Millennium tribal myths and blue tears — the most breathtaking hidden paradise

By MOOK Scenic Spots · Reported by Christopher

Taiwan’s Hualien-Taitung region lies on a tectonic boundary, boasting countless breathtaking natural wonders. Even a three-day, two-night trip may not be enough to take in all the scenery. In Guangfu Township, Hualien, there is a place voted the most beautiful hidden paradise of 2016 — the Lasoyeh Spring. This fairy-tale-like natural wonder features an interaction between springs and wild streams, with stunning scenery completely untouched by artificial or concrete alterations. The indigo-blue First Spring, known as the “blue tears,” is heart-shaped and possesses an exceptionally beautiful water color, often described by visitors as a hue only God could create.

“Lasoyeh” means “pure and sweet water” in the Amis language. The Lasoyeh Spring Ecological Park is located between Dajin Village and Dajin Village in Guangfu Township, covering a total area of 50 hectares with six springs and four wild streams. In summer, the cool stream water and shaded trees make it a favorite spot for locals to swim and escape the heat. Lasoyeh also features the rare sight of water seemingly flowing upwards, with azure-blue springs and enchanting day-and-night views — a hidden gem the locals are most proud of.

In addition to its stunning ecology, Lasoyeh Spring is also steeped in rich mythology. At the entrance of the spring area, there is a wooden sign introducing the thousand-year-old myth of Lasoyeh, which tells how the six springs are the six tears of a divine bird. The divine bird, known in ancient Amis as “Doluor,” is what we now call the ring-necked pheasant.