The “Turtle Mountain Hiking Trail” by Lotus Pond in Zuoying, Kaohsiung, gets its name from its turtle-like shape. Later, the construction of Shengli Road divided it into two parts. The section close to the pond is now known as Little Turtle Mountain, while the other side across Shengli Road is Big Turtle Mountain. The hiking trail features well-laid wooden boardwalks that are gentle and not steep, taking only about 30 minutes to complete. Located right in the city with convenient transportation, it offers a bird’s-eye view of Lotus Pond and is a great hiking spot for the whole family.
The Turtle Mountain Trail is composed of coral reef limestone geology and lies within the Shoushan National Nature Park. On the southern side, the Big Turtle Mountain hiking trail has three entrances: the one near the parking lot, the North Gate entrance, and the Lou Ding Ma entrance. Each path is easy to walk, with a cool breeze making the hike very pleasant.
In the past, Big Turtle Mountain was a military stronghold and served as a strategic point guarding the naval port. As a result, remnants of military facilities such as bunkers, air-raid shelters, artillery positions, and ruins of wartime barracks can be found everywhere here—making for quite a unique sight. Though these military structures no longer serve defensive purposes, they have become habitats for wildlife. The cultural and military heritage of Turtle Mountain also gives it a distinctive character unlike other trails.
Although Turtle Mountain is not very high, its flat surroundings and lack of tall buildings offer excellent views. From here, you can take in panoramic sights of the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and the beautiful Lotus Pond.