Pothole TrailPost date：2021-10-15
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Let’s go on a journey through Maokong’s natural history as we hike along the 'Pothole Trail’. Along the way we will discover the unique plants and geology of Maokong and uncover their fascinating stories.
As you wander down the steps, panoramic mountain views will surround you. Look out towards the hills and imagine the vast cloud systems that roll past each winter. These storms provide abundant rainfall for the bamboo shoots, helping them grow quickly.
You will notice many bright green leaves and ferns of different shapes on the side of the path. How many unique plants can you count? Seeing such a diverse mix of plants, with tropical ferns next to huge pine trees, is a mind opening experience.
As you encounter these huge plants, cast your mind back in time and imagine how they might have been used by the people who have lived here. There is one edible fern that is abundant in the area and is available at some restaurants in Maokong. It has a consistency and familiar taste similar to spinach, but with its own special tanginess and it is a unique eating experience.
Are you curious about where the name Maokong originated? If you walk a little further, you will hear the sound of flowing water and willsoon find the answer at a small wooden suspension bridge. Cross over the bridge and you will see the famous Potholes on the riverbed for which Maokong was named. Although the locals originally named the area ‘Niao Kang’ meaning potholes, at one stage this name was replaced by the similarly sounding ‘Mao Kong’ or ‘cat hollows’ in English. ‘Mao’ means ‘Cat’ in Mandarin. Hence, this place has had a connection with cats ever since, which is why you can see statues of cats in the area.
As you wander down the steps, panoramic mountain views will surround you. Look out towards the hills and imagine the vast cloud systems that roll past each winter. These storms provide abundant rainfall for the bamboo shoots, helping them grow quickly.
You will notice many bright green leaves and ferns of different shapes on the side of the path. How many unique plants can you count? Seeing such a diverse mix of plants, with tropical ferns next to huge pine trees, is a mind opening experience.
As you encounter these huge plants, cast your mind back in time and imagine how they might have been used by the people who have lived here. There is one edible fern that is abundant in the area and is available at some restaurants in Maokong. It has a consistency and familiar taste similar to spinach, but with its own special tanginess and it is a unique eating experience.
Are you curious about where the name Maokong originated? If you walk a little further, you will hear the sound of flowing water and willsoon find the answer at a small wooden suspension bridge. Cross over the bridge and you will see the famous Potholes on the riverbed for which Maokong was named. Although the locals originally named the area ‘Niao Kang’ meaning potholes, at one stage this name was replaced by the similarly sounding ‘Mao Kong’ or ‘cat hollows’ in English. ‘Mao’ means ‘Cat’ in Mandarin. Hence, this place has had a connection with cats ever since, which is why you can see statues of cats in the area.
