Geologically, Niuchounei and its surroundings in Zuojhen are located on the Qiding formation, with major rock types including the interbedded sandstone, shale, and mudstone. The distribution of rock types in the Qiding formation is: mudstone (dominant) at the bottom, mudstone (few layers) and sandstone (thick layer) in the middle, and sandstone and shale are interbedding on the top. Pecten and ostracean fossils are mostly found in the rock layer of this area.
Ganglin Elementary School was closed on July 1, 2006 due to emigration and low fertility. As it is near famous sights such as the Erliao Guanri Pavilion and Caoshan Badlands, the Tainan Bureau of Tourism established the “Zuojhen Yueshijiue Visitor Center” here. Apart from turning the grass playground into a campsite, the bureau has remodeled two classrooms into ecological camp dormitories (floor bedrooms, one for boys and one for girls) and added the shower facility with 24-hour hot water and electricity supply.
Hill 308 is the highest point of Caoshan in Zuozhen. From here you can look down Moon World badlands and the chalky soil that gives the badlands its lunar appearance. In the summer, when the sun re-emerges after the afternoon showers, a pale mist hangs between the ridges. Light passing through the mist are dispersed like the rays of the sunrise at Erliao to bathe this entire Moon World in a warm, golden light. A Japanese photographer once stayed with a local family for 2 months until he finally captured this beautiful sight.
Zuozhen District's Tsao Shan Moon World (草山月世界) is an area of daqing limestone terrain (青灰岩地形) made up of sandstone and shale, also known as chalk terrain. The geology is softened as it meets the water, and streams have eroded the surface to create a hilly landscape with cliffs all around, and a mountain ridge shaped like serrated teeth. The ground is highly alkaline due to the chalk, making it difficult for vegetation to take root, and only the hardy thorny bamboo can grow.
Erliao (二寮) has the lowest altitude in Taiwan where the slanting light of the beautiful sunrise meets the clouds and mist of a chalk terrain (白堊地形) bamboo forest; its likeness to a traditional Chinese painting makes it a mecca of photography in Tainan.
The expansive Karma Kagyu Monastery (噶瑪噶居寺) is the first White Sect Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Taiwan. Built in 1986, the temple displays a blend of Han and Tibetan cultures. As you approach the temple, the aroma of cassia flowers floating over the grass makes tourists unconsciously relax their body and mind.
Yaoyue Suspension Bridge (要月吊橋) is 105 meters long, and extends over the Caoshan River (草山溪). Built in 1973, as an access route for local residents, the bridge later became a tourist bridge. It was rebuilt in 2001, and remains the only suspension bridge in the Caoshan area.
The bridge crosses a canyon with chalky ground and a stream. On one side is a small village between the hills, the stillness between the white hills make time seem to stop, and has the rather desolate feeling of a lost age.
"Tainan City Zuojhen Fossil Park is the only fossil museum in Taiwan that exists as a unique combination of school and educational museum by integrating the former Tsai-liao Fossil Museum, the Natural History Educational Hall and Guangrong Elementary School. By integrating science, archeology, promotion of education and recreational tourism, the Fossil Park has presented itself as “The home of fossils” with its unique natural and cultural context, thereby transforming Zuozhen District into an important site for fossil studies.
Luo Lai-shou Memorial Hall(羅來受紀念館)is located inside Zuozhen District’s tallest building, Zuozhen Presbyterian Church(左鎮教會).The Hall can be seen from the side of the church. Luo was a church elder who made a great contribution both to the church and local people for many years; his efforts were recognized with the Hall’s establishment after he passed away.
Cilian Temple(慈蓮寺) is surrounded by mountains and close to the chalk soil Moon World. It has a tranquil beauty reminiscent of the scenery of Little Guilin(小桂林) when shrouded in mist in the early morning; combined with the blue colored glass tiles and white arch at the entrance, it has a calming effect on people imperceptibly. The solemn atmosphere and imposing grandeur of the temple attract an increasing number of worshippers. Many faithful believers who have the habit of exercising in the early morning attend pre-dawn morning class here and then take a walk along Ganglin into Moon World.