By / Scenic Spots Compilation
A hole in the lake surface? It looks as if the river has been diverted into another dimension. This unique spectacle in Dongshan, Tainan — resembling a skylight vortex and dubbed "Xikou Little Switzerland" — is actually an artificial facility built to divert water from the reservoir, and coupled with the beautiful surrounding scenery, it attracts many visitors.
![](\"/pic/20200318/8b3115f694629a23f27b0a3f51a6bacf.jpg\")
Xikou Little Switzerland "Skylight Vortex." (Photo / owen_0414)
The vortex of Xikou Little Switzerland is located at the water outlet on the western side of Wushanling in Dongshan. It serves as the inlet channel that directs water from the Zengwen River into the Coral Lake. The Xikou Valley is known for its serene landscape and is nicknamed "Little Switzerland." With its lush greenery and picturesque scenery, it’s a popular spot for hiking and camping, and the most famous attraction here is the "Skylight Vortex."
![](\"/pic/20200318/653c93e5ea2a909964ce9d692ec8dcf2.jpg\")
Many people gather at the lakeside structure to admire this wonder. (Photo / owen_0414)
The "Skylight Vortex" phenomenon was actually created during the Japanese colonial period. Japanese civil engineer "Yoichi Hatta," while constructing the Chianan Irrigation System, dug a roughly four-kilometer-long water diversion tunnel inside Wushantou Mountain to prevent water shortages in the Wushantou Reservoir. The Zengwen River water is channeled through the Dongkou into the Wushanling diversion tunnel, then flows to "Xikou Little Switzerland," and finally enters the Coral Lake from there.
![](\"/pic/20200318/0920f53d951182cd1b25de9e04f97fa2.jpg\")
Photo / Tainan City - Tourism Bureau
When the Zengwen River water reaches "Xikou Little Switzerland," it plunges rapidly through a circular hole due to the significant drop in elevation, creating the unique spectacle known as the "Skylight Vortex." The water then passes over the dam and is jetted out from the "Rushing Canal Outlet," with the water column reaching several meters high — a truly remarkable sight.
![](\"/pic/20200318/b1a4b6c910c5100b99ed7ee50a97ccfe.jpg\")
Photo / owen_0414
"Xikou Little Switzerland" is located upstream of the Coral Lake. You can drive directly to the entrance via Provincial Highway 174 (Liujia–Nansi), then head west along the small road to reach the site. The magical "Skylight Vortex," with its ingenious design rivaling natural wonders, is perfect for hiking, outings, camping, and overnight stays.
[Info]
Xikou Little Switzerland
Address: No. 66, Nanshi Village, Nanshi Li, Dongshan District, Tainan City
Opening Hours: Open all day
※ Free Admission
Hidden Reservoir Retreat Boasts Dreamy Mountain Lake and Explodes with Popularity
https://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=22557