Caoling Scenic Area

Caoling Scenic Area

The Caoling Scenic Area spans three administrative regions in Taiwan: Meishan Township in Chiayi County, Zhushan Township in Nantou County, and Gukeng Township in Yunlin County. Its elevation ranges from 450 meters to 1,750 meters, covering an area of over one thousand hectares. Surrounded by mountains, the scenic area boasts a wealth of unique landform features, giving rise to attractions such as the Penglai Waterfall, Cliff of Spring and Autumn, Steep Cliff Majesty, Water Curtain Cave, Frog Rock, Wonder Cave, Valley of Lost Souls, Concentric Waterfalls, String of Pearls Pools, and the Clear Stream Miniature World. It is honored as the “Ten Scenic Spots of Caoling.”

The terrain within the Caoling Scenic Area is slightly basin-shaped, with streams meandering through it, presenting naturally diverse landscapes. The major earthquake of 1941 split the Zhuotuo Mountain northwest of the main Caoling village in two, creating many unique landforms, rocks, and valleys in the process. For instance, both the Cliff of Spring and Autumn and the Valley of Lost Souls are landscapes formed during that earthquake. The Cliff of Spring and Autumn features a sheer cliff face that drops vertically along a one-kilometer-long fault line. The Valley of Lost Souls is a gorge located about 200 meters below the lower end of the Cliff of Spring and Autumn, flanked by steep cliffs. At the northern end of the valley, three waterfalls cascade down from the cliff top to the bottom, adding a lively touch to the entire scenic area.

Aside from its breathtaking scenery, the Caoling Scenic Area also offers tempting local delicacies. The area’s “three treasures”—freshwater snails, eels, and loaches—as well as the freshwater fish and shrimp in the Qingshui Stream are among the favorite dishes of hikers.

Caoling Scenic Area

Must-visit reason: One of Taiwan’s most geographically diverse areas