Ocean God Paradise - Jialeshuei Introduction
After leaving Port Village, continue along Provincial Highway 26 until its end, where you can see many coral reef coasts and unusual rock formations. You will arrive at "Jialeshuei" (佳樂水) also known as "Sea God Paradise." Jialeshuei was originally named "Jialuo Water," which is derived from the local Taiwanese pronunciation meaning "water falling from a high place." At the end of the trail in the Jialeshuei Scenic Area, there is a waterfall known as "Shanhai Waterfall." Later, for the meaning of "Anhe Leli," it was renamed to Jialeshuei. Although the Jialeshuei Scenic Area is not within Kenting National Park, the geological features in the area are spectacular and the strange rock formations are prevalent, so Jialeshuei is famously known as the "Sea God Paradise." The natural landscapes of Jialeshuei are formed from deep-sea sedimentary rock layers, distinctively layered, making it a natural geological classroom. Additionally, the unique rock formations sculpted by sea erosion are quite striking and worth slowing down to observe closely along the scenic trail. The geological features of Jialeshuei can be classified into three main categories: "deep-sea rock layers," "sandstone layers," and "rocky coast." Along the scenic trail, there are two pavilions provided for resting and viewing the beautiful scenery. Most geological features, except for the Shanhai Waterfall, can be seen in the early section of the trail, and the journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Jialeshuei is primarily composed of rock layers that were accumulated in the deep sea millions of years ago, which later emerged above sea level due to plate movements and were shaped into varied geological landscapes through sea erosion: - **Deep-sea Rock Layers**: Jialeshuei is the only place on the Hengchun Peninsula with "rocky coast," where these rock layers come from sedimentary layers on the continental slope of the deep sea. Therefore, you can observe "flame-shaped and collapse structures" within the Jialeshuei Scenic Area. - **Sedimentary Rock Layers**: Approximately 10 million years ago, at the bottom of the deep sea, strong currents brought a great deal of sand particles that accumulated into layers. As sand and mud layers continuously overlapped and settled horizontally, sandstone and shale were formed. After hundreds of thousands of years, plate movements compressed and tilted these layers, resulting in sedimentary structures like "flame-shaped and collapse structures," "ripples," and "trace fossils." - **Erosion Terrain**: Once the rock layers emerged above sea level, they gradually eroded into various landscapes due to sea water and biological activities, creating features such as "node structures," "staining patterns," "drilled shell houses," and "weathering windows." - **Staining Patterns**: As you walk over the rock surface, you will notice many striking red or reddish-brown stripes on the rocks, making it a breathtaking sight. This is primarily due to numerous joints and cracks within the sandstone layers, causing iron-rich groundwater to flow through, which, upon exposure to air, creates iron oxide. The iron oxide appears red and fills in the cracks, forming the staining patterns. - **Weathering Windows**: On the rocky coast, you will find many small openings covering a larger section of the rock layers, these erosional features are called "weathering windows," resembling honeycombs, hence also known as "honeycomb rocks." They were originally small holes in the rocks, which have developed into weathering windows through the erosion and weathering effects of seawater and sea wind. - **Collapse Structures**: The collapse structures are another type of geological landscape created by the twisting of rock layers, primarily caused by underwater landslides, creating these geological formations. - **Shanhai Waterfall**: At the end of the trail, you will see the last feature, "Shanhai Waterfall," the only waterfall in the Kenting area, cascading directly into the sea, creating a magnificent view. The waterfall's water comes from a small stream on the cliff, and when it flows down from above, it truly becomes "Jialuo Water." During the rainy season, due to abundant water flow, it thunders into the sea, while in the dry season, it becomes a gentle stream. Therefore, the majestic scenery of Shanhai Waterfall is a sight not to be missed!
Jialeshuei Scenic Area Trail
Coral reef and sandstone coast
