• About Us
  • Account
  • Business Directory
  • Change Password
  • Contact Us
  • ESL Teaching Jobs Board from EIT
  • Forgot Password?
  • Login
  • Membership
  • Profile
  • Register
  • Reset Password
  • Search page
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Users
  • Users List Item
EIT
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
EIT
No Result
View All Result
Home Hikes

Climbing Kaohsiung City Monkey Mountain (Chai Shan) & Longevity Mountain

EITbyEIT
November 4, 2020
inHikes, Kaohsiung Travel, South
1

Kaohsiung City Monkey Mountain has lots of hiking routes and views of the city and ocean.

HIKES IN THE KAOHSIUNG AREA:

Monkey Mountain          Jing Bu Mountain         Qiwei Mountain          Weiliao Mountain

When visitors arrive in Kaohsiung, they can’t but notice the large mountain bordering the western side of the city and creating a green wall between the city and Taiwan Straits.

This green wall is a combination of both Longevity Mountain “Shou Shan” 壽山 and Chai Shan 柴山 or Kaohsiung City Monkey Mountain as its known to the foreign residents. Both are part of Shou Shan National Park.

If you enjoy hiking or just need to get some fresh air, greenery, and wildlife, Shou Shan and Chai Shan are quick, easy, and convenient to find.  Both mountains are busy early every morning with hikers getting a jump on the day. As the afternoon cools down, a new set of hikers will enjoy the sunset and city lights.

Chai Shan and Shou Shan are both for non-hikers and serious hikers alike. There are so many trails, it’s easy to find new paths, however, for the day visitor, the main trail and wood stairs make it easy to find a way up.

Here is what you can expect on Chai Shan and Shou Shan:

What Kind of Hiking to Expect on Kaohsiung City Monkey Mountain

staris up Chai Shan in Kaohsiung
staris up Chai Shan in Kaohsiung

Up until the late 1980’s Chai Shan was actually being hacked and drilled away for its rock to be turned into cement. What remains is and abandoned cement factory, a still in-use cement mixing station, and a cement road that winds its way up the mountain.

The road up the mountain is no longer used by vehicles, but it great for hikers and even mountain bikers. Chai Shan and Shou Shou also have an abundance of dirt paths curving their ways over and around ridges.

For those who want a simple way up the mountains, the park has built a wooden stairs circuit that is safe and easy to follow. It gets steep at times, but you won’t get lost if you keep to the stairs.

The stairs and trails can bring you to various destinations on the mountain. There are some rest areas and look out points where locals will relax under the trees and cook up tea and snacks.  A famous destination on Chai Shan is called “Ya Zuo” 雅座。 It’s about a 45 minute climb from either of the two trailheads. Ya Zuo is famous for its views of the Taiwan Straits as well as the Barley tea which is brewed all day at the top. And it’s complimentary as well. (Local hikers voluntary carry up jugs of water to Ya Zuo to supply the tea maker as well as to get a great work out.)

Wildlife on Shou Shan and Kaohsiung City Monkey Mountain

TAIWAN MACAQUES

Monkey Mountain has its nickname for the abundance of Taiwan Macaques that inhabit the area. There are so many that sometimes you can see them down at the street level.  It is pretty amazing that you can be in a very urban environment one minute and then walking amonst a family of monkeys the next.

Chai shan Monkeys
Chai shan Monkeys

Are these monkeys safe to be around? For the most part, yes, these monkeys are harmless, however, they are getting less and less shy as more and more hikers make their way into their territory.  The monkeys have become a bit more agressive as they know hikers carry food. There are many signs asking people to not feed the monkeys, but the weekend tourists either don’t read them or can’t help themselves. Because of this, some monkeys are sneaky and will steal your food or go into your bags the minute your head is turned. Better to not eat while they are around.

In addition, if you frightened the monkeys or feel threatened, they may come after you either in a group or individually. It’s best to keep your distant, act confident, and don’t make direct eye contact. If you are bitten or deeply scratched by a monkey, it is best to get to a doctor as soon as possible.

Best times to see the monkeys are mornings and late afternoons.

monkey mountain trailhead

SNAKES

Snake lovers will delight in these mountains as there are an abundance of snakes slithering about. However, during the day, it is very rare to see them. If you fancy a night hike, you’ll be delighted and amazed at the snake life, especially the bright green, red eyed bamboo snake. Many snakes you see may be quite a nice size, but also may be harmless rat snakes. The Taiwan cobra also lives about, but they are most likely down around rivers or lakes areas.

Bamboo Viper Taiwan

BARKING DEER

Taiwan barking deer
Taiwan Barking Deer

The barking deer are short little deer about 1 meter in height. They come out at night and have a distinct barking sound. Sometimes during winter months, the barking deer can be seen foraging for food. Most of the time they are shy and timid. If you see one, get a photo!!!

STRAY DOGS

Stray dogs are common on the mountains. They are harmless and mostly keep to themselves, however if you bring your own dog up the mountain, it’s best to beware. The Kaoshiung City government is making attempts to control the stray dog population on Chai Shan and Shou Shan.

How To Get To Shou Shan and Monkey Mountain

There are 2 major trailheads for Chai Shan and 1 major trailhead for Shou Shan.

Chai Shan Trailhead #1 is known as the “Temple” trailhead. View the map below to see exactly where it is off Gushan Road.

Driving on Gu Shan 3rd Road, which runs along the mountain, turn into Lane 51 at the 7-11 and follow the small road past the temple to the trailhead.

chai shan trailhead
7-11 turn for Temple Trailhead
chai shan trailhead

The Temple trailhead of Chai Shan actually has vendors selling snacks, water, and hiking equipment!!!

chai shan trailhead
chai shan trailhead

The Temple trailhead of Chai Shan starts with narrow stone steps past the front doors of some houses as well as vendor stalls.

chai shan trailhead
chai shan trailhead

Follow the wood steps up a steep portion for a few minutes until you get to a few break off trail choices. Follow the steps all the way to the top if you want. About 1 hour.

chai shan trailhead
chai shan trailhead

Chai Shan Trailhead #2 is behind the Gu Shan High School is only a 5-10 minute walk from the “Temple” trailhead.

The Gushan High School Trailhead is a lot easier to get to and has ample car parking. Beware that the trail starts out steep here for about 5-10 minutes up stairs until leveling out on the old cement road. MAP LINK HERE

monkey mountain trailhead
monkey mountain trailhead

To get there, find the other 7-11 on Gushan 3rd Road and turn into Mingde Road which runs past the front entrance of Gushan High School towards a temple. (seen below)

monkey mountain trailhead
Head down this road to Gushan High School Hike entrance
monkey mountain trailhead

The trailhead is actually through a little temple where incense is burning. There is a big parking lot/visitor center next to the temple. You can start walking from there as well.

This trail starts straight up for about 10 minutes. It gets your heart racing right away.(see below)
 

monkey mountain trailhead
monkey mountain trailhead

Pictured below is the street which runs in front of the trailhead. You can park here, find the restrooms and see the temple. This is also the road that connects to the Temple Trailhead of Chai Shan.

monkey mountain trailhead
monkey mountain trailhead

Here are the Trailhead locations for Chaishan”Monkey Mountain” off of Gushan Road.

Shoushan/Longevity Mountain Trailhead

The hiking on Shoushan is about the same as Chaishan. Probably the difference is that Shoushan may get a few more casual visitors as they can drive up the road, park and hike or visit the zoo which is near the trailhead. MAP LINK HERE

On Shoushan, you will see monkeys even before you get to the trail. There are lots of rest stations to admire the city views as well as many paths to wander around.

As you head down Gushan 2nd Road, you will see the brown signs for the zoo. That road is called Singlong Road. Turn onto it and start to drive up past the monastary.

shoushan trailhead
shoushan trailhead


After about 1-2 minutes, you will see a parking lot. Visitors can park their car their for an hourly fee and then walk another 5 minutes to the trailhead or 7 minutes to the zoo. If you ride a scooter or bicycle, you can park at the trailhead along the entrance road.

shoushan trailhead
shoushan trailhead

The trailhead is on the right side and usually lined with scooters and hikers. This is where to park your bike.

shoushan trailhead
shoushan trailhead
shoushan trailhead
shoushan trailhead

Follow the road up to the trail entrance which starts off on stone steps. There are restroom facilities before you hike.

shoushan trailhead
shoushan trailhead

Here is the trailhead location for Longevity Mountain “Shoushan” and the Kaohsiung City Zoo

Enjoy these great city mountains!! Be safe!

Tags: day hikes in taiwanexploring taiwanhiking in Taiwankaohsiung day hikekaohsiung hikesmonkey mountaintaiwan adventurestaiwan travel
Previous Post

Taiwan Visa Facts – How To Get a Travel or Work Visa for Teaching English, Resident Visas, Student Visas, ARC

Next Post

Raohe Night Market Black Pepper Bun 胡椒餅

Next Post

Raohe Night Market Black Pepper Bun 胡椒餅

Please login to join discussion
Please enter a valid email address
That address is already in use
The security code entered was incorrect
Thanks for signing up!
  • Top Ten ways to Deal with Culture Shock

    Culture shock – Examples & Implications, How to Deal with Culture Shock

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Taiwan Postal Code Numbers

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Guanghua Market for Computers and Electronics in Taipei

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Getting a local Taiwanese Drivers License (Not an International Drivers License)

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • How to Climb Jade Mountain – Yushan 爬玉山

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

EnglishInTaiwan.com

EIT began more than 12 years ago as a resource for expats in Taiwan, Teaching English, and just Living in Taiwan in general.

We've continued to develop home-grown information about Teaching ESL/EFL, local business resources, cultural and travel info and tips, places to eat, drink, and shop.

Hopefully you'll get more out of your stay.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    The Instagram Access Token is expired, Go to the Customizer > JNews : Social, Like & View > Instagram Feed Setting, to refresh it.

Categories

  • Activities for Kids
  • Activities in Taipei
  • Bars & Pubs
  • Central
  • Central
  • Chinese New Year
  • Computers
  • Department Stores
  • East Coast
  • Food & Eating in Taiwan
  • Hikes
  • Holidays, Important Days
  • Hot Springs
  • Kaohsiung Travel
  • Kaohsiung 高雄
  • Life in Taiwan
  • Night Markets
  • North
  • Other Markets
  • Other Resources for Teaching Abroad
  • Penghu 澎湖
  • Shopping
  • South
  • South
  • Street Markets
  • Surrounding Islands
  • Taichung 台中
  • Tainan 台南
  • Taipei
  • Taipei 台北
  • Taiwan 100 Peak Hikes
  • Teacher Resources
  • Teacher Resources for ESL and TEFL Classrooms
  • Travel
  • Wine bar
  • About Us
  • Account
  • Business Directory
  • Change Password
  • Contact Us
  • ESL Teaching Jobs Board from EIT
  • Forgot Password?
  • Login
  • Membership
  • Profile
  • Register
  • Reset Password
  • Search page
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Users
  • Users List Item

© 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.

No Result
View All Result
  • About Us
  • Account
  • Business Directory
  • Change Password
  • Contact Us
  • ESL Teaching Jobs Board from EIT
  • Forgot Password?
  • Login
  • Membership
  • Profile
  • Register
  • Reset Password
  • Search page
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Users
  • Users List Item

© 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.