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 "Luomusi," which means "beautiful valley" in the Rukai language, the area features a deep, stunning blue pond formed by the meandering Zhuokou Creek and its convergence with Musheng Creek. The dramatic Maolin Waterfall cascades down spectacularly, but the bottom of the blue pond contains whirlpools, playfully dubbed the "girl trap" by locals, making it unsuitable for swimming. Visitors can enjoy the view of the waterfall from an elegantly designed pavilion, immersing themselves in the magnificent beauty of nature. The three famous mountains in Maolin—Longtoushan, Shetoushan, and Guixing Mountain—are traversed by Zhuokou Creek. Besides the majestic high mountain scenery, the area also boasts unique topographical features such as waterfalls, canyons, and rich biodiversity. Longtoushan and Shetoushan are part of a rolling hill terrain. The formations of Shetoushan and Longtoushan are different; the former is linked to the hill behind it through the accumulation of landslide materials, creating a landscape that resembles the head of a viper, while Longtoushan glows harmoniously alongside. The separation of Longtoushan’s head and ridge as we see today was a consequence of deliberate blasting during the Japanese occupation to facilitate transportation for local residents. This natural wonder, resembling a giant dragon spitting pearls, is a result of meandering streams and rolling hill terrain, creating a spectacular sight that resembles a dragon resting in the valley when viewed from above. Longtoushan, Shetoushan, and Guixing Mountain are collectively referred to 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. Local legends and stories indicate that the settlement at this site was established quite early, though the exact founding year is difficult to ascertain. In 1940, residents of Old Maolin moved to the current site of Maolin Village due to Japanese administrative policies, leaving the old site abandoned. Sixty-five stone houses from the site remain recognizable, with their bases, structures, and styles intact. The stone materials used are sourced from the local black-gray slate and shale, which were simply processed into regular-shaped stones and piled up to form square dwellings characteristic of the Rukai people. Although the roofs have collapsed, leaving only walls or foundations standing, the sight of these clustered stone house ruins is still quite impressive. To the northwest of the settlement site, remnants of the police station and indigenous education establishment from the Japanese colonial period can still be found. The Old Maolin Ruins not only reflect the life of the tribe but also present a tangible account of the realities of indigenous policies during the Japanese occupation, making them very precious. The Purple Butterfly Valley is primarily located in the Maolin area of Kaohsiung, where it is estimated that over a million purple butterflies arrive every year from November to March, gliding on their wing-like shapes to this warm and sheltered valley at the foot of Dawu Mountain, a sacred site for the Rukai and Paiwan tribes. This phenomenon creates a winter gathering that can peak at over a million butterflies, making Maolin one of their habitats. The butterfly viewing boardwalk is situated behind the district office, and the best time to see butterflies is in the morning during the wintering season, where visitors can observe their graceful dances along the path. Lover's Valley, located near the entrance of Maolin National Scenic Area, was once a favorite tourist spot but is currently undergoing reconstruction due to storm damage. Lover's Valley is known for its natural landscapes, including canyons, hot springs (currently closed), and streams, particularly the enchanting Lover's Valley Waterfall group, which consists of five tiers from top to bottom. Due to the dense forest, access to the second tier is only possible via a staircase pathway, where the dazzling white flowers cascade down powerfully, refreshing passersby with cool water droplets in the gentle breeze, bringing a sense of tranquility and dispelling worries. In the resonating landscape of mountains and rivers, one cannot help but reflect on a poignant and beautiful love story, leaving behind an everlasting memory.