Xuhai Grassland is a plateau grassland facing the Pacific Ocean on the eastern side of Xuhai Village in Mudan Township, Pingtung County, also known as Zhongzheng Grassland, at an elevation of roughly 300 meters. The grassland offers broad, open views; on clear days you can see out to the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the few places in southeastern Taiwan's main island that preserves a natural grassland landscape. Entry currently only requires a parking and cleaning fee — no mountain entry permit is needed.
Xuhai Grassland, also called Zhongzheng Grassland, sits at an elevation of about 300 meters; according to the Mudan Township Office of Pingtung County, entry currently requires no mountain permit — only a vehicle cleaning fee (NT$50 for cars, NT$100 for large vehicles, NT$20 for motorcycles), differing from older accounts that describe a Forestry Bureau permit requirement.
What to see at Xuhai Grassland
Xuhai Grassland is a transitional tropical-to-subtropical grassland. The grass color changes distinctly between spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November): in spring the grass turns green and feels full of life, while in autumn it takes on golden hues. The plateau's cliff edge offers sweeping Pacific views, and on days with good visibility, you can even make out the silhouette of Lanyu (Orchid Island) in the distance.
Xuhai Village itself is a coastal settlement where Paiwan people and Han Chinese live side by side. Near the village there are hot springs at Xuhai with sodium bicarbonate water at around 50°C. Entry permits for the grassland must be obtained through the Forestry Bureau or the relevant authority. Application procedures and quota limits are set by the managing agency; it is recommended to complete the process at least one week before your visit to avoid being turned away.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and time needed
- Xuhai Village is remote with no direct public transit. Self-driving is recommended; the journey from Pingtung City takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Entry to the grassland requires an advance application. Contact the Pingtung Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau for the latest application procedures and quota information.
- The southern section of Provincial Highway 26 (South Loop Road) is winding. Exercise extra caution when driving at night.
Nearby connections
- Mudan Reservoir is also in Mudan Township, the same administrative area as Xuhai. A combined half-day itinerary is possible.
- Hengchun Old Town and Kenting National Park are about 1 to 1.5 hours away by car; a multi-day South Loop circuit can be planned.
Source: Pingtung Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau, Council of Agriculture Forestry Bureau. Please refer to the latest announcements from the competent authority for entry permit requirements. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does visiting Xuhai Grassland require an advance permit?
No advance mountain permit is currently required; visitors only need to pay a vehicle cleaning fee set by the Mudan Township Office.
What is the elevation of Xuhai Grassland?
Xuhai Grassland sits at an elevation of about 300 meters and is also known as Zhongzheng Grassland.
What is the best season to visit Xuhai Grassland?
The grass is green in spring (March-April) and golden in autumn (October-November), the two most scenic seasons.
Sources
- 牡丹鄉十大旅遊景點-旭海草原遊樂區 — 屏東縣牡丹鄉公所官方頁面，入園免申請、僅收清潔費金額
- 旭海大草原介紹 — 旅遊部落格，中正大草原別名、海拔約300公尺