Maolin National Scenic Area Introduction
Maolin Valley Maolin Valley is located at the confluence of Zhuokou Creek and its tributary, Musheng Creek, on the eastern side of Maolin Village. Originally named "Luomusi," it means "beautiful valley" in the Rukai language. In the expansive gorge of Zhuokou Creek northeast of the Luomusi Suspension Bridge, one can see the beautiful deep blue pools which are formed by the winding Zhuokou Creek merging with Musheng Creek, creating the "Blue Water Pond." The waterfalls at Maolin are spectacular as they cascade down with great force, but the bottom of the Blue Water Pond has whirlpools, which locals jokingly refer to as the "Maiden’s Trap," making swimming or playing in the water unsafe. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery from the elegantly designed pavilion in front of the waterfall. The three famous mountains of Maolin—Longtou Mountain, Shetou Mountain, and Guixing Mountain—are connected by Zhuokou Creek. Along with the towering mountain landscapes, they create unique terrains and geological features such as waterfalls, canyons, and a rich variety of flora and fauna. Longtou Mountain and Shetou Mountain are typical of cirque hills. Shetou Mountain's formation was different from that of Longtou Mountain; it was shaped by the accumulation of soils and rocks from sliding land that connected with the hills behind it, resulting in a landscape resembling a pit viper’s head, complementing Longtou Mountain on either side. The current separation of Longtou from Longtou Ridge was a result of deliberate blasting during the Japanese colonial period to facilitate local transportation by altering the water flow direction. This natural wonder, reminiscent of a giant dragon spitting pearls, is due to the meandering and cirque hill topography, giving the appearance of a dragon resting in the valley when viewed from above. Old Maolin Ruins The Old Maolin Ruins are located on a 45-degree slope at an altitude of 500 to 600 meters above the Meiya Creek and Meiya Waterfall in Wanshan Village, Maolin District. According to local legends and stories, the settlement dates back to an early period, but it is challenging to pinpoint an exact founding date. In 1940, the residents of Old Maolin were relocated to the present location of Maolin Village due to Japanese administrative policies, leaving the old site abandoned. The ruins still contain 65 identifiable slate houses, with their foundations, structures, and forms largely intact. The stone materials used were sourced from local black-gray slate and shale, which were simply processed into regular-shaped slates to construct the distinctive square dwellings of the Rukai tribe. Although the roofs have collapsed, leaving only walls or foundations, the cluster of slate house ruins remains quite impressive from a distance. Above the northwest end of the settlement ruins, remnants of the police station and aboriginal children's education center established by the Japanese government during their rule still exist, which not only reflect tribal life but also illustrate the environmental context of the Japanese governing policies. Purple Butterfly Valley Kaohsiung's Maolin is the primary distribution area for the Purple Butterfly Valley. From November to March of the following year, it is conservatively estimated that more than a million purple butterflies, with their gliding wings, come to the warm, sheltered valleys at the foot of the sacred Dawu Mountain of the Rukai and Paiwan people in southern Taiwan, forming an overwintering group that can reach over a million butterflies. The Maolin area is also one of their habitats. The butterfly observation boardwalk, located behind the district office, provides the best time to view the butterflies in the morning during their overwintering season, allowing visitors to see their graceful dance along the path. Lover's Valley Lover's Valley, located near the entrance of Maolin National Scenic Area, was once a favorite spot for tourists but is currently undergoing reconstruction due to damage from a storm. Lover's Valley, known as "Tuba Lu" in the Rukai language, is situated on a tributary of Zhuokou Creek on the southern side of Maolin District. It is famous for its natural features, including canyons, hot springs (currently closed), and streams. The stunning Lover's Valley waterfall group is divided into five levels as one moves from top to bottom. Due to the dense greenery, visitors can only access the second level via a side-step trail. The cascading water shoots down magnificently, with white flowers spraying in the air, and the refreshing water droplets hit your face in the gentle breeze, providing a soothing experience that clears away all worries. In the resonant embrace of mountains and rivers, one can reflect on a poignant love story, leaving behind an unforgettable memory.
