Shou Shan Hiking Trail — Attraction in Kaohsiung

A very well maintained trail where you will feel like you're just a visitor on the monkeys' land.

I went on a hot Saturday in September and was able to see an insane amount of monkeys...maybe too many haha

We started the loop at 2 pm and finished around 4:30 pm. We stopped pretty frequently to take pictures of the wildlife. So if you were walking briskly or train running, you could likely finish in 1.5 hours.

I would say that this is a moderate trail that anyone with sneakers and baseline level of fitness can complete. If you're used to hiking in the American North East or PNW then this will be a cakewalk for you. Just make sure you eat before the hike because you CANNOT BRING FOOD on this hike (monkeys will attack you for food).

There are several rest places along the loop which can help if you're feeling like you need a rest. Although, some packs of monkeys have colonized the pagodas near the top of the mountain so those may or may not...

Amazing park. The ascent to the edge of the mountain is a bit difficult, but is done on neat paths and climbing stairs. Already when we reach the beginning of the route we were greeted by monkeys, families, individuals and babies and the commotion is great. The monkeys are apparently used to human inventions and therefore they are not afraid to walk right next to the people. Follow the instructions and do not touch or feed the monkeys. There are many routes and you can choose where to go. There is a circular path to the exit at the Buddhist temple at the end. It is recommended to have an anti-mosquito spray. A fun and unusual experience. Highly...

The one and only hiking spot that is quite challenging that we managed to find in Kao Hsiung. We took it as a warmup for our Yang Ming Shan hike in the next few days when we go to Taipei. First hand experience of being attacked by a monkey because of the food we brought along. Intended to have a feel of eating in the mountains but unable to. Then the locals advise we finished the food before climbing. WARNING!: DO NOT BRING FOOD UP GU SHAN! Last but not least, weather was good to us till we reached the summit. There are free tea provided at the summit pavilion too. Then it started to pour on and off and stopped when we...