The Maolin Scenic Area is situated on the southwestern flank of the Central Mountain Range and contains a number of hot-spring areas, including Baolai, Bulao, and Duona. The area also encompasses the unique terrain of Dragon's Head Mountain and Snake's Head Mountain as well as the Mt. Shiba Luohan Geologic Preserve, the slate-slab houses of the Rukai aborigines, and the special agricultural products of Liugui Township: Black Diamond wax apples and Gold Brilliance mangoes. All of these make up the rich store of tourism resources in the area.

The Baolai hot springs are located deep in the mountains of Liugui Township, Kaohsiung County, near the banks of the Laonong River. The hot-spring waters are rich in minerals, and their bicarbonate content is believed to be able to loosen up the muscles and bones as well as to beautify the body. Besides enjoying the hot springs here you can also fish in the river, raft its rapids, camp, and have yourself a picnic.

The Bulao hot springs are also located in Liugui Township and were developed back during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan (1895-1945). These springs too are situated beside the Laonong River and produce a clear bicarbonate water that is suitable for drinking as well as bathing and is said to be effective for eliminating exhaustion, relieving muscular aches and pains, and beautifying the skin. Besides soaking in the hot-spring water here you can also barbecue and camp in specially planned areas that provide a diversity of vacation activities.