Jiujiu Peak Nature Reserve | Nantou Attraction

Jiujiu Peak Nature Reserve (Jiujiu Feng) straddles the boundary between Caotun Township and Nantou City. It takes its name from 99 conical hilltops arranged in close formation — a distinctive landform in central Taiwan. The 921 Earthquake of 1999 triggered massive landslides across Jiujiu Peak, stripping away nearly all vegetation and leaving exposed grayish-white scree slopes as a stark testament to the disaster. The area has since been designated a nature reserve, recording the process of natural vegetation recovery.

Highlights of Jiujiu Peak Nature Reserve

The terrain of Jiujiu Peak consists of gravel and sandstone deposits, and the dense arrangement of conical hilltops is a rare sight in Taiwan's topography. Before the 921 Earthquake, Jiujiu Peak was covered in dense vegetation; the post-earthquake landslides left the slopes completely bare, creating a visually striking expanse of exposed gray-white scree. Over the following decades, vegetation has gradually crept back up from the base — making this a rare, large-scale case study in post-earthquake natural succession.

Jiujiu Peak itself is not open to climbing, and the core purpose of the nature reserve is to allow the post-earthquake ecological recovery to proceed undisturbed. Visitors typically view the hillscape from outer roads or observation platforms, taking in the distinctive ridgeline formed by those conical peaks. Late-afternoon light coming from the west at a low angle reveals the texture of the scree most clearly.

Making the most of your visit

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Viewing from the outer roadSeveral spots along the road between Caotun and Nantou City offer views of the Jiujiu Peak range. The hillside texture is most three-dimensional when lit by the slanting light of late afternoon.

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Landscape photographyThe dense row of conical peaks forms Jiujiu Peak's most recognizable visual element. Wide-angle shots work best for conveying the scale of the hill group.

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Reading the 921 earthquake landscapeJiujiu Peak is one of the most immediately visible earthquake landscapes in Taiwan. Pairing a visit here with study materials from the 921 Earthquake Museum gives a more complete picture of the disaster's scale.

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Observing vegetation successionThe coexistence of recovering vegetation at the base and bare rock above is an ecological timeline spanning more than two decades since the earthquake — a portrait of nature's resilience.

Practical information

Getting there and time needed

Jiujiu Peak lies on the border of Caotun and Nantou City. Drive along Highway 14 or Cao-Nan Road to reach the outer viewing spots. A private vehicle is most convenient.
The core reserve area is not open to entry; sightseeing is done from the outside. Allow about half an hour to an hour; this pairs well with the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute in Caotun for a half-day outing.

Nearby connections

The National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute in Caotun is about 15 minutes away by car and can be combined for a Caotun culture-and-landscape half-day trip.
Heading toward Nantou City you'll find the County History Museum; continuing to Puli connects to the 921 Earthquake Education Park, forming a historical landscape route themed on the 921 earthquake.

Source: compiled from context data; some information supplemented from public sources. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.

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