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 "Lomus," which means "beautiful valley" in the Rukai language, the valley features a deep and beautifully blue pond in the expansive Zhuokou Creek gorge northeast of the Lomus Suspension Bridge. The creek is characterized by its meandering flow around rock walls, converging with Musheng Creek to form the Blue Pond. The Maolin Waterfall plunges dramatically, creating a spectacular view. However, there are whirlpools at the bottom of the Blue Pond, playfully nicknamed the "Maiden's Trap" by locals, making swimming or water play unsafe. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery from an elegantly designed pavilion in front of the waterfall. The valley is surrounded by the three famous mountains of Maolin – Longtou Mountain, Shetou Mountain, and Guixing Mountain. Zhuokou Creek runs through Maolin, offering not only majestic mountain vistas but also waterfalls, gorges, and a rich array of flora and fauna, resulting in unique geological formations. Longtou and Shetou Mountains are examples of cyclic hill terrain. The formation of Shetou Mountain differs from Longtou Mountain, as the hill behind Shetou accumulates soil and rocks, creating a landform resembling the head of a hundred-step snake. Longtou Mountain’s head and ridge are separated due to intentional blasting during the Japanese occupation to facilitate local transportation and alter the water flow direction. This natural wonder, resembling a giant dragon spitting pearls, is a result of meandering and cyclic hill terrain. From above, it appears as a massive dragon resting within the valley, presenting a breathtaking view. Longtou Mountain, Shetou Mountain, and Guixing Mountain are collectively known as the three famous mountains of Maolin. The Old Maolin Ruins are located above Meiya Creek and Meiya Waterfall in Wanshan Village, Maolin District, on a 45-degree slope at an elevation of 500 to 600 meters. According to local legends and stories, the settlement at this site dates back quite early, but it's challenging to pinpoint a specific founding date. In 1940, residents of Old Maolin were relocated to the current site of Maolin Village due to the Japanese management policies, resulting in the abandonment of the original site. Sixty-five identifiable stone houses remain, with their bases, structures, and forms still recognizable. The stones used were locally sourced black-gray slate and shale, roughly processed into flat stones, forming square houses characteristic of the Rukai people. While the roofs have collapsed and only the walls or foundations remain, the sight of the clustered stone house ruins is still quite impressive. Above the northwest side of the settlement ruins, remnants of a police station and an education center for indigenous children established during the Japanese era are still visible. The Old Maolin site not only reflects communal life but also provides insights into the practical environment of indigenous policies during the Japanese occupation, making it highly valuable. The Purple Butterfly Valley in Kaohsiung's Maolin is the primary distribution area for the purple butterflies. From November to March, it is estimated that over one million Purple Emperor butterflies, identified by their gliding wings, migrate to this warm, sheltered valley at the foot of Dawan Mountain, the sacred mountain of the Rukai and Paiwan peoples in southern Taiwan, forming a winter congregation that can reach over one million butterflies. The butterfly viewing wooden path, located behind the district office, is the best spot to observe these butterflies in their dazzling flights during the mornings of the overwintering season. Qinqin Valley is near the entrance of Maolin National Scenic Area and was originally a popular tourist spot but is currently undergoing reconstruction due to damage from a storm. Positioned on a tributary of Zhuokou Creek to the south of Maolin District, Qinqin Valley is known for its natural attractions, including canyons and hot springs (currently closed), as well as the impressive Qinqin Valley Waterfall, which cascades through five levels. Due to the lush greenery, access is only via a stair path to the second level, where the ample river flows down with great force, sending refreshing spray into the breeze, providing a soothing experience that clears the mind. In the resonant embrace of nature, one may reflect upon a poignant love story, leaving behind unforgettable memories.
