Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mud volcanoes, and are not destructive like the variety found in Indonesia, they are
still serious geological curiosities worthy of a day's exploration.
One of the most volatile hydrothermal areas in Taiwan is the
Wushanding Mud Vol-
canoes
(Wūshāndǐng Níhuǒshān) in Yanchao (Yàncháo), 27km north of Kaohsiung.
This, the smallest nature reserve (just under 5 hectares) in Taiwan, has two volca-
noes and, although their height and shape change constantly with the weather,
they are normally no taller than 1.5m so you can get really close to the craters to
see the boiling pot of gray goo. Visitors have to show some form of ID to the make-
shift office at the entrance of the volcano area.
Unique geothermal reactions can be seen in a pair of gurgling pools in
New
Yangnyu Mud Pond
(Xīn yǎngnǚhú) near Wushanding. Buy a tea egg from the store
in front of the pools and the chap will light the methane gas that bubbles up from
the depths.
To get to Wushanding, first take Hwy 1 to the Gangshan Interchange, then head
east out of Yanchao on route 38. The volcanoes are to the north of Kaohsiung Na-
tional Normal University. There are bilingual signs to Wushanding, though we can't
guarantee that you won't get lost. From Wushanding the road to New Yangnyu Mud
Pond is signposted.
If you are on the way to Meinong from Tainan,
Tianliao Moon World
(Tiánliáo Yuèshìjiè;
36 Yueqiu Rd, Chongde Village, 36; 10am-5pm)
, a geopark off Hwy 28 in Tianliao, is also
worth a visit. The strange Martian landscape here will make you wish you'd paid at-
tention in geography class. Moon World is also accessible by public transport. Red
bus 70 leaves from Gangshan South MRT Station in Kaohsiung six times a day
between 8am and 6pm. The last bus back is at 7.40pm.
It's also worth heading out from Tainan to
Mt Tsao Moon World
(Cǎoshān Yuè
Shìjiè), a grimly picturesque landscape of barren eroded cliffs and pointy crags.
There are places in Taiwan that feel as remote, but few that feel as bewitchingly
desolate. To reach the Moon World, follow Hwy 20 and turn left around the Km27
mark towards Nanhua on Hwy 20. Proceed about 1km and then turn right at the
sign for Moon World. Five kilometres further, turn left at the next set of signs. From
here it's 9km to Hill 308, which has panoramic views over the badlands.
Sights & Activities
Purple Butterfly Valley
BUTTERFLY VALLEY
( 9am-5pm)
The valley is not one geographical location, but a number of sites around
the recreation area. Some will be signed as you drive along the main road, but enquire at
