Yue Dong Recreation Area Introduction
Yue Dong is located in Fengbin Township, Hualien County, about one kilometer south of Shitiping and near Gangkou Village. It is a natural limestone cave and is considered a sacred site by the indigenous people of the Gangkou community. Inside the cave, there is a lake about five meters deep, and the water level rises and falls with the phases of the moon, hence the name "Yue Dong," also known as "Moon Well." According to legend, there are many eels in the lake, including one that weighs over ten kilograms, referred to as the thousand-year eel, which is known to be aggressive; therefore, no one has dared to dive into the water for exploration so far. Yue Dong has an elevation of approximately eighty meters, is about eight hundred meters from the coastline, and has an entrance height of about twenty-five meters. The total length of the cave is around one hundred seventy-six meters, featuring a very unique shape. The cave includes two openings on the left and right; the left entrance is larger and can be explored for about fifty meters. The upper part is narrow and pointed, inhabited by thousands of bats, adding a touch of mystery to the atmosphere. The right cave is shorter, approximately forty meters. The interior of the cave is mysterious and dark, with traces of stalactites visible on the rock walls. Bats hang upside down, and various features such as flowing water, drips, stalagmites, nest fossils, and fish head fossils can be observed. If you wish to explore the cave, you must take a small boat operated by a professional, using the boat's lighting to navigate and appreciate the scenery. The temperature inside Yue Dong is about twenty degrees Celsius, making it warm in winter and cool in summer, suitable for visiting and recreation year-round.
