Text by MOOK Scenic Spots / Photo by molly888666
When winter arrives, the Zhuoshui River enters its rainless dry season. The parched riverbed, devoid of babbling streams, is instead painted with a striking red—a unique winter phenomenon and a beautiful gift from nature.
In winter, the upper reaches of the Zhuoshui River dry up, but a splash of crimson appears. (Photo by molly888666)
The Wujie Tribe in Ren'ai Township, Nantou County, located along the upper reaches of the Zhuoshui River, sees its waters covered with a fern known as Azolla during the winter dry season.
The vibrant beauty of Azolla is one of the must-capture winter scenes for photography enthusiasts. (Photo by molly888666)
Recently, cold fronts have turned the water's surface red, blending with lush green mountains and azure skies to create a picturesque scene. Both locals and visitors flock here daily to admire the splendor of Azolla.
Travelers stack stones along the riverbank, creating miniature worlds. (Photo by molly888666)
The river’s vibrant hues come from the aquatic fern "Azolla," also called "water velvet." In cold winter temperatures, the chlorophyll in its leaves breaks down, turning it red or orange.
Such a kaleidoscope of colors truly makes one marvel at nature’s mastery of color. (Photo by molly888666)
The large gradient greens on the water’s surface are Spirogyra, a general term for filamentous green algae—common multicellular freshwater algae that appear bright green due to their ribbon-like, spiral chloroplasts.
A bird’s-eye view of nature’s masterpiece. (Photo by molly888666)
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