Dagangshan Scenic Area Introduction
Dagang Mountain spans across Gangshan, Yanchao, Alian, and Tianliao districts, covering a vast area with the highest elevation of 312 meters. The advantageous high terrain once served as a closed military stronghold, requiring prior applications for entry. Today, the Dagang Mountain Scenic Area is not only dotted with ancient temples and famous pagodas but also a popular spot for hiking trails, with mysterious limestone topography worth exploring. The scenic area is densely forested, featuring primitive ecological landscapes; its geology consists of coral reef limestone, coupled with distinct stepped fault structures, creating a variety of enchanting natural sceneries. In the Qing Dynasty, it was recognized for its "Dagang Mountain Tree Colors" among the "Eight Scenic Spots of Fengshan." The extensive park is generally divided into three areas: the front mountain's Ruyi Park, the religious area, and the natural ecological area, all interconnected by various walking paths for public leisure. The front mountain is filled with ancient temples and pagodas, attracting a continuous flow of pilgrims, while the rear mountain boasts rare and precious limestone geological wonders, such as the Panlong Canyon's One Line Sky and Shimu Milk among other natural marvels, captivating many visitors. Ruyi Park, adjacent to the entrance of Alian District, features a large children's play area and green lawns for family fun. The century-old banyans and tree houses cohabiting there are the park's highlights. The square in the park is suitable for large events, particularly the annually held "Dagang Mountain Longan Honey Culture Festival," which is the most popular among residents. The religious area, owing to its serene mountain views, is home to numerous temples scattered throughout Dagang Mountain, earning the title of "Buddhist Mountain of Taiwan," with Chaofeng Temple, which has a history exceeding 200 years, being the most famous for its "Chaofeng Evening Bell," part of Kaohsiung's eight scenic spots. Visiting tranquil temples or famous pagodas amidst the solemnity of morning and evening bells offers a spiritually refreshing journey through nature. Tianling Cave, a naturally occurring limestone formation that emerges from the seabed, was originally called "General Yan's Cave" after a general surnamed Yan who hid there during the Qing Dynasty to escape pursuers. It was renamed "Tianling Cave" in 1987 when the Ling Tian Temple in Songshan, Taipei, was designated as the founding location. The cave is shaped like a gourd, with entrances on both the east and west sides. Inside, deities such as Tudigong, Guan Yu, and Ji Gong are worshiped. The cave is narrow, allowing only one person to enter at a time, and the length is short, reaching the other side quickly, where a gazebo offers high vantage views overlooking the Gangshan area. Dagang Mountain's triangulation point (next to Triangle Park) is also known as Dagang Mountain, standing at 312 meters and is one of Taiwan's minor peaks (No. 74), as well as one of the top ten famous mountains in the former Kaohsiung County. It is located on the watershed divide between the Erjen River and the A-Gong-Dian River, marked by a third-order triangulation point No. 499. However, its benchmark is situated within a military camp, making it inaccessible to the general public. The official triangulation point of Dagang Mountain was replaced by the "Provincial Government Survey Benchmark," with a cement post beside it. The Dagang Mountain Natural Ecological Area spans 80 hectares, featuring numerous winding forest trails connected by beautifully designed pavilions and platforms for visitors to rest and enjoy the scenery. Towering green bamboo, acacia, leucophyllum frutescens, cherry blossoms, and golden trumpet trees bloom in succession with the seasons along the trails, showcasing the ecological beauty of Dagang Mountain. The ecological pond, dotted with lotus flowers, is the best spot for observing birds and aquatic life. Along the paths, rich natural ecology and cultural landscapes unfold like picturesque vistas, transforming the area into a paradise. At night, looking down from the mountains reveals a scene of twinkling lights like stars, presenting a different charm. Shimu Milk and One Line Sky, located in the rear mountain of Dagang Mountain, can be accessed from the direction of Chaoyuan Temple in Tianliao District. The area sees fewer visitors and retains a more primitive natural landscape. Dagang Mountain's coral reef limestone topography is evident along the hiking trails, with numerous caves and valleys adding to the region's mystique. The limestone walls of the mountains have undergone erosion for centuries, displaying waterfall-like textures, and the limestone formations behind the lotus pond have evolved into stalactites through prolonged dripping water, known locally as Shimu Milk. Walking along the mountain boardwalk beside Shimu Milk, one encounters narrow canyons rising two to three meters high, evoking a sense of nature's grandeur. According to local legend, during the Ming Dynasty, Dagang Mountain suddenly emitted a "mountain sound," causing the ridges to crack from south to north, forming a canyon approximately 100 meters long. As one looks up from within, the sky appears as a singular line, hence the name "One Line Sky." This location features limestone geological fault structures, where signs of erosion can be seen throughout the rock walls; though it appears fluid, it is indeed an extraordinary geological form, making it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts. Panlong Canyon's One Line Sky is located in the rear of Dagang Mountain, extending 285 meters long, with its depth currently undocumented. It was mysteriously discovered by a local association during a terrain survey a few years ago, and like Shimu Milk and One Line Sky, it is a special canyon marvel formed by limestone geology and related processes. Walking within the canyon, one feels particularly small, surrounded by steep cliffs, and gazing upwards provides an awe-inspiring view. "Panlong Canyon's One Line Sky" is named for the mulberry trees growing on the rocks, resembling vines stretching upward. Although the dense canopy at the canyon's top obscures much of the sunlight, the lush greenery adds vitality to the shaded ravine. This hidden spot is not easily found; it can be accessed via a woodland path behind the "Xinyang Pavilion" in the ecological park, with temporary signage along the way. It takes about 30 minutes to reach, but this route is not a fully developed hiking trail, so those looking to explore should take care of their safety and consider going with someone familiar with the paths. *This area has many mosquitoes, so please prepare mosquito repellent in advance.*
