Maolin National Scenic Area Introduction
Maolin Valley is located at the confluence of Zhuokou Creek and its tributary, Musheng Creek, on the eastern side of Maolin Village. Originally named "Romus," which means "beautiful valley" in the Rukai language, the valley features a deep and beautiful pool in the broad river area of Zhuokou Creek northeast of the Romus Suspension Bridge. The winding Zhuokou Creek, formed by rock walls, converges with Musheng Creek to create the Blue Water Pool. The cascading waterfalls in Maolin are spectacular, but the bottom of the Blue Water Pool has whirlpools, leading locals to jokingly refer to it as the "girl's trap," making swimming or playing in the water inadvisable. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery in a beautifully designed pavilion in front of the waterfall. The three famous mountains of Maolin—Longtoushan, Shetoushan, and Guixing Mountain—are traversed by Zhuokou Creek. In addition to breathtaking mountain views, the area also boasts waterfalls, gorges, and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, creating unique terrains and geological features. Longtoushan and Shetoushan are characterized by their circular hilltop formations. Their formation differs, with Shetoushan being formed from the accumulation of soil and rock due to landslides connecting to the hill behind it, resembling the head of a hundred-step snake. The visible separation between the dragon's head and dragon's back on Longtoushan is the result of deliberate blasting during the Japanese rule to facilitate transportation for local residents by altering the water flow direction. This natural wonder, resembling a giant dragon spitting pearls, is caused by the meandering and circular hilltop formations; from above, it looks like a giant dragon coiled within the valley, creating a stunning view. Longtoushan, Shetoushan, and Guixing Mountain are collectively known as the three famous mountains of Maolin. Old Maolin Ruins are located above Meiya Creek and Meiya Waterfall in Wanshan Village, Maolin District, on a 45-degree slope at an altitude of 500 to 600 meters. According to local legends and stories, the settlement at this site dates back quite far, but a specific creation date is hard to determine. In 1940, due to Japanese management policies, the residents of Old Maolin relocated to the present location of Maolin Village, resulting in the abandonment of the old site. The ruins include 65 identifiable slate houses with intact bases, structures, and forms. The materials used for construction came from local black-gray slate and shale, which were simply processed into regular slab shapes and stacked to create square houses with distinct Rukai features. Although the roofs have collapsed and only walls or foundations remain, the sight of the grouped slate house ruins is still quite impressive. Above the northwest side of the settlement remains the site of the police station and aboriginal education station established by the Japanese colonial government. The Old Maolin Ruins not only reflect the community's way of life but also specifically illustrate the practical environment of the colonial policies towards indigenous peoples, making it a valuable site. The Purple Butterfly Valley in Kaohsiung's Maolin is the main distribution area for the purple butterfly, with an estimated population of over a million butterflies arriving with their glider-like purple wings from November to March the following year. They flock to the warm, sheltered valley at the foot of Dawushan, the sacred mountain of the Rukai and Paiwan peoples, forming an overwintering group that can exceed one million butterflies, known as the "Purple Butterfly Valley," which is also one of their resting places. The butterfly observation boardwalk, located behind the district office, is the best place to view the butterflies, especially in the mornings during the overwintering season when visitors can see their graceful dance along the path. Lover's Valley, located near the entrance of Maolin National Scenic Area, was once a popular tourist destination but is currently undergoing reconstruction due to wind damage. It is situated on a tributary of Zhuokou Creek to the south of Maolin District and is famous for its natural features, including canyons, hot springs (currently not in operation), and creek waters. The waterfall group in Lover's Valley, which cascades down in five levels, is particularly stunning. Due to dense vegetation, access to the second level can only be made via a stairway path, where the stunning white water sprays down vigorously, scattering cool droplets in the breeze, providing a refreshing experience. In this resonant landscape, one can reflect on a poignant love story, leaving behind lasting and unforgettable memories.
