Places of interest #2 in Maolin Village

Lovers' Valley Waterfall

3.9 · 1,423 reviews
A secluded and humid mountain escape.
Lovers' Valley Waterfall, Maolin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 851
Interesting facts
1

The waterfall is locally referred to as 'Qilv' in the Rukai language, which translates to a place where lovers meet.

2

The waterfall structure features three separate cascades that flow down into a singular catch basin.

3

The site is located within the Maolin National Scenic Area, which is one of the smallest national scenic areas in Taiwan.

4

The water basin is known for its distinct turquoise hue caused by the surrounding limestone geology.

5

Maolin District is globally recognized for the purple crow butterfly migration that occurs in the nearby valleys during winter.

Overview

Lovers' Valley Waterfall, also known as Qilv Waterfall, is a multi-tiered cascade situated within the Maolin District of Kaohsiung. It originates from the Zhuokou River tributary and flows into a natural emerald-colored pool at its base. The site features a series of three distinct waterfall drops. The area is managed as part of the Maolin National Scenic Area. The waterfall is surrounded by lush subtropical vegetation and rocky cliff formations. A trail provides access from the entrance to the main viewing area. The surrounding landscape is characterized by the Rukai indigenous culture and high-altitude mountain terrain.

Photo spot

The viewing platform constructed on the trail provides a head-on view of the primary waterfall tier.

Insider tips

Wear footwear with high-traction soles as the rocks near the water basin can be extremely slippery.

Bring insect repellent, as the humid subtropical valley environment attracts mosquitoes and sandflies.

Check local weather reports for heavy rainfall, as the river levels can rise rapidly in this mountain region.

What to avoid

Avoid visiting during or immediately after typhoon season, as the trail is prone to debris and hazardous mudslides.

Good to know

The trail may be closed during heavy rainfall or following extreme weather events; check the Maolin National Scenic Area website before departure.

Etiquette

Do not swim in the pool, as strong undercurrents are common and swimming is often restricted for safety reasons.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Autumn and winter seasons for clearer water and manageable humidity levels.
Address
Lovers' Valley Waterfall, Maolin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 851
22.876, 120.667
Get directions
Details
Geological FeatureThree-tiered cascade waterfall
Indigenous ContextTraditional Rukai territory

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Autumn and winter seasons for clearer water and manageable humidity levels..

The viewing platform constructed on the trail provides a head-on view of the primary waterfall tier.

Close by you'll find 紫蝶幽谷, Maolin Eco Park, Weiliaoshan Trail.

About Maolin Village