Shoushan Nature Park is a coral-reef limestone nature reserve right alongside central Kaohsiung, also known as Chaishan and officially named Shoushan National Nature Park. It is home to a large population of Formosan macaques. The trail network climbs from the base to the ridge, passing striking rocky terrain along the way. From the ridgeline, Kaohsiung Harbor and Sizihwan are laid out in full view, offering a rare "wild space within a bustling city" experience.
Shoushan National Nature Park (Chaishan) covers approximately 1,122.654 hectares. The entire area consists of limestone formed by the uplift of ancient high-terrace coral reefs and is one of the main habitats for wild Formosan macaques.
Highlights of Shoushan Nature Park
Shoushan was formed by the uplift of ancient coral reefs, giving it a unique geology of porous, erosion-sculpted rock faces. The entire area is a designated Kaohsiung City Nature Reserve — collecting any plant or animal is explicitly prohibited. Formosan macaques thrive here in large troops, and visitors can observe them at close range, but feeding them is strictly discouraged, as it disrupts their natural behavior and creates risks for both people and monkeys.
The park has multiple trails of varying difficulty. Easy routes reach viewpoints in about 30–45 minutes; more demanding paths lead deep into the forest for birdwatching. Birdlife is richest in winter and spring. The open ridgeline offers simultaneous views of Kaohsiung Port, Qijin, and Lotus Pond in the Zuoying direction. After sunset, the city lights shimmer below, creating a completely different atmosphere.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- Driving: parking is available near Shoushan Zoo or the trailheads, but spaces fill up fast on weekends. Public transit is recommended.
- Take the MRT Orange Line to Sizihwan Station, then walk approximately 15–20 minutes to the main trailhead.
- Open year-round with no set closing time, but plan to descend before sunset — trail lighting is inadequate at night.
Nearby Connections
- Sizihwan Beach and the British Consulate at Takao are right at the foot of the mountain — easy to visit after descending.
- Hamasen Railway Cultural Park is about 10 minutes by car from the trailhead, making it easy to combine into a half-day culture-and-nature itinerary.
Sources: Kaohsiung City Shoushan Nature Park Management Office; Wikipedia entry on Shoushan Nature Park. Photos pending Dio's own photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is Shoushan (Chaishan) Nature Park?
Shoushan National Nature Park covers approximately 1,122.654 hectares, and the entire area is coral-reef limestone terrain.
Can visitors feed the Formosan macaques at Shoushan?
No, feeding the macaques is prohibited in the park to avoid disrupting their natural behavior and to protect the safety of both people and monkeys.
When is the best time for birdwatching at Shoushan?
October through April offers the best birding conditions, including raptors such as the crested goshawk.
Sources
- 壽山國家自然公園 - 維基百科 — Wikipedia條目，面積與地質資訊
- 壽山國家自然公園－高雄旅遊網 — 高雄市政府觀光局官網