Xuhai Grassland Introduction
Xuhai Grassland, also known as Zhongzheng Grassland, is located in Xuhai Village, Mudan Township, Pingtung County. It is situated on the gentle slope of Mudanbi Mountain at the northern mouth of Xuhai Creek, adjacent to Mudan Bay along the Pacific Ocean, covering an area of approximately 80 hectares. It remains a natural landscape area that retains its primitive appearance. The scenic area is planned with three hiking trails: the Grassland Trail, Mudanbi Mountain Trail, and Ecological Trail, each presenting different layers of scenery. The Grassland Trail is about 900 meters long and has a low level of difficulty, categorized as a leisure trail. As the trail winds upward, visitors can see vast green grasslands, occasionally accompanied by a gentle breeze that produces the soothing sound of rustling grass—a sound that is so rhythmic, calm, and peaceful. Here, the greenery uplifts the mood, making it a natural spot to observe the ocean and sunrise. The Mudanbi Mountain Trail is approximately 400 meters long, lined with low shrubs such as Hengchun waxberries, golden dewdrop, and myrtle. At a normal walking pace, it takes about 10 minutes to complete the trail, with the only challenge being a slightly steep ascent. After reaching the highest point of Mudanbi Mountain at 232 meters above sea level, the remaining path becomes much easier. The Ecological Trail is about 1,500 meters long, with an abundance of beautiful wild plants on both sides, such as sea olive, wild peony, Hengchun osmanthus, portia tree, Taiwan orchid, and slender-leaf breadfruit. Visitors may also encounter butterflies, insects, and reptiles along the way. While the distance is longer, the walk is anything but boring. At the junction connecting the Grassland Trail and Mudanbi Mountain Trail, there is an observation pavilion. Unsurprisingly, this spot offers a great vantage point, with the vast Pacific Ocean before you and the beautifully crescent-shaped Mudan Bay nearby, where the shore is scattered with smooth, round pebbles. The area also features the simple Xuhai Fishing Port and the mysterious black stone houses— "fishing villages, ruins, waves, and strange stones"— a thought of another beautiful journey ahead.
