Formed by the Shangjiadong and Jiangjun ponds, the area is also known as Yong'an Reservoir. Located between Baihe and Houbi, this water body is part of the Jianan Irrigation System, serving as a reservoir for flood control and agricultural irrigation. From a distance, its vast waters resemble a lake, surrounded by lush forests and home to many bird species.
Because Putuo Temple sits by the lakeside and enshrines the Bodhisattva Guanyin, the area is called "Xiaonan Hai" (Little South Sea). The temple is a branch of Zengguang Temple in Chiayi City. Its red tiles and white walls stand gracefully amid green mountains and clear waters, creating a tranquil setting. Egrets often gather here in flocks, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
Up close, one can see clusters of lotus leaves floating on the lake, rows of cypress trees along the shore, and a few pavilions dotting the landscape. The ancient temple and the emerald lake complement each other, with the surrounding mountain scenery and shimmering lake surface enhancing the serene and graceful beauty of the area.
