Caishan Natural Park is a mountain where monkeys roam through thediverse terrain. It contains miles of fenced hiking paths that meander throughthe forest, past intriguing flora and fauna, on their way to the top. The parkis very popular due to its proximity to the city of Kaohsiung. Reach the heartof this gorgeous landscape within an hour of leaving the city centre.
Spot wild animals, including Caishan’s famous monkeys, that livein this mountain forest. Make sure the monkeys do not grab your possessions, asthey are often in search of food from hikers. Admire the fascinating plants andtrees that grow scattered around the park’s tropical climate. The area has morethan 800 species of flora and dozens of types of animals. Look for the Formosanrock macaque, the only primate native to Taiwan.
The ascent to the mountain’s peak is fairly arduous and consistsof countless steps. It is an ideal place for a workout, where you can keep fitin a picturesque environment. Venture into caves to see their stalagmites,stalactites and other rock formations.
Enjoy one of several tea stations along the intricate network ofpaths on the way up. When you reach the top, relax and be refreshed with a potof tea to celebrate. At the mountain’s peak, take in the view of the TaiwanStrait that appears through gaps in the trees. Capture photos of the picturesqueview.
Look for several notable ruins dotted around the mountain, ascivilizations lived here as far back as 5,000 years ago. The 19th-centuryFormer British Consulate at Takao is a more recent structure overlooking the KaohsiungHarbour.
Caishan Natural Park is found on Shoushan Mountain in the westernpart of Kaohsiung. Take the train to Sizihwan Station at the southern foot ofthe mountain and walk for a few minutes to find the entrance. If you arehiking, make sure to bring enough water for the trek in hot and humidconditions.
