Yousha Cloud Waterfall, Gaga Ecological Pool Introduction
In Xia Yun Village, local Atayal elders have passed down a legend: the devil hides in the pond; the bottomless blue-green water, the "resurrecting" water plants, and the mysterious birds and beasts create an irresistible charm. With a waterfall protected by ancestral spirits, a sense of reverence will pull you back. If you are always filled with curiosity, make sure to add the local hidden gems – the You Xia Yun Waterfall and Gaga Ecological Pond – to your must-visit list! Walking about 400 meters along the Ku Zhi Road from the front of Xia Yun Elementary School, you will arrive at the fabled Xia Yun Village Ecological Pond. Far from any eerie feeling, you might instead feel like you are in Jiuzhaigou! Stepping onto the observation platform, the dreamy colors of water plants such as wild ginger flowers, cattails, umbrella plants, and moneywort, along with the microorganisms, create a mesmerizing scene. The water in the ecological pond comes from underground springs and rainfall. When the pond water dries up in winter, a refreshing rain immediately brings the plants back to life. Besides the occasional passing vehicle, the only background music is the chirping of insects and birds. This preserved natural ecological pond is home to diverse species such as frogs, reptiles, and birds, resembling a miniature Eden. During April and May, fireflies make mysterious appearances, shining brightly and charming everyone! Walking down the Ku Zhi Trail beside the ecological pond for about ten minutes, you will enter the wooden plank path next to the observation platform, reaching Ku Zhi Creek at about 20 meters, where you will find the You Xia Yun Waterfall at an elevation of approximately 600 meters. The name of the waterfall is derived from the Atayal language, meaning "cradle of life." Unlike the tranquility of the ecological pond, you can hear the powerful sound of rushing water as you walk along the wooden path. As the sound increases, it deepens your anticipation for the real experience of the waterfall. Upon reaching the platform, not only will you feel the overwhelming power of the rushing water up close, but you will also enjoy abundant negative ions, allowing your body and mind to breathe deeply.
