Maolin Scenic Area

Maolin Scenic Area

The Maolin Scenic Area was officially established on July 1, 1999. In October 2001, its coverage was expanded from the original Maolin Township (now Maolin District) to six townships including Taoyuan Township and Liouguei Township of Kaohsiung County (now Taoyuan District and Liouguei District of Kaohsiung City), as well as Sandimen Township, Wutai Township, and Majia Township of Pingtung County, gradually making the scenic area one of the most famous tourist destinations in southern Taiwan.

Located at the border between Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County in Taiwan, the Maolin Scenic Area features a long and narrow territory extending from north to south. It lies on the western foothills of the Central Mountain Range, where the Laonong River, Zhuokou River, and Ailiao River flow through, carving out unique circular ridge landforms. Coupled with the traditional culture of the Rukai people, the area boasts abundant natural landscapes and indigenous cultural heritage. Notable scenic spots within the area include Lover’s Valley, Eighteen Arhats Mountain Nature Reserve, Maolin Valley Bluewater Lake, Tranquil Valley, Meiya Valley, Dragon Head Mountain, Eagle Gorge, Dorna Indigenous Village, Dorna Hot Springs, Hot Spring Gorge, Red Dust Gorge, Dorna Hidden Waterfall, Dorna Azalea Valley, and the Marvelous Grotto. Among these, Eighteen Arhats Mountain consists of over 40 dome-shaped hills located beside the Laonong River in Liouguei District. Over the years, erosion by the Laonong River has created a distinctive landscape, earning the area the name “Eighteen Arhats Mountain” and the nicknames “Little Guilin” or “Liouguei’s Yabakei.”

In addition to its stunning scenery, the Maolin Scenic Area is also a famous migration site for purple crow butterflies, making it a prime destination for butterfly watching.

Maolin National Scenic Area

Must-visit reason: One of the most famous tourist destinations in southern Taiwan