Maolin National Scenic Area - Sinwei Visitor Center

The Maolin National Scenic Area currently encompasses six townships: Taoyuan District, Liugui District, and Maolin District in Kaohsiung City, as well as Sandimen Township, Wutai Township, and Majia Township in Pingtung County. Each township boasts unique characteristics, ranging from distinctive geological formations, hot spring landscapes, indigenous cultural customs, to a variety of dynamic and static activities! The upper reaches of the Gaoping River, including the Laonong River and Zhuokou River basins, span across Liugui District and Maolin District in Kaohsiung City, and Sandimen Township in Pingtung County. The area features Baolai and Buliao Hot Springs, the meander core formations of Longtoushan (Dragon Head Mountain) and Shetoushan (Snake Head Mountain), and the Shibaluohanshan (Eighteen Arhats Mountain) Geopark. Additionally, there are cultural landscapes such as indigenous Rukai slate houses, as well as special agricultural products from Liugui District like "Black Diamond Wax Apples" and "Jinhuang Mangoes," all contributing to the extremely diverse tourism and recreational resources of this region. The Sinwei Visitor Center and Sinwei Forest Park are located at the 45km mark of Provincial Highway 28, on a terrace on the west bank of the Laonong River. It is an elongated terrace oriented northeast-southwest, with an elevation of approximately 150-200 meters. Primarily used for cultivating tropical saplings, it was once one of Taiwan's largest nurseries, formerly known as "Pingding" or "Sinwei Nursery." The park is shaded by lush trees, vibrant with greenery in spring and summer. Walking up the slope, one encounters a weathered memorial stone tablet inscribed with "New Saplings Competing in Beauty," erected in October 1960 (Year 49 of the Republic of China), which recounts the origins of the Sinwei Nursery. Furthermore, due to the devastating impact of Typhoon Morakot in 2009 (Year 98 of the Republic of China), which severely damaged the administrative center of the Maolin National Scenic Area Administration and its two visitor centers in Maolin and Liugui (now the Shibaluohanshan Service Area), a permanent administrative and visitor center was established in the northern part of the sprawling 30-hectare Sinwei Forest Park. This decision was made considering the convenience and permanence of the location, aiming to serve more visitors in the future. The center offers barrier-free travel information counters, a multi-functional exhibition space, a multimedia room, a nursing room, a prayer room, a book-crossing station, and smart device charging facilities. Notably, Taiwan's most beautiful and renowned mahogany tree-lined avenue, stretching nearly two kilometers, is right next to it, attracting senior citizens who enjoy leisurely walks, nature photography enthusiasts, and couples taking wedding photos. Are you tired from walking? Don't rush off! Sit down on the viewing platforms on the 1st and 2nd floors outside the visitor center – enjoy the gentle cool breeze, listen to the chirping birds and buzzing insects, admire the serene forest charm, and savor special tea drinks. Public Transportation: Take the High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Zuoying Station or Taiwan Railways (TRA) to Kaohsiung Station. Then transfer to Kaohsiung Bus E25 Gaoki Liugui Express (barrier-free service requires reservation) and alight at Miaopu Station. (Kaohsiung Bus: 07-746-2141 / 07-742-6644)