Shoushan (Mt Shou)

Shoushan, or Mt Shou, is located at the southwest area of Kaohsiung City, in Gushan District. Heading north to south, it is a hillock with coral reefs as a unique geological character. The mountain was also known as the Unicorn Mountain, Gold Bury Mountain, Dog Beating or Drum Beating Mountain in the past. Today, it is the natural landmark of Kaohsiung City.

Mt Shou was the original habitat for the early Dog Beating community of the Pin Pu aboriginal tribe. The mountain is now covered by trees and features a number of famous sightseeing spots, including the Won Shou Mountain Park, Martyrs Shrine, Shou Shan Zoo, Chien Gwan Temple, Fa Hsin Temple, and Yuenheng Temple. Walking along the footpath next to the Shou Shan Zoo, local and international visitors can reach the limestone caves area of the Shou Mountain Scenic Area. As one moves forward by following the twisty narrow limestone caves, one can see crystals from the milky stones and witness the wonders and mysteries of the nature's creations.

The Won Shou Mountain Park is also called the Shou Mountain Park. From here, one can enjoy a distant view of the Kaohsiung Harbor, admire the sunset in Hsitzu Bay (Hsitzuwan), and be fascinated by the night view of Kaohsiung City. More significantly, the park's Nature Preservation Area features the Taiwanese Macaques, who love to play through the trees in groups. With a big of luck, one can watch the fast moving and jumping actions of these funny monkeys. There are also all kinds of precious and rare large mammalian animals, reptiles and birds in the Shou Shan Zoo.

Next to the Shou Shan Zoo is the Martyrs Shrine, which is a Chinese palace-style structure. The shrine offers sacrifices to divine plates of the martyrs from the Chinese civil war. Green trees grow tall on both sides of the shrine, while pine trees are planted specifically in front of the shrine. Nearby the shrine are two ancient cannons that have been preserved for people to reminiscent about the past.