Yuxia Cloud Waterfall, Gaga Ecological Pool Introduction
In the local area of Xia Yun, the Atayal elders pass down a legend: the devil hides in the pond; the bottomless blue-green water, the "resurrecting" water plants, and the mysterious wildlife are irresistibly enchanting. The waterfall, protected by ancestral spirits, elicits a sense of awe that urges you to retreat. If you are filled with curiosity, it's worth adding the local hidden gems – You Xia Yun Waterfall and Gaga Ecological Pool – to your must-visit list! From the Kucih Road in front of Xia Yun Elementary School, walk about 400 meters and you will arrive at the legendary ecological pool of Xia Yun Village, which, contrary to ominous expectations, feels like stepping into Jiuzhaigou! On the observation deck, the water lilies, bulrushes, umbrella plants, and dollar weed, along with the microorganisms forming the dreamy water colors, are utterly captivating. The water in the ecological pool comes from underground springs and rainfall; in winter, the water dries up, but a refreshing rain restores vitality to the dried plants instantly. Aside from the occasional sound of passing vehicles, the chirping of insects and birds is the only background music, allowing the ecological pool, which retains its natural appearance, to house diverse species such as amphibians, reptiles, and birds, resembling a miniature Eden. During April and May, the mysterious appearance of fireflies adds a magical glow, charming all who see them! After walking down the Kucih Trail beside the ecological pool for about ten minutes, you'll enter the wooden plank trail next to the observation deck, which leads about 20 meters to the mid-stream of Kucih Creek, where the You Xia Yun Waterfall is located at an altitude of about 600 meters. The name of the waterfall is derived from a homophone in the Atayal language, meaning "the cradle of life." Unlike the tranquility of the ecological pool, as you walk along the wooden path, you can hear the powerful sound of rushing water; the increasing volume heightens your anticipation of experiencing the waterfall in person. Once you reach the platform, you can not only feel the overwhelming power of the flowing water up close but also enjoy abundant negative ions that rejuvenate both body and mind.
