Caoshan Moonworld 草山月世界 Tainan, Taiwan

Posted by on Apr 20, 2012 in blog, Nature, Taiwan | One Comment
Caoshan Moonworld 草山月世界
The sun rises over Caoshan Moonworld Badlands

 

“Caoshan Moonworld is a chalky Badlands tucked in the southern part of Tainan’s Zuozhen District. This outlandish terrain of roughly eroded, razor-sharp ridges and limited vegetation is rarely mentioned in guidebooks because it is relatively hard to get to, but is well worth a visit. Well known for its glorious sunrises from the vantage points of Erliao Pagoda and 308 Peak, the equally beautiful scenery in the badlands below is often underrated. Visual feasts served up by the unusual combination of light, mists, soil and vegetation in Caoshan Moonworld make it a photographer’s delight and a nature lover’s paradise.” — All text written by Rich J Matheson for culture.tw

Caoshan Moonworld 草山月世界
Misty bamboo groves in Caoshan Moonworld Badlands

 

The days after heavy rain will produce ideal conditions — mist. Moisture evaporating from the sun-heated ground forms a low-lying mist that blankets the remarkable landscape, evoking scenes reminiscent of a classical Chinese watercolor. — Rich J Matheson for culture.tw

Caoshan Moonworld 草山月世界
Misty Caoshan Moonworld badlands

 

Getting to Tainan Caoshan Moonworld

It is possible to take a public bus to Zuozhen Village from Tainan (Hsingnan Bus Company on Zongshan Rd. near the railway station) and then hitch/walk to Caoshan Moonworld proper, but personal transport is preferable.

Caoshan Moonworld 草山月世界
The sun rises over a misty thorny bamboo forest in Tainan Moonworld

 

To get there by car or bike it is advisable to get a good map of Tainan County. There are many options, here are two:

1. From Zuozhen Village on Prov. Hwy 20 (east) → Prov. Hwy 20 乙→ Township Road 169 South (south) → 169-1 South at the statue of the boy riding a goat on a moon.

2. From Xinhua Village → Township Road 169 South (east past Hutoubei)→ 169-1 South at the statue of the boy riding a goat on a moon.

To Erliao Pagoda, take Township Road 162 South from Nei Ganglin. The second pagoda has the best sunrise views.