Liugui

Nestled in the heart of southern Taiwan, Liugui (Liouguei) is a lush, river-carved district in Kaohsiung City that feels a world away from the urban bustle. Known for its white-water rafting on the Laonong River, hot springs, and thriving indigenous Bunun culture, this is a place where adventure meets deep-rooted tradition. The landscape is dominated by emerald mountains and terraced fruit orchards — Liugui is famous for its jade guavas, plums, and lychees. Whether you're paddling through rapids or soaking in a riverside hot spring, Liugui offers an authentic slice of rural Taiwan that pairs beautifully with a self-drive trip through the southern cross-island highway.

Highlights & What to See

• Laonong River Rafting — Taiwan's premier white-water rafting destination, with thrilling Class 2-3 rapids slicing through a dramatic valley of schist and tropical forest. The 12-kilometer run takes about two hours and is best from May to October.
• Baolai Hot Springs — A cluster of hot-spring resorts and public bathhouses along the Laonong River, known for their clear, odorless alkaline waters. Many offer poolside views of the river and surrounding peaks.
• Bunun Cultural Experiences — Visit the Bunun Cultural Museum or join a guided tour in a Bunun village to learn about traditional weaving, millet wine, and the famous Pasibutbut (prayer for a bountiful harvest) — a hauntingly beautiful eight-part polyphonic chant.
• Liyuan (Plum) Village — A hillside settlement that bursts into clouds of white blossoms in January and offers plum-themed treats year-round. Hike the short Plum Blossom Trail for panoramic views.
• Shanlin Night Market — A small but lively local market in the nearby town of Shanlin, where you can feast on wild boar sausage, grilled river fish, and fresh guava juice.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors base themselves in Liugui for one to two nights. With one full day, you can tackle a morning rafting trip (book ahead in peak season) and spend the afternoon soaking in Baolai's hot springs. If you have a second day, explore a Bunun village and hike one of the short forest trails, like the Meilan Mountain Trail. For self-drivers, Liugui works perfectly as a stopover between Kaohsiung and the Alishan National Scenic Area via the Southern Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 20).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Taoyuan District — Just north of Liugui, this district is home to the spectacular Tianliao Moon World, a stark badlands landscape of mudstone gullies that feels otherworldly.
• Jiasian — A charming mountain town known for its coffee culture, hot springs, and the scenic Jiasian Suspension Bridge. It's a gateway to the Southern Cross-Island Highway.
• Maolin National Scenic Area — Famous for the Purple Butterfly Valley (millions of butterflies migrate here in winter) and the dramatic Duona High Suspension Bridge. About a 30-minute drive from Liugui.
• Kaohsiung City — Taiwan's vibrant southern metropolis, with the Lotus Pond, Pier-2 Art Center, and excellent night markets. A 90-minute drive west makes an easy start or end point.

Please check official sources for current details.