壽山國家自然公園(壽山園區)

Shoushan National Nature Park

Useful Information

Location:	No. 92號, Qingquan St, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 804. (22.6514204, 120.2731869)
Open:	no restrictions. [2025]
Fee:	free. [2025]
Classification:	Karst Cave Fracture Cave Erosional Cave
Light:	n/a
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Shoushan National Nature Park, No. 92號, Qingquan St, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 804, Tel: +886-80-020-8333.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

壽山國家自然公園 (Shòu shān guójiā zìrán gōngyuán, Shoushan National Nature Park) or 壽山園區 (Shoushan Park) is Taiwan’s first national park. It is situated on a limestone hill named Chai between the city of Kaohsiung and the sea. The central part of the hill is reddled with hiking trails and staircases, bordered by the Kaohsiung City Shou Shan Zoo to the south and the 海軍左營基地 (Naval Base Zuoying) in the north. The hill consists mainly of coral reef limestone, which has been shaped over millions of years by tectonic movements and weathering. The results are karst features such as caves and sinkholes, as well as tectonic gorges and, of course, a wide variety of erosional formations. Many of these geological features are accessible via hiking trails and are freely accessible. The park is open 24 hours a day, the hiking trails are best accessed from the car park at 北壽山站 (Beishoushan Station). Here is the trailhead of 柴山登山步道 (Shou Shan Hiking Trail). The northern access is on the southern border of Longquan Temple and the southern trailhead is at the zoo.

The hill has around 30 caves, though most of them are quite small. They are connected by a dense network of footpaths featuring various long staircases. Depending on how much time you want to spend, you can take a short walk of about half an hour, spend several hours, or even the whole day there. There is most likely a map online available, but we were not able to find it. Nevertheless, OSM is quite detailed.

The most interesting cave is probably the 蓮花洞 (Lotus Cave) at (22,6517550, 120,2612503). However, since March 2025, the wooden walkway between the seating area and the Lotus Cave has been closed due to renovation work. We expect it to reopen soon. There are many Lotus Caves in China, most are named after calcite crystals that grow in the calcium-rich cave water and resemble lotus blossoms. In this cave such mineral concretions may once have existed, but as it is easyly accessible and visited since centuries, all speleothems were removed as souvenirs.

波濤洞 (Bōtāo dòng, Wave Cave) is located at (22,6545789, 120,2708097) 天雨天財洞 (Tianyu Tiancai Dong, Rain brings Wealth Cave) is located at (22,6524132, 120,2617014). 石虎洞 (Shí hǔ dòng, Stone Tiger Cave) is located at (22,6525210, 120,2614376). 銀齒洞 (Yín chǐ dòng, Silver Tooth Cave) is located at (22,6533745, 120,2603045). 石花洞 (Shíhuā dòng, Stone Flower Cave), also known as 天劍洞 (Tiān jiàn dòng, Heavenly Sword Cave) is located at (22,6541624, 120,2574881). There are numerous others, and while they arw not developed they are small and quite easy to visit, and each is located right along the trail or there is a short trail to the entrance. In other words, the visit by hikers is definitely allowed and even supported.

Another quite different underground site is the 防空洞 (Fángkōngdòng, air-raid shelter) which is located in the northern part (22,6561677, 120,2718707) right behind Longquan Temple. It is best reached on a staircase which starts at the southern side of the temple. As it is not developed and a visit is rather difficult, so we discourage to venture inside. Such sites are quite dangerous for various reasons. Nevertheless, its worth to have a look at the entrance. Along the way there are numerous small caves and gorges, such as the 兩齒洞 (Liangchidong, Two-tooth cavity) at (22,6583993, 120,2605547) or the 石厝洞 (Shí cuò dòng, Stone Cave) at (22,6576798, 120,2588405).

And finally there is another unique site at the westen coast, close to the 海角咖啡 (Hǎi jiǎo kāfēi, Cape Café). There are several sea caves which are a result of the erosional force of the waves. The site is a sort of geosite with educational signs in Chinese and English. It is easily reached from the parling lot of above café, but there is no trail into the caves. Some people nevertheless descent through the boulders to the sea.