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 scenic deep pool with exceptionally clear blue water located in the wide Zhuokou Creek canyon northeast of the Romus Suspension Bridge. The Zhuokou Creek flows with meandering curves formed by rocky cliffs, converging with Musheng Creek to create the blue water pool. The Maolin Waterfall is a spectacular sight cascading down, but the bottom of the blue water pool contains whirlpools, locally nicknamed the "Maiden's Trap," making it unsuitable for swimming. Visitors can enjoy the majestic natural beauty of the surroundings from an elegantly designed pavilion facing the waterfall. The valley is also home to the three major mountains of Maolin - Longtoushan, Shetoushan, and Guixing Mountain. The Zhuokou Creek runs through Maolin, providing stunning mountain scenery along with waterfalls, gorges, and rich flora and fauna, contributing to the unique topography and geology of the area. Longtoushan and Shetoushan are examples of circular hill terrain. The formation of Shetoushan differs from that of Longtoushan, as it is connected to the hillside behind and formed by the accumulation of soil and rocks, resembling a viper's head. Longtoushan's current split appearance between its head and dragon ridge is a result of purposeful blasting during the Japanese occupation to alter the water flow for the convenience of local traffic. This natural wonder, resembling a giant dragon spitting out pearls, is caused by the meandering and circular hill topography, and from above, it appears as a dragon curled up in the valley, creating a breathtaking landscape. The Old Maolin Ruins, located above Meiya Creek and Meiya Waterfall in Wanshan Village within the Maolin District, sits on a 45-degree slope at an elevation of 500 to 600 meters. According to local legends and stories, the settlement at this site is believed to have formed quite early, but establishing an exact date is difficult. In 1940, residents of Old Maolin relocated to the current site of Maolin Village due to considerations of Japanese management policies, resulting in the abandonment of the original settlement. There are 65 recognizable stone slab houses remaining at the site, with their foundations, structures, and designs being intact. The stone materials used are sourced from local black-gray slate and shale, processed into regular rectangular slabs to create square houses characteristic of the Rukai people. Although the roofs have collapsed, the remaining wall structures still present a spectacular sight. To the northwest of the settlement ruins, the remnants of a police station and an indigenous schooling facility established during the Japanese colonial period are still visible. The Old Maolin ruins not only reflect the life of the tribe but also depict the substantial environment of policies during the Japanese colonial era, making them a valuable site. The Purple Butterfly Valley in Kaohsiung's Maolin is the main distribution area for the purple tiger butterfly. Each year from November to March, it is conservatively estimated that over a million purple tiger butterflies glide into this warm and sheltered valley at the foot of Mount Dawu, a sacred mountain for the Rukai and Paiwan tribes, creating massive overwintering groups known as "Purple Butterfly Valley," with Maolin being one of their habitats. The butterfly viewing boardwalk is located behind the district office, and the best time to see the butterflies is in the morning during their overwintering season as you follow the trail to witness their graceful dance. Lovers' Valley is near the entrance of the Maolin National Scenic Area and was formerly a favorite tourist destination but is currently undergoing active reconstruction due to damage from a storm. It is located on a tributary of Zhuokou Creek in the southern part of Maolin District, known as "Tubalu" in the Rukai language, famous for its natural features including canyons, hot springs (currently closed), and creeks. The Lovers' Valley waterfall group, consisting of five tiers from top to bottom, is particularly stunning. Due to the dense tree cover, access to the second tier can only be made via steps from the side, with cascading white water splashing down forcefully. The refreshing droplets in the breeze create a comforting sensation, washing away worries. Amidst the harmony of mountains and rivers, one can reflect on a poignant love story, leaving an unforgettable memory.
