Water Running Upward (水往上流) Guide
Defying Gravity: Witness the Optical Illusion of Water Running Uphill! Guide
Prepare to be amazed at Water Running Upward, a quirky and captivating roadside attraction near Dulan, Taiwan! This isn't magic, but a clever optical illusion that makes water appear to flow uphill. It's a fun and quick stop that's sure to leave you scratching your head and reaching for your camera. Don't expect a grand historical site or a deep cultural experience; this is pure, unadulterated roadside novelty at its finest. The phenomenon is caused by the surrounding landscape. The angle of the road and the surrounding hills create a visual trick, making the slight downward slope of the irrigation ditch appear to be an upward incline. While the water is actually flowing downhill, your brain perceives it as moving against gravity. It's a simple yet effective illusion that has drawn tourists for years. There's no grand history to uncover here, but the mystery of the illusion itself is the main draw. While there aren't specific "activities" beyond observing the water, you can certainly make the most of your visit. Bring a bottle of water to pour into the ditch and watch the illusion in action. Take plenty of photos and videos to capture the moment and share the wonder with your friends. There are also often vendors selling local snacks and souvenirs nearby, so you can grab a bite and a memento of your visit. While Dulan doesn't have a specific culinary tradition tied directly to this site, be sure to explore the local area for indigenous Amis cuisine, known for its fresh seafood and use of local ingredients like wild vegetables and mountain herbs.
Transportation
From Taitung City, take the East Coast Line bus (towards Chenggong or Hualien) and get off at the 'Shui Wang Shang Liu' (水往上流) stop. The bus ride takes approximately 40-60 minutes. The attraction is located right next to the bus stop.