rueili scenic area swallow cliff

阿里山风景区有很多步道、景点，其中瑞里附近的「燕子崖」值得走一走「燕子崖」与「千年蝙蝠洞」，是地质上的特殊景观，气势非凡，令人不得不感佩大自然的鬼斧神工！两个景点都在「青年岭步道」上，青年岭步道依山开凿，步道属低海拔林相，有竹林也有原始林，山谷溪流，有山有水的步道一路绿荫遮蔽，就算夏天仍感觉凉爽。燕子崖上布满小孔且成横条状分布，曾是燕子筑巢的地方，步道从崖下通过，丰水期山泉从岩壁上方像大雨般落下，有如走在水濂洞中；「千年蝙蝠洞」是座高达百余公尺的大岩壁，岩壁上布满数以千计的大小岩洞，颇为壮观。

It was worth the walk. There were plenty to see on the way there. We could see some water falling although we were told by our MinShu host that the waterfall would be more prominent and view more magnificent during summer time when it rained more. We saw some birds flying around so believed it was Swallow.

The spot to the area was not visible. We had to ask the locals around and then found out that you just walk through path opposite a school. The path starts with very steep steps and sheltered by a lot of trees. We descended down about 200+ steps when we gave up. Cause after that we realize that there are like another 1300+ steps to go. We decided to go back up the steps. We took about total of 30 mins just to do the 200+ steps. if you are not fit, don't even attempt it. Now I understand why the locals name it the Youth Ridge Trail. I believe the views are beautiful and wish the authorities would build a cable car for others to enjoy. Too bad I didn't get the chance to see it after traveling 1 over hour to get there.

Though it's popular among Taiwanese people, there aren't too many tourist to make you feel unconfortable. And it's one of a few places in Chiayi where you can't find any Chinese tourists. (you know, there are too many Chinese tourists in Taiwan now, especially at Ali Mountain!)I will expect to see the waterfall above cliff reaches its best time next summer, and I believe it'll be an exciting experience to walk through it.