Maolin National Scenic Area

　　The Maolin National Scenic Area was officially established on July 1, 1999, and in October 2001, it expanded from the original Maolin Township (now Maolin District) to include six townships: Taoyuan Township and Liugui Township of Kaohsiung County (now Taoyuan District and Liugui District of Kaohsiung City), as well as Sandimen Township, Wutai Township, and Majia Township of Pingtung County. This expansion gradually established the scenic area as one of the most renowned tourist destinations in southern Taiwan.

　　Located at the border between Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County in Taiwan, the Maolin National Scenic Area stretches narrowly 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 valley landforms. Coupled with the traditional culture of the Rukai people, the area boasts rich natural landscapes and indigenous cultural heritage. Notable scenic spots within the area include Lover’s Valley, the Eighteen Arhats Mountain Nature Reserve, Maolin Valley Bluewater Lake, Tranquil Valley, Meiya Valley, Dragon Head Mountain, Eagle Canyon, Dorna Indigenous Village, Dorna Hot Springs, Hot Spring Canyon, Red Dust Canyon, Dorna Hidden Waterfall, Dorna Azalea Valley, and the Divine Gorge. Among these, the Eighteen Arhats Mountains consist of over 40 dome-shaped hills located near the Laonong River in Liugui District. Over the years, erosion by the Laonong River has shaped these hills into a distinctive landscape, earning them the name “Eighteen Arhats Mountains” and the nicknames “Little Guilin” or “Liugui’s Yama River.”

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

　　Maolin National Scenic Area Must-visit reason: One of the most renowned tourist destinations in southern Taiwan