temporary closure in December 2021. After undergoing renovations and improvements, the park reopened in November 2023 with a new reservation system. To better manage visitor flow and protect the park’s natural environment, daily admissions are now capped at 560 people. This conservation measure ensures the park can preserve its beauty and ecological integrity while providing an enjoyable experience for visitors.
San Cheng Ping Soil and Water Conservation Farm Pond Educational Park is a unique attraction combining nature, education, and environmental conservation. Its stunning landscapes, innovative ecological design, and focus on soil and water conservation make it an ideal destination for anyone interested in learning about environmental protection while enjoying the beautiful bald cypress trees and tranquil surroundings.
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