Roll up your pants, wade barefoot into Shuilian Cave, where water columns from the cave ceiling drip unpredictably from left to right. Fortunately, wearing a lightweight raincoat keeps your clothes dry, but you wouldn’t dare risk your precious digital camera. Shuilian Cave was originally a road built by Taiwan Power Company for developing the “Liwu River Hydropower” project. However, during tunnel excavation, they accidentally severed an underground water vein, causing spring water to gush down from the tunnel ceiling, forming a waterfall-like curtain that offers no escape for visitors inside—only an immersive baptism. The sensation, as if struck by a divine force, leaves one feeling spiritually refreshed and invigorated. Photography enthusiasts hide under large umbrellas, fully equipped with tripods and lights, making this the most beloved spot on Baiyang Trail.
Baiyang Trail is 2.1 km long and takes about two hours to explore at a leisurely pace. Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, suspension bridges, moss-covered rock streams, tunnels, and canyons. The trail has eight tunnels—some are home to bats, while others echo with frog calls. Some tunnels resemble Guilin’s karst caves, dripping water continuously, varying in size, while others are cool and dry, offering a refreshing respite. With gentle slopes, a manageable length, low risk, and rich flora and fauna, it’s perfect for family trips.
Baiyang Waterfall: A Canvas of Nature
Emerging from the fifth tunnel, a stone bridge spans the mountain stream valley. The marble patterns in the creek bed form striking geometric shapes, while the water crashes, splashes, swirls, and eddies among the rocks like a painter’s brush in motion. Standing on the bridge, the mountain and water scenery greets you head-on. The waterfall bursts forth from the towering mountains opposite, then dives like a dragon into the lush greenery before, unable to resist the spotlight, it emerges again with great fanfare from another valley, thunderously cascading over rocks and leaping across emerald pools as it surges toward the canyon to merge with the stream.
This dramatic double-tiered Baiyang Waterfall is called “Da’olas” by the Truku people, meaning “cliff.” The two tiers of white silk plunge into the deep pool, sending up a misty spray that envelops the valley, clinging to passersby and generously delivering negative ions—nature’s health gift for those who’ve traveled far. Visitors often walk across the suspension bridge in front of the waterfall to take photos with it as a backdrop, or stroll to the wooden viewing platform on the opposite bank to rest, quietly admiring this enchanting landscape, listening to the earth’s melody, and feeling the moving rhythms of nature.
Soaking in Wenshan Hot Spring, a Wild Retreat
Walking along the flat boardwalk by the canyon wall, you hear birds chirping hidden in the forest canopy above and the constant gurgling of the stream rushing below. The journey, with its ups and downs, is accompanied by these sounds of nature. Knowing you’re about to soak in the wild hot springs of the valley makes every step feel light, and even sweat emerges slowly from your skin with joyful ease. Surrounded by mountains, the verdant valley and cool breeze offer another kind of sensory delight.
Passing through a mountain cave and crossing a suspension bridge, Wenshan Hot Spring lies beneath your feet. Standing on the bridge, you gaze out at the mighty Dashaxi River, rolling down from the layered green mountains like a white ribbon flowing far away—a view that brings a liberating sense of freedom.
(Continued on B3)