The Romantic Landscape of Taiwan’s Badlands

TIANLIAO MOON WORLD

The beautiful and desolate lunar landscapes of Tianliao Moon World are located in southern Taiwan. Tianliao Moon World is just part of a stretch of badlands that spans from Zuojhen District in Tainan to Tianliao District and Yanchao District in Kaohsiung. For travelers interested in unique geological formations and unusual ecology, Tianliao Moon World is a beautiful and educational opportunity.

Walking paths cut through the landscape.

Unlike the volcanically produced mountains of Yangmingshan National Park, the landscape of Tianliao Moon World was not born of volcanic activity. Over the course of five million years, this shelf of mudstone was uplifted from the ocean floor by plate movement and orogeny. The high salt content of this once marine land makes it inhospitable to all but the most resilient of plant species. Today, years of wind and water erosion have carved out a network of dramatic spines and razor-thin ridgelines throughout the badlands.

Conical mud volcanoes are the result of eruptions of natural gas and groundwater (in the form of mud). Unlike Guanziling in Tainan, the amount of groundwater here is not enough to warrant the development of mud springs. Nevertheless, Tianliao Moon World stands out as a prime destination for photographers and amateur geologists. The dramatically eroded and geometrical landscape here is a sight to behold, and attracts visitors during all hours of the day.

Taiwan's climate means that even badlands are lush with greenery. — Taiwan’s climate means that even badlands are lush with greenery.

It's possible to touch the geological features.

The central mountain range viewed from the viewing platform.

Tianliao Moon World has a wheelchair-accessible walking path suitable for family outings. Visitors in wheelchairs can reach Moon Pond by taking the Dengyue Path, thus avoiding the steep Ladder to Heaven Path. Another option would be to take the Jade Pond Path to the Badlands Path and then climb the 156-stair-long Ladder to Heaven to reach Moon Pond. On clear days, the viewing platform from atop offers a mirage-like view of the distant southern peaks of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range, including Dawushan.

The Ladder to Heaven path leads steeply upwards.

Tianliao Moon World is one of many badlands scenic areas in Taiwan, others include Taitung’s Liji Badlands (mudstone) and Miaoli’s Huoyanshan Nature Reserve (conglomerate and sandstone). Tianliao Moon World is 18 kilometers (11 miles) away from Meinong in Kaohsiung. Meinong is famous for its vibrant Hakka culture and traditional industry. Visitors can book DIY experiences such as the manufacture of oil-paper umbrellas and taste traditional food such as Hakka Flat rice noodles.