Youxia Cloud Waterfall, Gaga Ecological Pool Introduction
There is a legend passed down by the Atayal elders in Xiayunli: the devil hides in the pond; the endless blue-green pond water, resurrecting water plants, and mysterious birds and beasts are incredibly enchanting. There are waterfalls protected by ancestral spirits, and a sense of reverence will have you retreating. If you are always brimming with curiosity, you should include the local secret spot—the Youxiayun Waterfall and Gaga Ecological Pool—in your must-visit list! Walking about 400 meters along the Kuzi Road in front of Xiayun Elementary School brings you to the site of the legendary Xiayun Village Ecological Pool, where instead of feeling haunted, you might feel as though you are in Jiuzhaigou! On the viewing platform, the water's dreamlike colors created by aquatic plants such as wild ginger, cattail, umbrella plant, and pennywort, along with microorganisms, are mesmerizing. The ecological pool's water comes from underground springs and rainfall, and when the winter causes the water to dry up, a fresh rain immediately revives the water plants. Apart from the occasional roar of passing vehicles, the sounds of insects and birds provide the only background music. This ecological pool, preserving its natural appearance, hosts diverse species such as frogs, reptiles, and birds, resembling a miniature Eden. During April and May, fireflies mysteriously appear, shining bright as lovely as ever! Walking down the Kuzi Trail beside the ecological pool for about ten minutes and entering the wooden plank trail next to the viewing platform, it takes approximately 20 meters to reach the midstream of Kuzi Creek, where the Youxiayun Waterfall awaits at an altitude of about 600 meters. The name of the waterfall is derived from the Atayal language, meaning "the cradle of life." Unlike the tranquility of the ecological pool, walking on the wooden plank road allows you to hear the powerful rush of water, and as the sound grows louder, it enhances your anticipation of experiencing the waterfall firsthand. Once you reach the platform, not only can you feel the overwhelming power of the cascading water up close, but you can also enjoy the abundance of negative ions, invigorating your body and mind.
