Snake Head Mountain Introduction
Shetou Mountain is located at the 12-kilometer mark of the Highway 132 in Maolin District. It can be seen on the way to Donarir Road. Named for its resemblance to a hundred-step snake coiled around the Zhuokou River, Shetou Mountain is a typical meandering landform. Originally a环流丘 (anabranch hill), it stands in contrast to Longtou Mountain on either side. Shetou Mountain is also regarded as the sacred mountain protecting the indigenous people and is one of the most famous attractions in the Maolin area. According to legend, a long time ago, a mother snake was hunting for food with her two young snakes. When the mother heard the sound of rushing river water, she thought it was a torrential rainstorm from the mountains that might lead to flash floods. She called her children to quickly climb trees for safety and instructed them to close their eyes and recite a spell, hoping that they would transform into an eagle and a purple butterfly to escape the disaster. This story adds an interesting aspect to the site. If you want to explore the view of Shetou Mountain, you can enjoy the whole picture from the Shetou Mountain Observation Deck. It is recommended to stay for about 15 minutes to leisurely appreciate the unique meandering landscape of Shetou Mountain.
