
▲ Hidden gem “Little Nature” in Gaoxiong. (Photo /IG@cjen0917Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)
Reporter Zhang Shuyun / Comprehensive report
A so-called hidden gem refers to an enchanting paradise or an out-of-the-way utopia that’s hard to access. Gaoxiong’s West Bay also has such a hidden scenic spot“Little Nature,”which has no official address and requires navigating a rugged path to get there. It’s said that students from Sun Yat-sen University used to come here for leisure or gatherings after class. The area preserves abundant ecological landscapes, like a living encyclopedia.When visiting, be sure to stay safe and take care to preserve the environment.

▲ Rocks, waves, and orange-blue skies form a painting. (Photo /IG@art_xiongProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

▲ Many rocks of varying sizes — watch your step while walking. (Photo /IG@cjen0917Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)
Behind Sun Yat-sen University, there are three places you can visit: Little Nature, Chai Mountain Small Fishing Port, and Big Nature. Compared to the path to Big Nature, Little Nature is harder to reach, with many forks and forests, requiring some physical effort. There are two or three branch trails that lead down, and when descending, you’ll need to pull yourself along a thick rope. The path is rough, and the surrounding sharp gravel makes it easy to slip and get injured.

▲ Be careful of sharp rocks when taking photos. (Photo /IG@plusyangProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

▲ The hidden gem “Little Nature” is like a living encyclopedia. (Photo /IG@frankuccProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)
Once you reach the bottom, the ecosystems you’ve seen in textbooks come vividly to life. You can see many creatures such as crabs, hermit crabs, small fish, and shrimp, as well as lush green seaweed. Waves crashing against the coastal rocks send up sprays of water, and if you’re lucky enough to catch the sunset, it creates a stunning gradient of colors. The vast seascape before you stretches out, and if you look to the left, you can even see Sun Yat-sen University.

▲ %枷ρ粑飨鲁山ゲ忝溃??谰爸氯萌说钩橐豢谄?#ㄍ迹?/strong>IG@chongwei___0610Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Every step must be taken carefully, as the algae and moss on the rocks can make them slippery. After passing massive limestone formations, you’ll see a beach made up of small white pebbles, set against blue sea and sky — a moment that makes you momentarily forget the tough climb. Every time you look back, the view is different. Looking up, you might spot a watchtower (Chai Mountain used to be a military restricted area), surrounded by dense cacti, creating a scene straight out of a fairy-tale adventure. But while enjoying the view, be careful not to get pricked.

▲ Cacti among the rocks look like something out of a fairy-tale adventure. (Photo /IG@jess510528Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)
Along the way, you’ll encounter many macaques. Never feed or play with them, and make sure to protect your own safety. Aside from the tough journey, those hoping to catch a glimpse of this hidden gem should stay vigilant. After enjoying the beautiful scenery, be sure not to leave any trash — remember to protect this pristine treasure. Since the hidden gem is hard to find, it’s a good idea to ask people at Sun Yat-sen University or local residents before setting out to avoid getting lost.

▲ Beautiful natural ecosystems need careful preservation to survive. (Photo /IG@frankuccProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)
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