Maolin is one of the least populated districts in Taiwan, since it is located just to the south of the Central Mountain Range.The main population of Maolin district is the indigenous Rukai people.Maolin is well suited for tourism due to its unique scenery and ecology.Maolin National Scenic Area is located in the district.During the period of Japanese rule, Maolin was grouped with modern-day Namasia and Tauyuan districts and classified as "Aboriginal Areas" (蕃地), which was governed under Kizan District (旗山郡) of Takao Prefecture.
Map of region including Maolin (1951)
Mount Dragon Head
, formed by the horseshoe bend of the
Zhuokou River
.