Taiwan Food Atlas

Gaoshi Shrine Forest Trail

Stone lanterns hidden in secondary forest — a trail where history and nature intertwine on Hengchun Peninsula
📍 Pingtung · Manzhou Township · Gaoshi Village🏞️ Nature🔖 Japanese colonial shrine ruins, forest trail, Pacific Ocean views

The Gaoshi Shrine Forest Trail is built along the former approach path (sando) of a Japanese colonial-era shrine, now converted into a modern forest trail. After World War II the shrine was abandoned and gradually reclaimed by tropical secondary forest. Along the trail today you can still see stone lanterns, water basins (chozubachi), and torii remnants emerging through tangles of vegetation, creating a distinctive combination of ruin aesthetics and natural regeneration.

What to see at Gaoshi Shrine Forest Trail

The trail passes through secondary forest on the hills of Manzhou Township, with vegetation dominated by tropical plants characteristic of Hengchun Peninsula — including tawain persimmon (moshi), false sandalwood (tushanxiang), and orange jasmine (yueju). The trail is not long and the gradient is manageable, suitable for visitors with average walking ability. At the end, an observation deck opens eastward on clear days to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The contrast between the enclosed forest atmosphere along the way and the sudden openness at the summit is striking.

Gaoshi Village (formerly Gaoshifo community) is a Paiwan indigenous settlement. The shrine, built as part of Japanese colonial policy, carries a particular colonial history memory for the local Paiwan people. Understanding this background before visiting is worthwhile. When entering the village area, observe basic etiquette: do not photograph residents or enter private spaces without permission. The trail itself is a public route, but a respectful approach is always appropriate.

How to make the most of your visit

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Look closely at the shrine remnantsStone lanterns and torii fragments are tightly wrapped in creeping vines; light filtering through the forest canopy falls on the stone ruins and creates the trail's most visually powerful scenes.
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Take in the Pacific view from the summit observation deckThe view suddenly opens wide at the end of the trail, with the Pacific stretching out unobstructed. Spring and autumn on clear mornings offer the best visibility; arriving before noon avoids afternoon cloud cover.
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Observe Hengchun's endemic plant speciesThe trail vegetation is dominated by Hengchun Peninsula endemics. Bringing a plant field guide or using an identification app adds to the enjoyment; do not collect any plants.
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Respect Paiwan community etiquetteGaoshi Village is a Paiwan settlement. Greet people politely when entering the community, do not photograph residents without permission, and buying local produce or handicrafts is a friendly way to engage.

Practical information

Getting there and time needed

  • Self-driving is the main option; follow the road from Manzhou Township toward Gaoshi Village. The road is winding; daytime driving with ample time is recommended.
  • For trail length and current trail conditions, consult the trail information pages of Pingtung County Government or Kenting National Park Management Office before setting out.
  • Convective rain is common on Hengchun Peninsula in the afternoon. Beginning the trail before 10 a.m. is advisable for a safe return before weather changes.

Nearby connections

  • Nanren Lake Ecological Reserve is on the same mountain side of Manzhou Township; schedule on separate days to avoid overdoing it physically in a single day.
  • The township center of Manzhou has simple eateries where you can get a meal before or after the trail.

Source: Pingtung County Government Culture Department, Kenting National Park Management Office trail data. History of the Paiwan Gaoshi community references publicly available materials from the Council of Indigenous Peoples. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.

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