Menmaolao Mountain Introduction
Menmaloshan is located at the southern end of the Central Mountain Range and consists of low-altitude hilly terrain, with the highest peak reaching only 305 meters. The landscape is generally flat with minimal elevation changes. The name "Menmaloshan" has an interesting origin, as the winding trails of this mountain often lead people to get lost, so the locals jokingly referred to it as "Mowulu Mountain" (摸無路山), which sounds similar, and ultimately, the name was established as Menmaloshan. Due to its gentle terrain and lack of complicated mountain features, Menmaloshan is suitable for planning cycling routes. Riding along the mountain trails of Menmaloshan, one is greeted with a lush green panorama, with varying shades of green rising and falling, creating a delightful scene even with just simple greenery; crossing this vast grassland, you won't encounter dense forests that obstruct the view, nor will you smell the secluded atmosphere of jungles—what you experience is a light and pleasant joy. The mountain scenery here, though primitive, feels easily approachable. Leaving the tall grass area, you are quickly met with refreshing vistas. The continuous mountain ranges appear truly magnificent, and the villages surrounded by mountains exude a sense of tranquility. The couple trees standing side by side evoke feelings of love, accompanied by the ancient Qiongma Path, which reminds one of the past prosperity of Hengchun. The couple trees are associated with a touching love story; it is said that there was once a pair of deeply affectionate lovers who could not unite due to parental disapproval. They vowed under the tree to remain devoted to each other forever, and this true feeling ultimately moved heaven, allowing them to become married. Therefore, it is widely believed that couples who make vows in front of the couple trees will successfully marry. Qiongma is a fiber plant that is drought-resistant and thrives in poor soil, serving as the main raw material for making hemp rope. Given the hot climate and barren soil of the Hengchun Peninsula, it perfectly suits the growth conditions of Qiongma, making it one of the "three treasures of Hengchun" and an important economic crop that once brought prosperity to the region. However, with advancements in rope-making technology, the Qiongma industry has gradually faced decline. It is surprising that a visit to Menmaloshan not only offers the chance to enjoy natural beauty but also evokes memories of a profound historical past.
