Marvel at the Purple Butterfly Valley in Maolin – Millions of Purple Crow Butterflies Make an Appearance

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

The “2014–2015 Maolin Purple Butterfly Valley ~ Biennial Butterfly-Watching Series” officially kicked off on October 18, and over the course of more than five months, in addition to butterfly-watching activities, the popular “Dona Black Rice Festival” remains part of the series. This year, the “Wanshan Warriors Festival” is also being included for the first time, offering a rich variety of events. Both domestic and international visitors are welcome to explore Maolin District in Kaohsiung City.

What Maolin District in Kaohsiung City is most proud of is having one of only two large-scale wintering butterfly valleys in the world. Every autumn and winter, millions of purple crow butterflies migrate south to overwinter here. The natural ecological spectacle of purple butterflies gathering and flying in swarms is as renowned as Mexico’s “Monarch Butterfly Valley,” both recognized as world-class natural assets. Therefore, the management office specially holds an annual cross-year butterfly-watching event, allowing visitors to witness this unique sight in Taiwan — and one of only two in the world — of swarms of purple butterflies filling the sky, as well as to learn about the mysteries and life cycle of the purple crow butterflies’ wintering.

When the first rays of dawn break over the Maolin Purple Butterfly Valley on a winter morning, we find the sleeping purple crow butterflies gradually awakening and beginning to eagerly chase the sunlight filtering through the treetops and woods. At times they remain completely still, displaying their iridescent wings, while at other times they flutter up and down through the valley. Not only does this provide visitors with one of the best ecotourism destinations, but it also brings a touch of warmth to the winter season.

This cross-year butterfly-watching series includes events such as 3D purple butterfly film screenings, an exhibition of images from the world’s two largest wintering butterfly valleys, and 1–2 day discounted butterfly-watching tours. In addition, multi-level international marketing efforts have been launched, and partnerships with multiple travel agencies have resulted in the introduction of 5-day, 4-night international butterfly-watching tour packages. This year, the “Wanshan Warriors Festival” is also included in the series for the first time, making the content especially rich. Moreover, this year’s series has significantly expanded collaborations with specialty shops in three Pingtung indigenous townships, Maolin District in Kaohsiung City, and Yunlin County, to launch a “Tourism Passport” that allows visitors to enjoy special discounts at various participating businesses.

Visitors who participate in the opening event of the biennial butterfly-watching series on October 18 will receive one free raffle ticket, with opportunities to win major prizes such as high-end cameras and premium suitcases. For those who love ecological exploration and immersing themselves in the purple ambiance, this is definitely not to be missed — an invitation from the graceful purple sprites to witness the magical metamorphosis of the purple crow butterflies. The event site will also feature challenge games, street performances, a presentation of the results of the Cittaslow Organic Agriculture Development Foundation's promotion of toxin-free organic farming in Maolin, and a purple butterfly puppet parade around Taiwan thoughtfully curated by a master puppeteer from Yunlin County. The program promises to be exciting.