A Guide to Visiting Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Destination: the Taroko Gorge
By: Uniquefun 由你玩 體驗旅遊
Tags: Hualien, Taroko, Travel, Taroko National Park, Taiwan

Taroko translates to “magnificent and beautiful” in the aboriginal Truku language, and it definitely lives up to its name. The Taroko Gorge is likened to the Grand Canyon of the east. It towers over the Liwu River beneath it and spans across 20 kilometers of vertical cliffs, with an elevation of 3,700 kilometers at its tallest.

This nature phenomenon is the result of thousands of years of marble uplifting and river erosion, and there are many ways to experience its beauty. From kayaking in the seas alongside the Taroko National Park to hiking on a trail 1,100 metres above sea level, and numerous other options in between. Here are some recommended activities you can embark on:

Qingshui Cliff (kayaking)

Many visitors head right to Taroko Gorge without stopping by the stunning Qingshui Cliff. An integral part of the Taroko National Park, Qingshui Cliff is made up of a windy 21 kilometre stretch of coastal cliffs. The best way to explore it is by kayaking in the Pacific Ocean itself, which is adjacent to the towering cliffs.

There are various time slots throughout the day to choose from for your kayaking session, but fosure, opt for the sunrise one. There is nothing quite as postcard-perfect as paddling your way into the glorious first light.

Qingshui Cliff kayaking tours are available here.

Tianxiang Village

Tianxiang Village is a small ‘town’ in Taroko Gorge well-equipped with a bus station, eateries, accommodation options, and even a garden. Amenities aside, Tianxiang Village boasts superb views of the area.

There are also a few pagodas and temples in Tianxiang Village; this one here looks like a step into a traditional Chinese painting.

Customised Taroko National Park tours, which can include a visit to the Tianxiang Village, are available here.

Changchun Shrine

The Changchun Shrine (which translates to Eternal Spring Shrine) holds a special significance in Taroko Gorge. It is built to honour and commemorate the 226 soldier veterans who died while constructing the Central Cross-Island Highway, a 192 kilometre road network connecting Taroko to Taichung. The shrine houses a picturesque temple atop a natural waterfall resulting from spring water gushing through the rocks.

Customised Taroko National Park tours, which can include a visit to the Changchun Shrine, are available here.

Trail options

Shakadang Trail (Mysterious Valley)

2 hours round-trip

The Shakadang Trail runs along the river cliff and is well-known for its emerald green pools. It is a relatively easy hike with little elevation, making it well-suited for visitors of all ages and physique levels. Halfway through the trail nests the Truku aboriginal village, which has a small market open to visitors, selling indigenous snacks and works of their local artisans.

The entrance to the Shakadang Trail is about a 15 minute walk from Taroko National Park Visitors Center, at the exit of the Shakadang Tunnel.

Customised Taroko National Park tours, which can include the Baiyang Waterfall Trail, are available here.

Baiyang Waterfall Trail

1.5 to 2 hours round-trip

The Baiyang Waterfall Trail courses through a handful of tunnels, some of which are pitch-black due to its curvature, so bring along your torches! Emerging from the tunnels, you will be greeted by the unbeatable views of Baiyang Waterfall and its river valley.

The last ‘tunnel’ of the trail brings you into the Water Curtain Cave, where water pours out from the cave’s ceiling cracks, almost like a mini waterfall. If you wish to frolic in this nature shower, remember to bring along a poncho.

Customised Taroko National Park tours, which can include the Baiyang Waterfall Trail, are available here.

Zhuilu Old Trail

4 to 5 hours round-trip

Though one of the more strenuous trails, the iconic Zhuilu Old Trail offers undeniably the best views of the Taroko Gorge. The initial trail covers about 2.5 kilometres of an upward climb, and the subsequent 500 metres will have visitors thread a narrow path along a cliff overlooking extraordinary views of Taroko’s marbled canyon walls and the signature Liwu River chasing through the canyon.

Zhuilu Old Trail tours are available here.

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