Taiwan's Little Guilin × Flaming Mountain: A Guide to the Morning Mist Secret of Kaohsiung's Shiba Luohan Mountain

Located in Liugui, Kaohsiung, Shiba Luohan Mountain is a natural wonder composed of over 40 upright, cone-shaped conglomerate peaks. Known as "Taiwan's Little Guilin" and "Liugui Flaming Mountain," it is one of Taiwan's three major Flaming Mountains, alongside Miaoli's Flaming Mountain and Nantou's Jiufeng Mountain. The mountain range stretches along both sides of the Laonong River, showcasing a majestic landscape with imagery resembling "standing Luohan figures," making it a geological and visual marvel. 🔍 Geological Wonders: Conglomerate Peaks and Picturesque Canyons The formation of Shiba Luohan Mountain originates from the Liugui conglomerate layer, shaped by years of rainwater erosion. This process has created numerous independent peaks, canyons, U-shaped valleys, and stream valleys. The exposed mountain surfaces and vertical cliffs resemble flames, especially under sunlight, earning it the name "Flaming Mountain." Traveling along Provincial Highway 27A offers close-up views, particularly from the opposite side of the Laonong River, where the mountain's reflection in the water creates a "landscape gallery" effect. Visiting around 3 to 4 a.m. is highly recommended, as the floating mist and shimmering water make it an ideal time for capturing the interplay of clouds and mountain haze. 🦋 Ecological Treasure: Butterfly Watching and Monkey Habitat Shiba Luohan Mountain is a nature reserve established by the Forestry Bureau under the Forest Act, covering an area of approximately 193 hectares. The park is lush with vegetation and home to various insects and wildlife, including butterflies, squirrels, and Formosan macaques. During spring and summer, the light filtering through the valleys reveals dancing butterflies, making it a perfect destination for families and nature enthusiasts. 🛤️ Historical and Cultural Highlights: Liugui Tunnels and Local Legends Near Shiba Luohan Mountain lies the abandoned Liugui tunnel system, built during the Japanese Showa era for transporting camphor and supplies. Today, only the sixth tunnel is open for guided tours. Local legends abound: Shiba Luohan Mountain is said to have been named after Guanyin Bodhisattva dispatched 18 Luohan to subdue the "Stone Turtle Demon" in the Laonong River. Another tale suggests the cliffs resemble standing Luohan figures, symbolizing deities protecting the wealth and land of local residents. 🧭 Visiting Guide: Transportation, Tours, and Photography Tips Transportation Options • By car/motorbike: Drive along Provincial Highway 27A for about 5 km and park at the visitor service area near the Laonong River. • By bus: Take a bus to Liugui town and transfer to a taxi or rental car. • Guided tours: As a nature reserve, entry requires online permission from the Pingtung Forest District Office. Alternatively, join a guided tour by the "Shiba Luohan Mountain Nature and Culture Association" for around NT$200 per person. Photography Tips • Best spots: The eastern bank of Highway 27A (Liugui direction) and the eastern bank near Xinwei Forest Park along Highway 28 for panoramic shots. • Timing: Early morning and post-rain periods are the best windows for photography. The interplay of mist and shimmering water creates a picturesque scene. Recommended Itinerary • Arrive at the service area by 5 a.m. → Photograph at the viewing platform on the opposite bank → Join a guided tour → Explore the tunnel remnants → Spend the afternoon at Laonong River enjoying water activities and butterfly watching → Return to Kaohsiung city in the evening. Shiba Luohan Mountain is a treasure trove of geological aesthetics, ecological education, and cultural legends. It offers visitors a chance to experience a natural gallery shaped by millions of years, serving as the perfect outdoor classroom near the city. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, nature lover, geography/ecology student, or simply seeking a serene morning escape, Shiba Luohan Mountain promises an extraordinary experience.