Purple sprites descend on lush forests — explore the generational natural treasure of the Rukai people, “Purple Butterfly Valley”

▲The annual spectacle of purple crow butterflies descending upon southern Taiwan in autumn and winter is one of only two world-class purple butterfly wonders globally. (Photo / Provided by Maolin National Scenic Area)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

A “purple army” is set to sweep into southern Taiwan in force. The unique, wintering purple butterfly valley in Maolin District, Kaohsiung — the only one of its kind in Taiwan and rated as a three-star must-visit ecological attraction by the international travel bible *Michelin Green Guide Taiwan* — will showcase its spectacular scenery from November 16th over the course of four and a half months. In the valleys of southern Taiwan, this fleeting yet beautiful life of the purple sprites will be on full display.

From around November each year to March of the following year, over a million purple crow butterflies migrate south to the valleys of Maolin District, Kaohsiung, to overwinter. The natural wonder of these clustered butterflies forming the “Purple Butterfly Valley” is ranked alongside Mexico’s “Monarch Butterfly Valley” as a world-class natural asset. When various species of purple butterflies descend into the low-altitude mountainous areas across Maolin, they seem to drape the valleys in a purple veil. The flowing river of purple forms the basis for the poetic name “Purple Butterfly Valley,” which is also a treasured natural gem of the Rukai people.

This year, Maolin National Scenic Area has prepared a series of year-end butterfly-watching events for this “purple miracle.” In addition to the “Maolin National Scenic Area Food Week” held from November 17th to 23rd in collaboration with the Tourism Bureau, a countdown music party and the 2014 New Year’s Day sunrise hiking event will make their debut at Lover’s Square on December 31st. The Maolin Management Office also recommends that, besides enjoying the butterflies, visitors shouldn’t miss the important Rukai festival, the “Tona Black Rice Ceremony,” to experience the local indigenous people’s reverence for their ancestors.

For detailed event information, please visit【Maolin National Scenic Area】Official Website