Lantan Lake

Chiayi · Taiwan · Natural site

Lantan Lake — Chiayi · Taiwan · Natural site

From Lantan's depths a carp spirit is said to claim a human life for every great fish landed – and from the dark shore a voice asked: 'Is the fish tasty?'

The Lantan reservoir outside Chiayi is beautiful by day but harbours one of Taiwan's best-known water spirits. An ancient carp spirit is said to rule its depths; whenever a great fish is pulled from the lake, the spirit claims a human life in exchange, and the many drownings over the years – more than eighty since the 1980s – are popularly counted as the creature's "replacements". This is also the birthplace of the country's famous human-faced fish legend: night anglers grilling their catch on the shore are said to have heard an old woman's voice ask whether the fish tasted good, whereupon a human face emerged on its side. Today motion-sensing loudspeakers keep watch at the water's edge, warning anyone who strays too close at night.

FAQ

Where is Lantan Lake located?

Lantan Lake is in Chiayi, Taiwan.

More haunted places in Chiayi

Accounts are drawn from local folklore and visitor reports.

Image: Blowing Puffer Fish · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons