In Taiwan, Hualien Taroko Gorge is one of the world’s deepest gorges, with majestic mountains, perilous roads, and vertical cliffs. As you gaze up, you will be amazed by the natural wonder that carved this masterpiece.
A Guide to Exploring Taroko National Park with Different Views
Experience the diverse beauty of Taroko National Park, from its high peaks, rich wildlife, crystal-clear streams, lush forests, colorful rocks, dark caves and tunnels to the ancient culture of the Taroko and Yuanzhu tribes that still lives on today, making you want to stay longer.
How to see the best of Taroko Gorge in one day?
Start from Highway 8 and follow the Liwu River into Taroko National Park! First, stop by the Taroko Visitor Center to get some tips for your tour, then explore the different trails in Taroko, such as the Changchun Shrine Trail, the Jiuqudong Trail, the Lushui Trail, and the Shakadang Trail, which all takes you close to the gorge and stream.
After finishing the tour of Taroko National Park, head to the nearby Hualienone Seafood Restaurant for a delicious seafood meal and enjoy the sunset at Qixingtan Beach.
Recommended itinerary and route
Morning: Taroko Service Center>Taroko Arch Gate>Changchun Shrine Trail
Afternoon: Lushui Trail>Jiuqudong Trail>Shakadang Trail
9:00 a.m. Taroko Service Center
Before you explore the gorge, learn more about it at the Taroko National Park Visitor Center. You can find out about the gorge’s history, geology, ecology, culture and more. You can also enjoy multimedia displays, interactive games, model exhibits, cultural relics and more.
Outside, you can see the Taroko Bridge and the gorge from the observation deck.
10:30 a.m. Taroko Arch Gate
The Taroko Archway has the Chinese characters for “Taroko” on it.
It is the entrance to the park and a landmark that many visitors take photos of. It is a striking structure among the green mountains. It is also the start of the Central Cross-Island Highway.
11:00 a.m. Changchun Shrine Trail
Changchun Shrine honors the people who died building Highway 8. It is one of the most famous landmarks of the gorge. The shrine is on the hillside of the gorge, with a waterfall behind it. The water flows over the roof of the shrine, creating a beautiful scene.
Next to the shrine is the Eternal Spring Shrine Trail, a steep and vertical trail. The trail is about 300 meters long, along the edge of the gorge. You can see the river, the gorge, the road, the vehicles, and the people below. You can feel the beauty of being on top of the world.
12:30 p.m. Lushui Trail
Lushui Trail is one of my favorite trails in the gorge.
Lushui Trail is about 1.2 kilometers long, along the stream, with vegetation and fields on both sides. There are also pavilions, seats, and signs along the way. The open cliff in the middle section shows the danger and beauty of the mountains. This is a convenient trail for parking and camping.
14:30 p.m. Jiuqudong Trail
Jiuqudong Tunnel is one of the most famous tunnels in the gorge, and one of the best sections of the old highway. Jiuqudong Trail is about 700 meters long, and it is a tunnel through the mountain. It has nine bends in the tunnel.
There are windows in the tunnel, where you can see the cliffs of the gorge, such as the marble walls, the rock plants, and the river. It is amazing. Most of the sections are for hiking only, and you need to go back the same way. You can park your car at Lushui or Heliu, or take public transportation.
16:30 p.m. Shakadang Trail
Shakadang Trail is one of the most challenging trails in the gorge, and popular among adventurers. Shakadang Trail is about 3.1 kilometers long, and it is a stream trail along the stream.
There are stairs, bridges, tunnels, and rope bridges on the trail, and you need to climb, jump, and cross them. It is exciting. The trail has strange rocks in the stream, such as the Lion Head Rock, the Bird Nest Rock, the Carp Rock, etc. They are natural wonders from the river erosion.
Discover more Taroko Gorge
In addition to the scenic attractions mentioned above, Taroko Gorge also has some activities suitable for experienced hikers, such as the Zhuilu Old Trail, or for family trips, such as the Baiyang Trail with its Water Curtain Cave, or the Swallow Grotto Trail where you can watch swallows.
You can also try to collect photos of the shaped rocks in the Taroko Gorge, such as the Indian Chief Rock, the Lion Rock, or the Carp Rock. Even if you stay late, you can choose to stay at the five-star Silks Place Taroko Hotel, the aboriginal-style Leader Village Taroko, or the budget-friendly Taroko Tianxiang Youth Activity Center.
