One-Day Tour to Tianliao, Kaohsiung: Beyond the Moon World, Discover Hidden “Secret Spots”!

Text and photos byKaohsiung Food Map
(Photography and writing by Mr. Alan; all rights reserved by Kaohsiung Food Map)

Step onto the bizarre moon 384,000 kilometers away and secretly visit the "Little Guilin" hidden gem. Drink water from stone milk drips? Eat chicken roasted over peat? Or gaze at the romantic night view of the harbor city?

What role does travel play in our lives? When we set foot on the Moon World in Tianliao, Kaohsiung, the gasps of awe and the breathtaking scenes before our eyes leave us speechless. Meanwhile, photographers with their big cameras press the shutter — isn’t this the kind of postcard-worthy moment? This isn't just a hotspot for photographers’ flashes but also made the headline of CNN Travel in the U.S.

Nature has used its incredible craftsmanship to create this global wonder: the Moon World, with its moon-like “badland terrain” covered in jagged ridges and karst formations eroded by rainfall. Especially on the night of the full moon, when the bright moon hangs high in the sky, a breathtaking scene unfolds — the luminous moon reflecting off the rugged badlands creates a visual tension that is simply mesmerizing.

Walking along the wooden boardwalks of the Moon World is easy and gentle, often frequented by family travelers, energetic youths, and hikers making a pilgrimage. But the sights of the Moon World Scenic Area don’t stop there. The three mud volcanoes — Moon World, Dagunshui, and Xiaogunshui — spew bubbling natural gas and mud from beneath the earth. There’s also the so-called “Weight-Loss Cave,” a narrow passage only for those nimble enough to squeeze through. Other wonders include dripping stone milk, the One-Line Sky, and the Da Nantian Fude Temple... Oh, and the lesser-known Wulikeng secret spot, with its steep peaks reflected in the water, is also called “Little Guilin.”

As night falls, the area around the Moon World is lined with local chicken restaurants. Some advertise slow-roasted chicken using volcanic mud, while others offer mountain-top dining with sweeping views of the stunning night scenery below. With such a rich experience, how can you not come?

[Moon World]
The Moon World trails are divided into four major routes: the Moon-Climbing Trail, the Lakeside Trail, the Badland Trail, and the Chang’e Flying to the Moon Silk Road. From the entrance, visitors can start with either the Moon-Climbing Trail or the Yuchi Lakeside Trail. Completing a loop around the Moon World takes about an hour and a half, accomplishing your “moon-climbing” feat.

It's recommended to begin your lunar adventure with the Moon-Climbing Trail, passing scenic spots such as the Crescent Viewpoint, Moon Pond, Heavenly Ladder, Observation Deck, and Bamboo Pavilion, before returning via the Badland Trail and Lakeside Trail. For those seeking to explore further and higher into the moon, add the Chang’e Flying to the Moon Silk Road to your journey.

Suggested Route: Moon-Climbing Trail → Crescent Viewpoint → Moon Pond → Heavenly Ladder → Chang’e Flying to the Moon Silk Road → Badland Trail → Yuchi → Lakeside Trail.

Note: The section from the “Moon-Climbing Trail” to the “Chang’e Flying to the Moon Silk Road” is currently under maintenance. The Badland Trail and Lakeside Trail remain open.

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