Shih-fan Luohan Mountain Scenic Area Introduction
Sh十八 Lohan Mountain is located on Taiwan Provincial Highway 27甲 in Liouguei District, next to the Laonong River. It is composed of over 40 upright conical peaks, resembling eighteen Arhats standing by the roadside. The spectacular and unique scenery creates a landscape akin to Guilin, earning it the nickname “Little Guilin of Taiwan” and making it the most beautiful landmark in Liouguei. The best perspective to admire Sh十八 Lohan Mountain can be found by crossing the Laonong River to the east bank on Taiwan Provincial Highway 28 from Xinwei Forest Park, where one can gaze upon the mountain from the east bank of the Laonong River. With the gentle flow of the river as a backdrop, the stunning landscape of mountains and water reflected in one another is fully visible. It is recommended to capture this scenery around 3 or 4 in the morning, before dawn breaks, when the air is filled with mist and light, creating shimmering waves on the river's surface, sometimes accompanied by mountain mists, resulting in ever-changing scenery. Due to its fiery shape, Sh十八 Lohan Mountain is also known as “Liouguei Flame Mountain,” ranking alongside Miaoli's Sanyi Flame Mountain and Nantou's Caotun Jiujiu Peak as one of Taiwan's three major flame mountains. The geology is primarily composed of Liouguei conglomerate, having formed its unique terrain over millions of years, featuring steep cliffs, U-shaped valleys, canyons, and meandering streams, providing a natural geological classroom showcasing orogenic movements, erosion, deposition, and other geological processes. To protect this unique landscape, the "Sh十八 Lohan Mountain Nature Reserve" has been established. Within the scenic area, the valleys of Hongshui River and Zhuqiao River are dense with trees and clear streams, serving as a major habitat for various butterfly species, becoming an important destination for butterfly watching. Additionally, it is said that Sh十八 Lohan Mountain is the guardian deity of the wealth of Liouguei residents, and people believe that as long as they work hard in Liouguei, they can accumulate wealth.
