Taiwan Food Atlas

Chunri Lili River Ecological Trail

Hiking along a clear stream with Varicorhinus barbatulus — near Taiwan's most intact Paiwan stone-slab village
📍 Pingtung · Chunri Township, Jijia Village🏞️ Nature🔖 Streamside Trail

The Lili River Ecological Trail follows the Lili River through Chunri Township. The water is crystal clear with Varicorhinus barbatulus (Taiwan's indigenous barbel fish) darting among the gravel shallows, and the secondary forest on both banks is well preserved. Near the trail's end, the Jijia Tribe is one of the most intact traditional Paiwan stone-slab house settlements in Taiwan — natural ecology and cultural heritage stand side by side on this route.

Highlights of the Chunri Lili River Ecological Trail

The Lili River belongs to the Laonong River system; the valley terrain within Chunri Township is relatively pristine. The representative fish species is the Varicorhinus barbatulus (Taiwan stone barbel), which requires clear, cool-temperature streams to survive — its presence is itself an indicator of healthy water quality. The Paiwan Jijia Tribe of Chunri Township is situated in the upper valley, and the stone-slab house settlement layout remains recognizable today.

Trail conditions vary by season and maintenance; some sections require wading across the stream, so appropriate footwear is essential. The Jijia stone-slab house settlement is a cultural heritage site. Please contact the tribe before visiting to confirm whether it is open, follow tribal etiquette, and do not enter dwellings or touch building components without permission.

How to Make the Most of It

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Spot the Varicorhinus barbatulusSchools of Varicorhinus barbatulus tend to gather in the faster-flowing gravel shallows. Standing still and waiting is more effective than walking around to spot them.
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Jijia Stone-Slab House SettlementStone-slab houses are the architectural essence of the Paiwan. Contact the Chunri Township Office or Jijia tribal office before visiting to confirm access.
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Observe Secondary Forest PlantsFerns, tree ferns, and various native plants line the trail. In autumn and winter when water levels are lower, sight lines open up considerably.
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Avoid Typhoon SeasonStreams rise dangerously during summer typhoons. Visit from autumn through early spring for clear water and comfortable temperatures.

Practical Information

Getting There & Timing

  • Entirely by private vehicle. Take Provincial Highway 1 to County Road 185 into Chunri Township. On mountain roads, watch for road width and falling rocks.
  • No direct public transport. Plan your own vehicle; confirm road conditions and trail access status before departure.
  • Start in the morning and allow ample time to explore both the trail and the tribe; descend before dusk.

Nearby Connections

  • The Gulou Tribe of Laiyi Township is not far from Chunri; plan a southern Pingtung Paiwan settlement circuit.
  • The coastal scenery of Fangshan Zhongxiao Bridge is to the south — combine a mountain trail with a coastal highway for a cross-terrain half-day route.

Sources: Chunri Township Office; Pingtung County Government trail information; facts provided by context. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.

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