When it comes to Kaohsiung's nature reserves, the core existence is the "Shoushan National Nature Park". This is Taiwan's first "National Nature Park" (not to be confused with national parks), officially established in 2022, with unique conservation value and academic status. Shoushan is located on the western side of Kaohsiung city, only a 15-minute drive from Kaohsiung Station, yet it preserves the most complete low-elevation coral reef forest ecosystem on Taiwan's main island—this "original secret realm at the urban fringe" character is precisely what makes it so captivating.
Shoushan's value extends beyond nature. From the Japanese colonial era's "Shoushan Park" naming, to the post-war military restricted zone, to today's National Nature Park, this mountain has undergone nearly eighty years of closure. As a result, the mountain retains a complete wartime tunnel system, military sentry posts, and the psychological warfare wall on South Shoushan—the traces of human activity intertwined with coral reef limestone terrain and the tropical flora of the Hengchun Peninsula create a strange temporal-spatial layers. Within a single afternoon, you can walk past Japanese Buddhist statues, pass through underground military tunnels, then spot Taiwan macaques leaping through the forest canopy—this "parallel nature and history" experience is rare among national parks.
【Recommended Spots】
1. Gushan Trail (Shoushan Main Route)
The most classic entry point to Shoushan is this trail system in Gushan District. The approximately 4.5-kilometer main route connects multiple attractions: the "LOVE" observation platform beside the Loyalty Temple offers panoramic night views of Kaohsiung Port, heading south leads to the "Shoushan White Palace" (former official residence ruins), and finally reaches the observation pavilion at Shoushan's highest point. This trail features "stepped hiking"—the elevation gain is moderate but requires some stamina for beginners. The coral reef limestone terrain along the way is the main highlight, with some sections showing honeycomb weathering—a rare geological teaching material.
2. Shoushan Zoo
This small zoo at the foot of Shoushan, while not large in scale, is most valuable for its "local animal education" positioning. It houses Taiwan black bears, sika deer, and Taiwan leopards, offering ecological education explanations. Admission is only NT$40, suitable for family visits. Note: The zoo is within the Shoushan National Nature Park area, but ticket proceeds go toward animal care—a low-cost, high-reward attraction.
3. Longquan Temple Trail (North Shoushan Entrance)
This trail is less known to tourists, preferred by locals as a "quiet mountain" route. Entering from beside Longquan Temple in Gushan District, the total length is about 2 kilometers, with a flat, easy path through primeval forest. The endpoint offers a simple observation platform overlooking Kaohsiung's skyline. Tourist density here is far lower than the main trail—Longquan Temple Trail is the top choice for those seeking "quiet forest breathing."
4. South Shoushan and Wartime Tunnels
The South Shoushan area was formerly a military restricted zone, only partially opened to visitors in recent years. The highlight here is the "L-shaped underground tunnel system"—some sections have been developed into tourist paths, featuring ventilation shafts, ammunition depots, and command post spaces. Walking through, you'll notice significant temperature differences (warm in winter, cool in summer)—a unique experience. Note: Some tunnels still have safety concerns; please adhere to sign reminders and only enter open areas.
5. Shoushan Lovers Observation Platform (North Shoushan)
This observation platform is one of Kaohsiung's hottest photo spots in recent years, located atop North Shoushan with views encompassing Kaohsiung Port, the Love River, and Kaohsiung's cityscape. It's great for harbor views during the day and a popular night viewing spot on weekends. There's no admission fee, but afternoons on weekends can be crowded—for better photos, visit on weekday mornings.
【Practical Information】
Shoushan National Nature Park is open year-round with no fixed closing days. The Gushan Trail's "Visitor Center" offers free guided tours (Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9:30), advance phone reservation recommended.
Admission: Shoushan National Nature Park itself is free, but "Shoushan Zoo" requires tickets (full NT$40, half NT$20). Some trails (like the South Shoushan tunnel area) have visitor limits for safety—please follow现场 management arrangements.
Transportation: From Kaohsiung Metro's Gushan Station Exit 1, it's about a 15-minute walk to the Gushan Trail entrance; by car, there's a paid parking lot within the Shoushan area (NT$40 per visit).
【Travel Tips】
First, Shoushan is a "low mountain" with an average elevation of just over 300 meters, but direct sunlight can still feel hot—bring sunscreen and sufficient water (at least 500ml). Second, there are "macaques" on the mountain—in recent years, macaques have grown accustomed to humans, with occasional food-snatching incidents—never tease them with food or plastic bags, maintaining distance is safest. Third, for "deeper exploration," you can join the Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau's "Shoushan Ecology Tour" (NT$200-350/person)—guides will take you to secret spots that general tourists don't access. Fourth, the best visiting time is "early morning 6-8 AM"—at this time, Shoushan is shrouded in mist, the air is fresh, and you can encounter birds and insects active in the morning.
Final reminder: Shoushan National Nature Park and "Chaishan" are two sides of the same mountain mass—Chaishan is part of a military restricted zone, generally inaccessible to the public. When planning your itinerary, confirm the restricted areas of your destination to avoid a wasted trip.
