Youxia Cloud Waterfall, Gaga Ecological Pool Introduction
In Xianyuan Village, local Atayal elders pass down a legend: the devil hides in the pond; the bottomless turquoise water, the "resurrecting" aquatic plants, and the mysterious birds and beasts that appear are utterly enchanting. With waterfalls protected by ancestral spirits, one cannot help but retreat in reverence. If you are filled with curiosity, consider adding the local hidden gems – Xianyuan Waterfall and Gaga Ecological Pool – to your must-visit list! Travel about 400 meters along the Kushi Road in front of Xianyuan Elementary School, and you will arrive at the legendary Xianyuan Village Ecological Pool. Instead of feeling haunted, you may find yourself under the illusion of being in Jiuzhaigou! Stepping onto the viewing platform, the dreamlike water colors created by aquatic plants such as wild ginger, bulrush, umbrella grass, and moneywort, along with microorganisms, are simply mesmerizing. The water in the ecological pool comes from underground springs and rainfall; when the pool dries up in winter, a rain shower instantly rejuvenates the withered plants. Apart from the occasional roar of passing vehicles, the chirping of insects and singing of birds is the only background music, preserving the natural state of the ecological pool, which is home to diverse species like frogs, reptiles, and birds, resembling a small Eden. During April and May, fireflies mysteriously appear, lighting up the night with their charming glow! Walk down the Kushi Trail beside the ecological pool for about ten minutes, and enter the wooden plank path next to the viewing platform. In about 20 meters, you will reach the midstream of Kushi Creek and the Xianyuan Waterfall, at an altitude of approximately 600 meters. The waterfall's name is derived from a homophone in the Atayal language, meaning "cradle of life." Unlike the tranquility of the ecological pool, walking on the wooden path allows you to hear the powerful sound of rushing water. As the sound grows louder, your anticipation of the waterfall experience increases. Upon reaching the platform, you can feel the overwhelming power of the water up close while enjoying abundant negative ions that refresh your body and mind.
