Maolin Recreation Area

Introducing Maolin Recreation Area

The recreation area (Màolín Yóuqì Qū), part of the much larger Maolin National Scenic Area, covers a protected region from Maolin (estimated population 200) to Dona (estimated population 200) Village. Here you’ll find pristine mountain landscapes, vertiginously high suspension bridges, waterfalls, natural swimming pools and even free outdoor hot springs. Rukai aboriginal culture is strong in this part of the country and Dona Village is one of the best places to see tradition stone slab houses.

But Maolin’s greatest hit is the Purple Butterfly Valley. Considered one of the two most important butterfly migratory resting grounds in the world (the other is the Monarch Butterfly Valley around Mexico City), the valley gifts Taiwan in the winter with a daily show of hundreds, or even thousands, of butterflies dancing in the air as the first rays of the morning sun tip over the mountains.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009