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Who said scenic maple beauty is limited to high mountain regions? Shimen Reservoir, a popular low-altitude maple-viewing destination in northern Taiwan, is a prime example. During autumn and winter, over a thousand red maples and scarlet oaks stain the forests with a romantic crimson hue. Walking along the trails allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in this enchanting vista. The scenery is so captivating that even the fatigue from hiking is effortlessly alleviated. Enter the park through the Shimen Reservoir Highline Tollgate. At the entrance stands towering sweetgums stretching upward, creating a green tunnel-like passage. Follow the scenic loop road forward, where the wide road is abundant with hikers. Along the way, passing through Dianyuan with its simple child-friendly play equipment and Bajiao Lanting Pavilion with its distant view of the grand dam, a trail leads to maple-viewing paths. In late autumn, the sloping hills are adorned with maples aged over 30 years; their red, yellow, and green hues intertwine, and butterflies flutter gracefully overhead, leaving visitors in awe! Standing atop the Rotary Pavilion for a view of the red leaves and the reservoir's secondary pool offers a tranquil and elegant beauty. The stepped trail in the Maple Forest Park not only provides an expansive view of the maple groves but is also famous for its plum blossoms, showcasing distinctive charm in autumn and winter. Continuing onward, after passing Shimen Scenic Spot and Yishan Pavilion, one reaches the best viewpoint at Songtai Observation Pavilion. With an elevation of 270 meters, the vast vista from here overlooks the overflow channel and the dam, evoking spontaneous admiration. If fortunate enough to witness the dam releasing water, the roaring torrents create an unforgettable spectacle! Just approximately 450 meters from Pinglin Tollgate lies Xizhou Park. Featuring a lotus pond, a lovers' bridge, and an undulating trail (Xunyu Trail) designed to follow the terrain while highlighting diverse tree species, verdant grass slopes, and the secondary pool’s waters, the park offers a serene experience. It is especially popular for picnics during weekends, with many visitors relaxing there. In addition to the Maple Trail and Maple Forest Trail, the Xizhou Park trail, the Qatung Forest Park trail, and the Nan苑 Ecological Park trail within the park—each provides scenic paths for visitors to meander through the beauty of Shimen Reservoir. As night falls, the Nan苑 Ecological Park, with its skillfully arranged illumination, guides visitors on a magical journey under gentle soft lights. Misting water pools and yellow glades along the trail offer a visual experience without harsh or overwhelming lighting, significantly reducing light pollution and creating a warm, eco-friendly lighting environment. In recent years, Shimen Reservoir has become not only a must-visit attraction for travelers in Taoyuan but also a popular location for specialty events. The "Taoyuan Half-Marathon – Shimen Maple Half-Marathon," attracting over a thousand runners annually, is a rare ecological half-marathon in Taiwan. Runners following the scenic circum-reservoir route are treated to endless maple vistas, blending physical activity, nature, and cultural charm. Besides running events, the reservoir has also hosted hiking and cycling competitions throughout the years, making fitness an appealing activity to explore Shimen Reservoir.