Maolin Purple Crow Butterfly Valley is not to be missed if you ever visit southern Taiwan in winter. In fact, hundreds of thousands of butterflies have just gathered up here at the turn of autumn and winter like in previous years, and they quietly await visitors. An amazing ecological wonder this is!
Celebrating the coming of the butterflies, for the first time, Maolin National Scenic Area Administration under the Tourism Bureau, MOTC is holding “Dancing Butterflies - Purple Crow Butterfly Photography Marathon.” Professional photographers and family visitors who enjoy nature are especially encouraged to take part. Those interested may upload photos of the butterflies to the photography marathon’s website and join an additional prize draw. And on November 9, an opening hiking event entitled “Go! Purple Crow Butterfly Adventure Game” was held at Maolin Environment Education Center. The attendants walked a butterfly-watching trail as accompanied by purple crow butterflies, and completed four entertainning games and a few ecological explanatory sessions. The attendants all learned more about the butterfly and received limited-offer souvenirs (3,000 in total) upon presenting game stamps.
During this period, the monitoring staff members of Maolin National Scenic Area Administration and representatives of Maolin Education Center wold upload butterfly status every day online.Visitors can plan their informative butterfly trips according to the information. In fact, Michelin’s Green Guide rates Maolin’s Purple Crow Butterfly Valley as a three-star (the highest rating) must-visit. In fact, looking at the world, ecological tours featuring awe-inspiring wintering butterflies in Europe, Americas, and Asia have always been highly popular. California and Mexico City are known for monarch butterflies, and northeast Australia and Maolin of Kaohsiung are famous for purple crow butterflies. The scene of hundreds of thousands of butterflies in winter migration is simply amazing. It is no wonder that social media such as TripAdvisor highly recommends these tours.
The Administration noted that Maolin not only has precious ecological resources, but also boasts diversified culture. Every month, an indigenous Rukai butterfly conservation market is held, with local vendors selling special handicrafts, delicious meals, and children’s toys. Melodious singing shows are held alongside the market, too. DIY sessions are available for all to make crafts on their own.
To promote group tourism, the major travel agencies in Taiwan now offer 1-day and 2-day tours in Maolin. Visitors can enjoy indigenous culture, Baolai hot springs, and the magnificent scene of purple crow butterflies resting in mountain valleys for the winter, in greater Kaohsiung and Pingtung. The butterfly-themed tours allow visitors to appreciate dancing butterflies at a close distance, while exploring the culture and nature of mountainous Maolin deeply.
Starting from November 9, a series of butterfly activities has been held, such as Rukai Butterfly Conservation Market, Love & Companion: A Butterfly-watching Trip, and Northbound Butterfly Relay. On weekends and holidays, tourist shuttles are available. During this time, visitors can expect to learn about butterfly ecology and Rukai culture at once, bringing home much beautiful memory and knowledge.
Websites:
⇒ Maolin National Scenic Area Administration
⇒ Maolin Purple Crow Butterfly Biennial