The Laonong River is the principal tributary of the Gaoping River; flowing through Liugui, it has carved one of the largest river gorge landscapes in southern Taiwan. The surrounding Shisabajhoshu (Eighteen Arhats Mountain) Nature Reserve is renowned for the unusual rock pillar landforms produced by differential erosion of sandstone — canyon and cliff face standing together form the defining natural landscape of Liugui.
Highlights of Liugui Laonong River Gorge
The Laonong River originates in the southern section of the Central Mountain Range; as it passes through Liugui, it incises a deep valley with a gravelly riverbed and water that ranges in color from blue-green to turbid brown depending on the season. Liugui Bridge is a key vantage point for taking in a full panorama of the gorge — from the bridge you can look down on river meanders and the steep vegetated slopes on both banks. Eighteen Arhats Mountain stands on the east bank of the gorge, where an impressive array of sandstone pillars lines the old Provincial Highway 27A corridor.
The Shisabajhoshu Nature Reserve has a trail system offering close-up views of the texture and color of the eroded sandstone pillars. Liugui has a long history of hot springs; hot spring hotels line the Laonong River banks, making a soak a natural addition to the itinerary. During the dry season (November through April) the riverbed is exposed, making geological features easier to read; during the high-water season the water volume is greater but the gorge appears even more dramatic.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there & hours
- From Kaohsiung city center, take Provincial Highway 27A (Meinong-Liugui direction); the full journey takes about 1 hour. Driving is recommended.
- Opening times and regulations for the Shisabajhoshu Nature Reserve trail are subject to announcements from the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency.
- The gorge and Liugui Bridge can be visited any time of day; no admission fee. Be aware of afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains.
Nearby connections
- The route can be extended to Qinhe Tribe in Taoyuan District to explore Bunun culture, creating a mountain cultural ecology day trip.
- Liugui town center has local eateries; the wild hot springs along the Laonong River (some requiring a walk in) offer an additional exploration option.
Sources: Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency Shisabajhoshu Nature Reserve data and Laonong River watershed survey records. Photos pending Dio's own shots.