Menmaloshan Introduction
Menmaloshan is located at the southern end of the Central Mountain Range, featuring low-altitude hilly terrain, with its highest peak reaching only 305 meters. The name Menmaloshan has an interesting origin. The trails in this area are complicated and often cause people to lose their way, so locals jokingly referred to this mountain as "Mo Wu Lu Shan," which phonetically evolved into the name Menmaloshan. Due to the gentle terrain of Menmaloshan, which lacks complex mountain features, it is suitable for cycling trips. Riding along the small paths in Menmaloshan, one is surrounded by a lush landscape, with varying shades of green rising and falling, creating a visually appealing scenery despite its simplicity. As one traverses this expansive grassland, they encounter no dense forests obstructing their view, only a refreshing sense of joy in the air. The mountain scenery here is primitive yet approachable. Leaving behind the tall grasslands, one quickly finds themselves in rejuvenating vistas. The continuous mountain ranges appear magnificent, and the small villages encircled by the mountains exude a tranquil atmosphere. The couple trees standing side by side invite a feeling of connection with nature, while the old Qiongma Ancient Trail evokes nostalgia for the past prosperity of Hengchun. There is also a touching love story related to the couple trees. Legend has it that a deeply affectionate couple could not gain the approval of their parents to be together and, thus, could not wed. They came to the tree and swore eternal love, and their true feelings eventually moved the heavens, allowing them to become married. As a result, it is said that couples who pledge their love in front of the couple trees will successfully marry. Qiongma is a drought-resistant and barren-soil-tolerant fiber plant, serving as the main raw material for making hemp ropes. The hot climate and poor soil of the Hengchun Peninsula fit the growth conditions for Qiongma, which is regarded as one of the three treasures of Hengchun and an important economic crop that once brought prosperity to the area. However, with advancements in rope-making technology, the Qiongma industry has gradually faced decline. Indeed, a visit to Menmaloshan not only allows one to appreciate the natural beauty but also brings to mind a history that remains deeply etched in the landscape.
