Part of the river system, Pi T'an is framed by magnificent mountain slopes. The lake area reminds one of a scene from a traditional Chinese landscape painting.
有人將此地比為蘇東坡「赤壁賦」中的赤壁，因此又有「赤壁潭」之稱，與日月潭、阿里山、澄清湖等並列為台灣八景之一。