Limited-time Must-See Cloud Waterfall & Crystal Light Festival in Chiayi – Miss It and Wait Till Next Year

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

The Cloud Waterfall and Crystal Light offer a million-star night view, a private scenic beauty exclusive to autumn and winter. Located at Dingshihao on the Alishan Highway in Chiayi, dreamlike crystal light appears as the weather turns colder each fall, attracting numerous photography enthusiasts to make pilgrimages and compete to capture the season’s most stunning night views. To promote local tourism, the county government also holds the “Cloud Waterfall & Crystal Light Festival” every December, featuring collaborations with travel agencies, accommodations, local specialties, tea ceremonies, and photography competitions.

Crystal Light is a special phenomenon unique to autumn and winter. When light refracts through clouds and mist, it produces a translucent, rainbow-like glow reminiscent of crystal, which, when combined with the Cloud Waterfall and the Milky Way, creates an illusion of being in a heavenly realm. Near Shizhao No. 6 in Zhushan Township, you can witness such a magical Cloud Waterfall, which is why many photography enthusiasts flock to the mountains on weekends to secure the best spots and capture beautiful works.

The Cloud Waterfall is most visible from the afternoon to the evening during the cold months from November to February. In addition to Dingshihao, the Guanyun Platform at ErYanping Mountain Summit is also an excellent spot to enjoy the Cloud Waterfall and sunset hues, with daytime views of the Chianan Plain. Moreover, the Xikeng Viewing Platform along the Alishan Highway is another prime location to see both the Cloud Waterfall and Crystal Light.