Sh十八 Luohan Mountain Scenic Area Introduction
Shiba Luohan Mountain is located along Taiwan Route 27甲 in Liugui District, beside the Laonong River. It consists of more than 40 upright conical mountains, resembling the eighteen arhats standing by the roadside, creating a spectacular and unique landscape akin to the beautiful karst scenery of Guilin, earning it the nickname "Little Guilin of Taiwan." The most beautiful viewpoint of Shiba Luohan Mountain can be accessed from Xinwei Forest Park by crossing the Laonong River eastward via Taiwan Route 28, and then viewing from Taiwan Route 27 on the east bank of the Laonong River. Here, the beautiful scenery of mountain and water mutually reflecting each other can be fully appreciated, especially recommended for photography around 3 or 4 AM when the sky is not fully bright, with mist in the air and the soft light of dawn, along with shimmering reflections on the river surface and occasional mountain mists that change the scenery dramatically. Due to its flame-like shape, Shiba Luohan Mountain is also known as "Liugui Flame Mountain," ranking alongside Sanyi Flame Mountain in Miaoli and Jiujiu Peak in Nantou as one of Taiwan's three major flame mountains. The geological structure primarily consists of Liugui breccia, with its unique landforms formed over millions of years, featuring steep cliffs, U-shaped valleys, gorges, and meanders, showcasing geological processes such as mountain building, erosion, and deposition, making it a natural geographical classroom. To protect this special landscape, the "Shiba Luohan Mountain Natural Reserve" is established here, where the valleys of Hongshui Creek and Zhuqiao Creek are densely forested with clear streams, serving as a major habitat for many butterfly species. Additionally, it is said that Shiba Luohan Mountain is the guardian deity of wealth for the residents of Liugui, and people believe that hard work in Liugui will lead to the accumulation of wealth.
