Water Frog Cave Introduction
Shuifawaku is located in a small village between Fong Chui Sha and Eluanbi Park. In addition to the scenic pond of Shuifawaku, the surrounding area is a vast lush green grassland, creating a beautiful and tranquil view. In earlier years, this area had abundant water sources, and the pond was deeper and broader than what is seen today. Coupled with the many amphibians residing around the water cave, one could hear the continuous chorus of frogs during summer or after rain, which is how it got the name "Shuifawaku." However, the disappearance of every natural landscape seems to be inevitably tied to human destructive factors. Since the construction of the Jia’e Highway 30 years ago, the continuous dumping of excavated sand and gravel nearby has gradually filled in Shuifawaku, causing the pond water to slowly dry up. This has led to a significant reduction in both the quantity and variety of frogs that once inhabited the area, leaving behind a quiet pond scene without the charming frogs, and the beautiful scenery of Shuifawaku has since withered. To restore the former reverberation of "frogs croaking endlessly," local residents and the management office have recently initiated a regeneration plan. The first step involves introducing water sources to create a natural ecological wetland, serving as a habitat for various species. Additionally, aquatic plants are being planted around Shuifawaku to enrich the ecological environment, allowing frog populations to return and the sound of frogs to resound once again. Furthermore, a cultural and ecological tour plan for Shuifawaku has been developed, outlining appropriate travel routes and training local volunteer guides who can compellingly lead visitors to understand the history and culture of the Shuifawaku community, explore the natural ecology by the pond, and wander through the verdant grasslands. If lucky, one may even have an unexpected encounter with Formosan sika deer or skylarks. Visiting Shuifawaku is equivalent to enjoying an in-depth journey of culture and ecology.
