Maolin District, Mountain indigenous district in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Maolin District is a mountain area in Kaohsiung that spans roughly 194 square kilometers from 230 to 2700 meters in elevation. The terrain consists of steep slopes, forests, and small villages scattered throughout the valleys.
The area came under new administrative structures in 1945 when Taiwan changed governance. This shift shaped the modern boundaries and management systems of the region.
The Rukai people express their traditions through crafts and ceremonial dances that shape daily life in the villages. These practices remain deeply connected to the seasons and the rhythm of mountain living.
Visitors reach the area via regular buses from Kaohsiung, with guesthouses available throughout the villages. The mountain roads require sturdy footwear and the best time to visit is outside the rainy season.
The area is home to the Cotton Tree Forest, a woodland with rare plant species found nowhere else. This forest attracts researchers studying the unique ecosystems of the mountain region.
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