taiwan taroko gorge tour

A 2024 Guide to Taroko Gorge and Taroko National Park

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Taroko Gorge, named after the Truku or Taroko aboriginal tribe, is arguably Taiwan’s top scenic attractions. Few people visit without being blown away by its sheer magnificence and raw natural beauty. It is the star attraction of Hualien, Taiwan’s largest county (see my Hualien guide and other places to visit in Hualien ), on the wild and visually stunning east coast.

Taroko Gorge can be reached in a mere 2-3 hours from the capital, Taipei, yet it feels world’s apart.

I wrote this guide to Taroko Gorge based on many visits I’ve made over the last 15 years. In it, I’m going to cover all the main things to do in Taroko Gorge, how to get there, where to stay, how to do Taroko Gorge as a day trip from Taipei, and why I think Island Life Taiwan offers the best Taroko Gorge tours .

For more general information about traveling in Taiwan, also be sure to see my introduction to Taiwan travel .

2024 Update: On April 3, 2024, a massive earthquake struck the Hualien region. Taroko Gorge is heavily damaged and all of Taroko National Park (including Taroko Gorge and Hehuanshan) is totally closed to visitors. It is expected that the gorge will be closed for a full year. Trains are now running again from Taipei to Hualien and onward to Taitung. Damage in Hualien city is less serious, but some hotels have closed for repairs. See my newest guide: things to do in Hualien which are still currently open .

Table of Contents

Welcome to Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is the country’s premier scenic attraction, along with Alishan and Sun Moon Lake . It is featured on my list of best places to visit in Taiwan and it is an essential stop on any Taiwan itinerary .

The area referred to as Taroko Gorge is a steep, dramatic valley created by the Liwu River (立霧溪), which flows from Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range east to the Pacific Ocean. The blue-green waters of the Liwu River have carved out immense, vertical cliffs of marble and gneiss.

The Japanese first made the area a national park, called Tsugitaka-Taroko National Park , during their colonial rule of Taiwan from 1895 to 1945. This was the first national park ever in Taiwan. After the Japanese left, the KMT government later abolished the national park, and it wasn’t reestablished again as Taroko National Park until 1986 (later than others, such as Kenting National Park ).

Many people don’t realize this, but Taroko National Park is much larger than just the famous tourist section called Taroko Gorge. In fact, the park extends all the way up to the Central Mountain range, including the famous mountain Hehuanshan , one of the best places in Taiwan to see snow .

Super-narrow Provincial Highway 8 runs up Taroko Gorge. The highway was first built in the late 1950s, and the 212 veterans who died while building it are today commemorated at Eternal Spring Shrine .

Highway 8 is actually the start of the Central Cross-Island Highway as it follows the Liwu River upstream and then continues over the high mountains all the way to Taichung City on the west coast. The first 19 kilometers or so of the highway are what we typically consider Taroko Gorge .

In the Central Mountain Range, Highway 8 also connects to Highway 14, which continues to famous attractions like Hehuanshan , Wuling Pass (Taiwan’s highest), Cingjing Farm , and Puli (access point for Sun Moon Lake).

2024 Taroko Gorge Closures

Taiwan’s high mountain roads are subject to frequent closures due to damage from typhoons and landslides. Several storms in 2022 and 2023 have caused multiple road closures on Highway 8, including one right in Taroko Gorge .

As of early 2024, there are five areas of construction on Highway 8, and two of these are inside Taroko Gorge.

For several months in 2023 and early 2024, one spot was only open to let cars pass five times per day. Because of this, bus 310 from Hualien city to Taroko Gorge and bus 302 from Xincheng to Taroko Gorge were reduced to only a few per day.

In March 2024, this was updated to 8 opening times per day (10 minutes every hour on the hour from 9 AM to 4 PM, then open all night from 5 PM to 8 AM and open on weekends and holidays). Bus 310 and 302 are back to normal schedule.

New updates about these road closures are released on the first day of every month on the Taroko NP park website (click small arrow beside Highway 8). However, this information can be difficult to understand. For interpretations of their information, including maps I made, please join my Taiwan Travel Planning group and see my most recent posts about Taroko Gorge.

These closures will also slow down anyone planning to drive from Taroko Gorge to Hehuanshan (or vice versa). The drive is still doable, but I suggest starting your day as early as possible because there are likely to be delays.

How Many Days for Visiting Taroko?

Most people spend one entire day visiting Taroko Gorge, whether they self drive, take a day tour , or hire a private driver for the day.

One option is to arrive in Hualien very early, do your day tour, spend the night, then continue to your next destination the next day. However, if you’re coming by train, note that even the first train of the day won’t get you there early enough to catch most tours .

Another option is to arrive and check in to your hotel on Day 1, do your Taroko day tour on Day 2, then head on to your next destination in the evening. To make your visit more relaxed, spend two nights or more there , so you don’t have to do any traveling on the same day as your Taroko tour.

With a full day, you’ll be able to visit most of the places I describe in this article, including at least one or two short hikes. You’ll also most likely be able to visit Qingshui Cliffs and Qixingtan Beach, two attractions outside of the gorge that are included on most Taroko day tours. I’ll further introduce both of these places below.

Taroko can even be done as a day trip from Taipei , but it makes for a very long day. You can book this day trip with transportation from Taipei , but it makes for a very long day, with 8-10 hours of driving. A better option is to go to Xincheng on your own by train and hire a driver from there.

If you have even more time in the area, you’ll want to check out more things to do in Hualien here , my recommended Hualien itinerary , my two guides to the east coast of Taiwan, covering Yilan to Hualien and Hualien to Taitung and Kenting National Park , as well what to do in Taitung , the county below Hualien.

If you visit Taroko Gorge during a long weekend or especially the latter half of the Lunar New Year holiday in Taiwan , be prepared for some serious crowds! You can see more information on the best times to visit Taroko Gorge in my guide to when to visit Taiwan .

Also note that, like most of Taiwan, Taroko Gorge are very safe for solo or female travelers, as this female traveler reports in her Hualien guide .

Best Taroko Gorge Tours

The most convenient way to see Taroko Gorge, especially if you want to cover the main sights in one day, is by taking a tour from Hualien city. There are several cheaper options available on Klook, but I personally recommend Island Life Taiwan Tours .

The reason I recommend them is because they specifically design their tours to avoid the crowds everywhere they go, including starting a little earlier than other tours. Also, their groups are small and their tours are conducted in English. They are also highly reviewed and have a five star rating on Tripadvisor .

To cover the main sights described in this article, choose the Better Taroko Gorge Tour . The tour also includes some off-the-beaten-track spots that other tours don’t, such as the Changuang Bell Tower Trail, the Baiyang Waterfall Trail, and the Water Curtain Cave, which you will read about below. They even provide flashlights and raincoats for entering the Water Curtain Cave. Because the tour starts at 7:30 AM, you’ll need to sleep in Hualien City or Xincheng the night before.

They also offer fully customized tours and can arrange permits and guide you through the thrilling Zhuilu Old Trail (which I’ll introduce below).

Getting to Hualien

Hualien city is the capital of Hualien county and the main access point for Taroko Gorge.

Most people take the regular (TRA) train to Hualien city, but there’s also the option to fly from Taipei’s Songshan Airport. Going from Taipei to Hualien by bus is not easy, fast, or practical. Driving is slower than taking the train, but the drive is quite scenic.

If you’re starting your trip in Taipei, be sure to check out my Taipei 4-day itinerary , list of 50 things to do in Taipei , and guide to the best hotels in Taipei .

Flying from Taipei to Hualien

This flight from Taipei Songshan Airport to Hualien only takes 50 minutes. This is quite convenient because Songshan Airport is right in the Taipei City center and you can even get there by MRT.

However, this option is not necessarily faster than taking the train. If you factor in the time needed to get to Songshan Airport, check in for your flight, then get from Hualien airport to Hualien city center, flying would actually take a little longer than the fastest train to Hualien.

The fastest express train to Hualien can get you from Taipei Main Station to Hualien Station in a mere 2 hours 6 minutes (the last time I checked), or 2 hours 1 minute to Xincheng Station (the station closest to Taroko Gorge).

However, these express trains often sell out, and there are only a few per day. So if that happens, and you don’t want to take a slower train, you might consider flying.

Train from Taipei to Hualien

Taking the train is by far the most common and preferred method for getting from Taipei to Hualien. However, demand for these trains is very high, especially the express ones (called Puyuma Express or Taroko Express), and they often sell out, especially on weekends, long weekends, and holidays.

Therefore, it’s crucial to book your train in advance (up to 28 days) on the official TRA website . Note that these trains are not High Speed Rails ( the HSR only goes down the west coast of Taiwan). After you book and pay online, you can pick up your physical ticket from a convenience store iBon machine or at the ticket window at the station in Taiwan.

There are two train stops that are relevant for getting from Taipei to Taroko Gorge. Tiny Xincheng (Taroko Gorge) station is much closer to the gorge, but has few facilities and accommodations. The next stop, Hualien station in Hualien City, the county capital, is further away from Taroko Gorge, but has way more hotels, hostels, restaurants, night markets, and so on.

The fastest trains from Taipei to Hualien take just over 2 hours (TWD 440). For these trains, you must have a reserved seat. No standing tickets are sold. So once the seats sell out, it is not possible to ride these trains. These trains are called Puyuma, Taroko, or Tze Chiang 3000.

Slower trains take anywhere from 2 hours 15 min to 3 hours 30 min(TWD 340). They are called Chu-Kuang, Tze Chiang (all numbers except 3000), or Fast Local. For these trains, booking a seat is still recommended. But even if the train sells out, you can still buy a standing ticket. Then you’ll need to stand in the aisle or sit on the floor in the space between train cars (it’s not comfortable, but I’ve done it many times).

For more information, see my guide to taking trains in Taiwan .

Driving to Hualien

For total freedom, you can rent a car from various locations in Taipei or across Taiwan. However, driving from Taipei to Hualien is actually quite a bit slower than taking the train, even the slower trains.

The main reason you might consider doing this is because it is a beautiful drive from Taipei to Hualien, especially the coastal section from Su’ao to Hualien. You could easily make a full day of it, passing places like Jiaoxi Hot Springs , Su’ao Cold Springs, Nanfangao Seafood Harbor, and (just before reaching Taroko Gorge) the beautiful Qingshui Cliffs.

Another plus is that once you get to Hualien, you don’t have to figure out how to get to Taroko Gorge, because you can just drive through the gorge by yourself.

If you do drive, take care on the coastal highway, as it is narrow in parts, with steep cliffs down the sea. Once in a while (though not commonly), landslides destroy this highway and he can take a few days to reopen again, as happened most recently in early 2023.

See my guide to road tripping from Yilan to Hualien for more details.

Getting to Taroko Gorge on Your Own

Once you arrive in Hualien city, it’s a 30 to 40-minute drive back to Taroko Gorge, and most Taroko day tours start with pick-up in Hualien city.

Some people get off the train in Xincheng, a small town that is closer to Taroko Gorge (5-10 minutes), but has fewer services. If you have arranged a private driver, it makes sense to have them pick you up at Xincheng.

Private Driver

Getting a private driver is not a bad or expensive way to explore Taroko Gorge, especially if you have a few people to share the cost. Most drivers have a proposed itinerary for Taroko Gorge, but you can also make your own customized schedule. The drivers will even wait for your if you want to do one of the hikes in Taroko Gorge.

Most taxis drivers in Hualien can do this, or you can book a private driver online .

If you want to get to Taroko Gorge by scooter, there are scooter rental stations outside of Xincheng and Hualien train stations. Helmet and rain jacket are provided, and you’ll need a local Taiwanese scooter license or IDP (international driver’s license). Your home country’s license won’t be good enough.

Riding a scooter in Taroko Gorge gives you the freedom and flexibility to stop wherever you go. Riding through the tunnels and between the valley walls of Taroko Gorge is an incredible experience. However, it must be noted that there have been multiple scooter accidents in Taroko Gorge in recent years, some tragic, so you should do so at your own risk .

Having said that, we have even visited Taroko Gorge by scooter with our kids.

Taking the Bus to Taroko Gorge

Visiting Taroko Gorge by bus is the slowest and most inconvenient, but cheapest way. The buses are infrequent, so you really need to time it well. Still, the bus isn’t a bad option, and with some planning and an early start, you can still see a few of the main highlights of Taroko Gorge in a day.

Hualien county runs regular buses (NT170 per person, no change given, four per day) and tourist shuttles (NT 250 day pass, 13 per day) from Hualien through Taroko Gorge to Tianxiang, the village at the head of the Gorge, stopping at Xincheng station on the way. The whole drive takes about 1.5 hours one way (but you’ll likely get off sooner). Here are the schedules for route 310 from Hualien and route 302 from Xincheng .

Here’s the most recent Taroko Gorge bus route and schedule . When you land on the page, it might revert to Chinese. So you need to switch the language to English, click on Hualien on the map, then click on “Taroko Route”.

Cycling to Taroko Gorge

Cycling Taroko Gorge is the most adventurous way to take in the dramatic scenery that Taroko Gorge has to offer. You might want to avoid weekends and holidays, when traffic is much heavier.

Be warned that some of the roads in Taroko Gorge are very narrow and don’t provide much space between you and passing tour buses. Also, don’t go cycling in Taroko Gorge during or after heavy rain or a typhoon during summer in Taiwan . In 2017, a Japanese cyclist died from a landslide in Taroko Gorge for this reason.

You can rent bicycles around Hualien and Xincheng stations for about NT250 per day, but I’d suggest not wasting your time riding all the way from Hualien station to the entrance of Taroko. A smart thing to do is to rent a Giant bicycle near Hualien station, take your bike on the local train to Xincheng, the ride on from there.

From Xincheng station, it only takes 15 minutes to cycle to the entrance of Taroko, or you can take the bus to the entrance and rent a bike there.

Cycling into Taroko Gorge, the road is going to be uphill the whole way, but it’s not super steep. If you’re a beginner biker, you may find it tough, but for experienced cyclists, it should be a breeze.

Where to Stay in Taroko Gorge

Choosing where to stay when you visit Taroko Gorge can be a tough decision. Three main options are staying right in Taroko Gorge, staying in Xincheng (the small town near the entrance to Taroko), or staying in Hualien city.

Hotels in Taroko Gorge are limited and pricey. Xinxheng is very convenient and close to Taroko, especially because it has its own train station (Xincheng station, which is one stop before Hualien City). Hualien City is the furthest, but it has the best choice of budget accomodations and many things to do .

Hotels inside Taroko Gorge

For the full Taroko experience, you can stay right inside the gorge. Driving there is best, but the hotels can also arrange pickup from Xincheng or Hualien.

Silks Place Resort ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) at Tianxiang, the small village at the top of Taroko Gorge, is the only 5-star hotel in Taroko Gorge National Park. It’s got a fancy swimming pool and incredible views. See my other recommended 5-star hotels in Taiwan .

Taroko Village Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) offers wooden huts and aboriginal buffet dinners. We stopped here for a lavish feast when we camped at Heliu campground to enjoy the best of both worlds! (If you want to learn how to cook aboriginal cuisine, check out this cooking course in Hualien !)

If you want to spend a night at the head of Taroko Gorge without breaking the bank, try the Tienhsiang Youth Activity Center ( see on Agoda / TripAdvisor ). You’ll need to get there on your own. From the hostel, you can walk to a few (but not all) of Taroko’s attractions.

Hotels in Xincheng

If you want to stay very close to Taroko Gorge, but also have train access, then staying in Xincheng is best. Get off the train at Xincheng (Taroko Gorge) station.

Taroko Liiko Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) is an excellent choice very close to the train station. Most rooms come with beautiful views.

Liwu Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) is the closest you can get to Taroko Gorge without actually being inside the national park. It’s a 6-minute drive (or 45-minute walk) from Xincheng Station.

From a very quiet stay in a beautiful local house, try Crossing the Rainbow B&B ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ). This is a simple local guesthouse. It is slightly closer to Xincheng but further from Taroko. It’s a 30-minute walk out of town in the direction of Qingshui Cliffs.

For an off-the-beaten track experience, try Songyue Guesthouse (see on Booking ). It is located in Sanzhan, a small aboriginal village 10 minutes’ drive from Xincheng. Sanzhan is a great spot for swimming and jumping into the river (see the end of the article for pictures).

Hotels in Hualien City

Hualien City offers by far the largest range of accommodation options, but it is furthest away from Taroko Gorge. Staying in Hualien allows you to enjoy the city’s restaurants and night markets at night. Taroko Gorge is a 30-40 minute drive away.

If going by public transportation, choosing something near Hualien train station is smart.

Two of the best hostels in Hualien are Just Walk Backpacker Hostel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) and View Hostel ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ).  

For a good mid-range option, Happiness is My Home ( see on Booking ) lives up to its name – the owners of this guesthouse are super welcoming and helpful. Another excellent choice near Hualien night market is 1999 B&B (see on Booking / Agoda ).

Hualien Farglory Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) is the best resort option. It features both ocean and mountain views and swimming pool, in a quiet, remote location south of Hualien City.

Camping in Taroko Gorge

16.5km up the valley, Heliu Campground offers 12 wooden platforms for first-come-first-serve camping at NT200 per space. There is also overflow camping at nearby Lushui Campground. There’s are very basic campgrounds with limited amenities, so you need to bring everything you need, including food and water. There’s a self-pay system at Heliu, while the even more basic Lushui is free.

I stayed here with my family several years ago, and while the facilities are lacking, it was an awesome setting. If you need to pick one up before your trip, this guide covers some recommended tents . The campgrounds are close to a few attractions and a hike, which I will cover below.

Things to Do in Taroko Gorge

Taiwan is a geologically active island, and in few places is this more apparent than at Taroko Gorge. Earthquakes, typhoons, and landslides regularly destroy roads and trails in the gorge, continually reshaping its landscape. For this reason, you must keep in mind that one or more of the attractions or trails in Taroko Gorge might be closed when you go.

Every time I’ve ever been to Taroko Gorge, at least one or more of the main sights or trails has been closed. One time when I visited many years ago, the entire highway was closed for set times every day past the Swallow’s Grove, which meant I couldn’t make it to several spots.

You can avoid disappointment by checking what’s open and closed before you go on the Taroko Gorge National Park website . Click “News” then “Roads and Trails”. Under Road Conditions Highway 8, you can find out if any sections of highway are closed. Then, Level 0 to 5 refers to the various hikes in Taroko Gorge by difficulty.

Having said all that, here are the main things to see and do in Taroko Gorge, in the order you would encounter them going in. More places to visit near Taroko Gorge will be covered in the next section below.

Taroko Gorge Entrance Gate

Welcome to Taroko Gorge! Tacky as it may seem, we can never resist stopping here for a photo, and you will probably want to do the same 🙂

The entrance gate (called 東西橫貫公路牌樓 on GoogleMaps) officially marks the entrance to Taroko Gorge . Just past the gate, turn right and cross the bridge over the river to reach Shakandang Trail (see below) or the Taroko National Park Visitor’s Center. You can see the bridge on the right side of the above photo.

For all other sights in Taroko Gorge, keep to the left, passing through the iconic rock arch visible in the photo above.

If you stay at one of the hotels I mentioned in Xincheng, like Liwu Hotel , you would be only five minutes’ walk from here.

Shakadang Trail

Shakadang Trail (砂卡噹步道), or “Mystery Valley Trail”, is an easy trail that follows a creek with crystal clear, sapphire pools of water. You WILL want to jump in, but you aren’t technically allowed to swim or go off the trail since people have died here.

This easy 4km walk takes about 2 hours return if you go the whole way (when the whole trail is open – check the national park site for current opening situation). This trail is a great one for visitors with kids , as it is mostly flat and you only need to walk as far as you want then turn back.

The trail passes through a Truku aboriginal village, where locals sometimes sell crafts or snacks along the trail.

To get there, cross the bridge that goes over the river at the Taroko Gorge Entrance Gate. Just turn right after the entrance gate from the previous entry. Turn left after crossing the bridge, and drive about five minutes past the Taroko National Park information center .

Buses also stop at the start of Shakadang Trail. If you come here with a private driver, they will be willing to park and wait for you while you do the hike. Note that the trail is sometimes closed for maintenance, so it’s best to find out before you come.

If you’ve walked into Taroko Gorge, you can walk from the Visitor’s Center to the start of Shakadang Trail on a trail along the river (also called Shakadang Trail on GoogleMaps), which is nicer than walking along the road.

Eternal Spring Shrine

The Eternal Spring Shrine (長春祠) is probably the most recognizable sight in Taroko Gorge and often crowded with tour groups. A picturesque waterfall streams out from the mountain, with a large colorful shrine built up around it to honor the many who died when the highway was first carved out by the Japanese in the 1910s.

From the large parking lot, the walking trail to the shrine goes through a tunnel that contains some smaller shrines. However, these tunnels and access to the shrine are sometimes closed due to damage by landslides.

When accessible, you can walk right up to the stream that runs through the shrine before it spills down to the valley floor below. If that part is closed, you can simply admire the shrine from the viewpoint next to the large parking lot.

Changuang Temple

A lesser known stop right next to the famous Eternal Spring Shrine is Chuanguang Temple (禪光寺). Although it looks very large in the above photo (shot by a drone), you won’t actually notice it when you drive through Taroko Gorge or visit Eternal Spring Shrine. That’s because it is uphill from the main road and hidden by the trees.

The easiest way to get to Changuang Temple is by walking up the car road to it. Going this way, it only takes about 15 minutes to walk from Eternal Spring Shrine to Changuang Temple . It is also possible to take a longer but more scenic hiking route there via Eternal Spring Bell Tower (see below), but the trail is partially closed as of 2024 (see link in next entry for latest info).

Eternal Spring Bell Tower

Although you can’t actually see Changuang Temple from below, you can see the beautiful Eternal Spring Bell Tower (長春鐘樓), also sometimes called Changuang Bell Tower (禪光鐘樓) from the Eternal Spring Shrine area, as in the above photo. On GoogleMaps , the bell town might look very close to the main highway, but it’s actually far, far above the highway on top of a cliff.

The Bell Tower is on a hiking trail called Eternal Shrine Trail (Changchun Shrine Trail) that starts at Eternal Spring Shrine and ends at Changchun Temple, so you can normally get to the Bell Tower from either. However, both ends of the trail appear to be closed due to landslide damage as of early 2024.

If you walk to the Bell Tower from Changuang Temple, the steep trail takes approximately 20 minute . This trail crosses a suspension bridge before getting there. If you start from Eternal Spring Shrine, the trail is longer (approximate 1 hour) but more scenic. The trail passes Guanyin Cave (觀音洞), which seems to be currently closed, and Taroko Tower before reaching the Bell Tower.

This guide to Eternal Spring (Changchun) Bell Tower Trail on the official Taroko website has a map of the trail and information about current closed sections (although the information is a little confusing). If you manage to reach the Bell Tower from either side, please let me know in the comments!

For temples lovers, be sure to check out my guide to the top 30 temples in northern Taiwan .

Buluowan is a grassy terrace sitting above the highway. It used to be the site of a real Truku (Taroko) aboriginal village . Today, the Buluowan Service Station (布洛灣遊憩區) has some small exhibits on Truku culture and handicrafts, sculptures, and simple lunchboxes and other snacks.

From the service center, you can follow a walking trail to Buluowan Terrace and Buluowan Suspension Bridge (布洛灣吊橋). At 152 meters above the Liwu River and 196 meters in length, it is the tallest and longest suspension bridge in Taroko National Park . The trail there is flat and easy to walk.

Taiwan tourist shuttle 310 (when running) makes a stop at Buluowan Service Center as it drives through Taroko Gorge.

Taroko Village Hotel sits on another plateau a little higher up from the service center. This is the only place where you can stay in cabins with aboriginal design in Taroko Gorge.

During one of our trips to Taroko Gorge, we visited here to enjoy an aboriginal buffet meal for dinner, which was excellent.

Swallow Grotto

Swallow Grotto/Swallow’s Grove (燕子口 or Yanzikou) is a stretch of road that veers off from the main highway and through multiple tunnels . You can park at the side then walk along the road, peering over sheer vertical drops to the river far below—classic Taroko Gorge scenery.

The vantage points and short walking trail here get their name from the swallows who build nests in the cliff face. You can also cross Zhuilu Suspension Bridge nearby, which is the start of the Zhuilu Old Trail (see next entry).

You’ll want to take caution here, as most of the walking path shares the road with vehicles, including a series of dark tunnels. If driving though, do so very slowly and watch for pedestrians.

The road that goes through these tunnels continues for one kilometer (one way direction for vehicles) before joining up again with the main highway. Because the road is prone to landslides, don’t be surprised if it is closed when you visit.

There’s a cliff that looks like a Native American chief , small cafe named “The Chief” after it, and a spot where if you look up, the rock cliffs make a Taiwan shape in the sky.

Taroko National Park headquarters suggest wearing helmets when visiting Swallow’s Grotto, which are available for free at the visitor’s center and at the spot marked “Free Helmet Rental” (太魯閣峽谷安全帽發放處) on GoogleMaps, on the main road about 1 km before Swallow Grotto.

Zhuilu Old Trail

Taroko Park’s most exhilarating hike, Zhuilu Old Trail or Zhuilu Old Road (錐麓古道), features narrow trails along sheer 500m+ cliffs and expansive, bird’s eye views over Taroko Gorge. This fairly tough 6-km hike takes 2-6 hours (depending on how much of it is open) and officially requires a permit and guide . Also, you must begin before 10am.

To arrange a guide and permit, simply book the tour online with Island Life Taiwan Tours and they will arrange it for you. This hike is still on my Taiwan bucket list, so I’ve used a friend’s photo above.

At the time of writing, only the first 3.1km were open, so definitely check the status on the national park website or with the tour company before you go. Sometimes, even though it says “open”, only a small part of the trail is open.

The trail starts by crossing Zhuilu Suspension Bridge (錐麓吊橋) across the Liwu River just before Swallow Grotto. If you don’t have a permit, you can still cross this bridge, but you can’t go any further up the trail.

Liufang Bridge Observation Deck

Stop at this small parking lot and observation deck, called Liufang Observation Deck (流芳橋觀景台), for a unique and impressive view.

Climb the wooden stairs up to the observation deck and you can look down on the highway as it emerges from two tunnels through the mountain, one for traffic in each direction, and then crosses Liufang Bridge (流芳橋).

Unfortunately, there is no bus stop here.

Tunnel of Nine Turns

The Tunnel of Nine Turns (九曲洞隧道 or Jiuqudong ) is a dramatic stretch of walking-only tunnels that was closed for six years due to major damage from a landslide. Fortunately, the tunnel was finally reopened to the public in 2019 , after being fully renovated and made safe.

The 700-meter pedestrian-only road features several tunnels and used to be a part of the original highway through Taroko Gorge. It features some of Taroko Gorge’s most epic views and definitely should not be missed. Watch for the beautiful waterfall between the cliffs on the other side.

The trail is about 700 meters and most visitors spend around 30 minutes here. Unfortunately there’s no parking lot here. If you have a driver, the driver will drop you off and pick you up. There’s also a bus stop nearby. If you’re driving and really want to see it, you could park around Lushui and walk there, about 30 minutes each way.

Cimuting, Lanting, Heliuting, and Lushui Trail

There is a small collection of sights around Cimu Bridge (慈母橋). I don’t really consider these essential stops in Taroko Gorge, but if you have more time, or are staying at one of the campgrounds nearby, you may want to visit them.

Cimuting (Cimu Pavilion or 慈母亭) and Lanting (蘭亭) are two small pavilions next to the bridge, but they are a little old and not easy to stop at, as there is very little parking. Further down the road, Yuewangting (岳王亭) is another one, which most people stop at for walking across yet another suspension bridge there.

A little further down the highway, Heliu Campground and the overflow Lushui Campground are the two main campgrounds in Taroko Gorge (see the “where to stay in Taroko Gorge section above”).

Heliu Campground is the start of the Lushui Trail (綠水步道), a pleasant trail that includes sections of forest, a 30-meter cave, a spirit tablet, and river views. It’s an easy trail that takes about an hour.

Tianxiang (Tienhsiang) Recreation Area

Tienhsiang (Tianxiang) is the only “town” in Taroko Gorge, if we could even call it that. It is the terminal bus stop of buses running up the gorge, beside which you can find a few aboriginal and Taiwanese food stalls and the only 7-Eleven in Taroko Gorge (often low on supplies).

The view from the grassy area marked Tianxiang Recreation Area (天祥遊憩區) on GoogleMaps is good. A short walk from town, can cross Taroko Pudu Bridge (太魯閣菩渡橋, pictured above) and walk up many stairs to the Buddhist Xiangde Temple (祥德寺) and the towering Tianfeng Pagoda (天峯塔, visible at the top of the above photo). There’s a small vegetarian restaurant (素食義賣) on the way up – opening hours may be limited.

Tianxiang is also the location of Silks Place , the fanciest hotel in Taroko Gorge by a long shot, as well as the budget friendly Tienhsiang Youth Activity Center . You can walk to the following trail from this town.

Baiyang Trail and Water Curtain Cave

Baiyang Trail (白楊步道) is another easy trail starting 900 meters past Tianxiang , taking you to gorgeous Baiyang Waterfall (白楊瀑布). Past the falls and requiring a little more uphill of a hike is Water Curtain Cave (水濂洞), a tunnel in which water spills down on top of your head as you walk through.

The trail takes less than an hour each way. Parts or all of the trail are sometimes closed for maintenance, so do check on the official site before you go. For most of 2023 and going into 2024, the trail has been open up to Baiyang Waterfall only .

On this tour , you can get flashlights and raincoats for entering Water Curtain Cave, so you don’t get too wet. If you visit on your own and want to walk through the tunnel, it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella or raincoat like we did (see image below).

Wenshan Hot Spring

Wenshan Hot Spring (文山溫泉) was once the most famous wild hot springs in Taiwan , being located right inside Taroko Gorge. Destroyed by a typhoon in 2005, it is now technically closed and not recommended to visit by the offiicial Taroko National Park headquarters.

However, by sneaking around a few fences, you can still visit what’s left of it. You can still bathe here, but the conditions are not ideal. To find out exactly how to do so, see my guide to visiting Wenshan Hot Spring .

The hot spring is located 2.5 kilometers past Tianxiang, and is probably the furthest point that you will consider going in Taroko Gorge unless you are planning to on traveling up the long, winding, and often closed road to Hehuanshan (see below).

If you’re looking for a longer hike in Taroko Gorge with virtually no people on it , check out the Lushui Wenshan Trail , which starts around the same point as the trailhead for Wenshan hot spring.

Things to Do around Taroko Gorge

Besides all the sights mentioned above inside Taroko Gorge, there are several other attractions near the gorge that can be combined with your day trip to Taroko Gorge.

You can find more information about these sights, plus many more things to do, in my guide to Hualien and recommended Hualien itinerary .

Qingshui Cliffs

The dramatic Qingshui Cliffs are on the Suhua Highway, which leads from Hualien to Su’ao in Yilan County . The cliffs are located on a stretch of the coast just 10 minutes’ drive north of the entrance to Taroko Gorge, with a few different spots along the coast where you can pull over to see them.

If you’re driving through Taroko Gorge on your own, it would make sense to see them in at the end of your visit. You could also walk to them in about an hour if you’re staying in Xincheng.

Most tours to Taroko Gorge, such as this one , this one , and this one , include a visit to Qingshui Cliffs, but sometimes only if there’s enough time at the end of day.

You can also go whale watching off the coast of Hualien!

Qixingtan Beach

Gorgeous Qixingtan is a beautiful pebble beach between Hualien and Taroko Gorge, so it’s easy to stop there where traveling between the city and the gorge. Most day tours to Taroko Gorge stop at the beach on the way to or from the gorge. You can’t swim there because the tide and waves are very strong, but the views are unbeatable.

There are usually some stalls selling food and drinks at Qixingtan. At busy times you can also rent bikes there to ride along the coast or all the way back to Hualien City, where you can arrange for them to meet you and pick up the bike (some Mandarin skills may be necessary to arrange this).

Qixingtan is included on this tour and this tour .

Hehuanshan and Cingjing Farm

It is even possible to continue further up Provincial Highway 8, the highway that runs through Taroko Gorge, to the Central Mountain Range of Taiwan.

Eventually the highway splits, with Highway 8 continuing across the Central Mountains to Taichung (called the Central Cross Island Highway). Highway 14 goes south and then also traverses Taiwan via Wuling Pass (the highest navigable pass in Taiwan, at 3275 m) and Hehuanshan (Hehuan Mountain). This 3416-meter mountain is considered one of the best places to see snow in Taiwan.

People don’t often realize this, but Hehuanshan is actually in Taroko National Park. Learn all about visiting it in my Hehuanshan guide .

A lot of visitors to Taiwan want to visit Hehuanshan, but it’s not easy to get to. There is no public transportation going from Taroko Gorge to there (there used to be a private shuttle bus from Hualien and Taroko Gorge to Hehuanshan, but it’s no longer running). What’s more, the highway above Taroko Gorge is often closed due to damage by landslides/typhoons (see the section about this at the top of the article).

Therefore, it is much easier and safer to visit Hehuanshan from Taichung on the west side of Taiwan. You can do so by joining this  Hehuanshan tour. There’s only one hotel at Hehuanshan and its hard to book – read about it in my guide to staying at Songsyue Lodge .

After Hehuanshan (if you are able to get there from Taroko Gorge), the highway continues on to the popular Cingjing Farm , a gorgeous high-mountain, European-style farm. Again, it is best to get to Cingjing from Taichung , not from Taroko Gorge.

If you keep going, you can continue all the way to Sun Moon Lake and Alishan and then descend to the west coast of Taiwan.

Find all the information about this area in my guide to Cingjing Farm and how to get from Taichung to Cingjing and Hehuanshan .

The small aboriginal village of Sanzhan (三棧) is only about 10 minute’s drive from Xincheng Train Station and the entrance to Taroko Gorge. The Sanzhan River, which runs past the village, has several great spots for jumping into the water. This is a real treat after a long day of hiking in Taroko Gorge, especially in summer.

To find the jumping spots, search “Sanzhan River Playing Area ( 三棧溪戲水區 )” on GoogleMaps. You can also jump in from the rocks below the bridge just before town, which is where I shot the above photo. There are even more spots around here and a little further up on the Sanzhan River, which is the start of the route to Golden Grotto (see below).

Sanzhan is the starting point for the infamous river trace to Golden Grotto (黃金峽谷), a long, difficult, and at times unsafe river trace that is considered one of the best in Taiwan.

If you want to stay in Sanzhan, perhaps as a very quiet and off-the-beaten-track alternative to Xincheng and Hualien, or because you plan to do river tracing or enjoy jumping in the water, you can spend the night at Songyue Guesthouse . There are a few very basic restaurants in town.

Well, I hope you’ve found all the information you needed for planning your trip to Taroko National Park. Let me know how your trip goes, and be sure to check out my other articles below on the area!

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33 thoughts on “A 2024 Guide to Taroko Gorge and Taroko National Park”

This is an awesome guide! Wish we would have had this before we visited Taroko Gorge last year. We’d love to go back and camp inside the park, and to do more hiking!

Wow! Grand Canyon indeed. What a magical place. I’d enjoy doing it by scooter. A simple rental than off I’d go, with wife in tow. Amazing experience because it mixes such lush greens with dramatic mountain and canyon scenery. Taiwan has much to offer. I feel the place is still well off the tourist beaten path in many regards. Rocking post dude!

Your post makes me SUPER excited about my upcoming trip to Hualien! I’ll be there for five days and will be exploring the area. Never heard of Shakadang Trail before your blog post but it’s now on my to-do list!

Do you need a license to rent a scooter and are there a lot of bugs? I ask because I just came from NZ and they had crazy, crazy sandflies at gorges!

Great post avout Taroko Gorge! Just wondering if the places you’ve mentioned here are the exact order from the start of the Gorge until Tianxiang? If not can you give me a rundown of places to see starting from the start until the end? And if you rent bicycles, do they also give you a helmet and a lock for the bike? Hoping for your response!!!

Yes, the order of sights above is pretty much exactly as you would encounter them. Only Shakadang trail is off the main road. Right after the Taroko Gorge entrance gate, the main road continues on the same side up Taroko Gorge. But for Shakadang trail, you have to cross a bridge right after the entrance gate to the other side of the gorge, where you’ll find the visitor’s center, and a little further down, the Shakadang trail. Everything else after that is in order, on the main side of the road. As for bicycles, I haven’t personally rented from those shops myself, so I can’t say for sure. I would hope they offer helmets. In Taiwan, it’s fairly common, outside of cities especially, for people to not bother using locks though. It’s really quite safe. Please let me know when you find out though, so I can know in the future!

Hello Nick,

Thanks for the awesome post about Taroko Gorge. I’m planning to visit Taiwan in August and would like to spend a weekend in Taroko Gorge. I’ve been researching on the NP and find your website super useful. I’d like to bring my camping gear from US to camp at the Heliu Campground. There’re 2 things I’m trying to figure out:

1/ As I read about the Heliu Campground, it is on 1st-come 1st-served basis. So what times would the campground be opened for walk-up and how would I pay the fees (in cash)?

2/ Is it safe to claim a campsite, set up my tent, and hop on the shuttle bus for day hikes in the Gorge, leaving my camping gears at the campsite to come back later at night? This is quite normal in the US but I’ve never had a chance to camp anywhere else so I’m a little bit worried about the safety.

Hoping for your response!!!

Hi Huy, Sounds like you’ve got an awesome trip planned. I’ve only stayed at the campground once, but it was way back in 2008, so I can’t guarantee nothing has changed. When I stayed there, I remember we just walked in, chose a platform, and set up our tent. There was nobody even working there. I don’t even remember paying the fee, but maybe somebody came around later to collect it. For best luck to get a spot, you should try to come early, especially on weekends. Taiwan is extremely safe, and I think you can leave your things and not worry about them. Taiwan is the kind of place where people leave their laptops unattended for half an hour in a cafe. It’s probably smart to keep your most important valuables on you though, because you never know.

Hi, I am drawing an itinerary for Taiwan trip (Oct 14th morning – 19th afternoon) with my family – twin (26), my parents (55 & 65) who are not the most active adults. Thinking of sightseeing Taipei on 14,15 and spend 16 at Taroko Gorge. Should I arrive from Taipei in the evening of 15th, stay overnight at Taroko and start early 17th oct at the national park and take train back or stay at Hualien. Take train back to taipei 18th morning/afternoon. Or take a train in the morning 17th and leave bags at hotel, continue to Taroko during midday and rest overnight at Taroko. Take train back to taipei 18th morning/afternoon. (Is there much to see at Hualien or worth skipping?) I wish to continue to Sunmoon lake next morning… but realise there are no trains connecting Hualien/Taroko to Sunmoon Lake. I realise driving from Taroko would take 5-6 hours and it would be too much for elderys their age. Do you think it’s worth doing another one-day trip down there from Taipei-Taichung-(bust) Sun Moon Lake? If so how long would it take? Please kindly advise. Many thanks

Hi Nick, do you know by chance if Island Life tours in Hualien/Taroko are still operating? I tried to contact them via multiple channels to arrange a private tour or two, but no luck. It’s weird that most recent reviews they have on FB and Google maps are from 2020 :-/

Hey Ivan, Island Life Tours, like most tour companies in Taiwan, relied on foreign tourists. Their business has been devastated by the lack of tourists coming to the island, so it’s not at all surprising that they aren’t running tours right now. We can only hope that they will manage to get their business back up and running again after Taiwan starts allowing tourists to come.

Hey Nick! Thank you for the comprehensive guide to a Taroko tour. I’m hoping to do it by bike and so far research hasn’t shown us a giant station next to xincheng. Have you had any experience with this?

Greetings from a Belgian traveller!

Hi Elise, sorry for my belated reply, I just saw this! At Xincheng Station you can rent bikes at “TR9-Xinchengzu Station” or “太魯閣車頭前機車腳踏車出租”, both right outside the station. I’m not sure whether the have Giant brand, but they definitely rent bikes. Best of luck!

Hi Elise, Happy New Year 2023. I plan to go to Taiwan this Feb. Did you have great time in Taiwan? Stefan – also from Belgium [email protected]

Hi Nick, where do you think is a good base to visit Taroko Gorge when travelling with a 3 year old and a 1 year old? My kids do not do great on long car rides. I am planning to drive through from Hualien to Cingjing, visiting Taroko Gorge in between. Obviously with kids, I am not going to be able to visit Taroko in single day. I do not mind too not visiting all of it. If you have any suggestions on how to make this visit to Taroko the most workable and ‘pain-free’ for parents with little kids, I’ll be most grateful. Thank you!

Hi Mel, and sorry about my slow reply. Please also see the Taroko Gorge section of my article “Taiwan with kids”, in which I describe our visit with kids and some kid-friendly hotels in the area. Hualien City has the best selection of rooms, but it also the furthest away. You said obviously you can’t visit taroko in a single day, but I feel you actually can. Simply driving through, you get to see a lot of the scenery. Stop at a few of the main stops, like Eternal Spring Shrine, Tunnel of Nine Turns, and Swallow’s Grotto, each which require a very short or almost no walk, and you’ve essentially seen the best of Taroko Gorge. As for your drive to Cingjing with kids, I would say that if you’re kids are prone to car sickness like mine, expect an extremely winding road. Let me know if you have any more questions!

Hi Nick Thanks for all the info you provide on your various blogs ! it has been super helpful in planning our taiwan trip. We need to travel from Sunmoon lake to taroko gorge- and we were considering renting a car and driving between the 2 locations and stopping at cinqing farm for 1 night. I am a bit concerned after reading your comment about the road being closed due to land slides? What would your back up options be ? is this not recommended? we are planning to visit in Late sep- oct. Thanks

Highway 8 above Taroko Gorge was badly damaged in three different spots several months ago in 2022. Right now the construction crews are still fixing the road, but they let cars pass through at some specific times every day. The exact times and locations are listed on the Taroko Gorge National Park website (click news, roads and trails, small arrow beside Highway 8 for updated details). It could be totally fixed before your trip, but also possible it’s not. It’s also possible that another typhoon could strike this year and cause more damage again (typhoon seasons is July to October). So this part is impossible to predict. So I suggest you plan to do it, but also have a backup plan in case it’s not possible. Maybe book a hotel in Cingjing that has a cancellation policy. And if you can’t go, you can just drive from SML to Taroko via Taipei, which will take longer, but still possible.

Hi Nick, thanks for all the recommendations and info provided! They are so useful! Can I check if any of the following trails at taroko is doable with a baby stroller? Do these trails have stairs such that bringing a stroller along will cause problems? 1）Baiyang Trail 2）Buluowan Suspension Bridge 3）Eternal Spring Shrine 4) Taroko Shakadang trail

All four of these are pretty flat and easy enough with kids. However, the ground is sometimes bumpy, and there could be a few stairs on all of them. So it’s better if you can bring a baby carrier, not stroller, like we did. If you have a small stroller that is easy to push over bumps or carry sometimes, then it would probably be OK.

Hi Nick, good day. grateful for your blog on Taroko gorge. I would like to enquire are there any options to go Taroko from Taichung using public transportation or tours? Instead of the usual route from Hualien to Taroko. I understand the mountain route from Taroko to Hualien is commonly closed due to natural disasters. I would be coming from the south and its quite troublesome to go to taipei and then go to hualien to taroko. Thank you.

There is no faster or easier way to do this. The cross-island highway is damaged and repairs are not finished yet. Even when it’s open, there are no buses or tours going across the mountain range. The faster way from Taichung to Taroko is HSR to Taipei (1 hr) and express train to Hualien (2 hrs). Even if the road is safe to pass, it would take longer to drive across the mountains than going via Taipei.

Hi Nick! Do you know of any taxi services I can book that will take me from Hualien back to Taipei after my day tour?

You can use the Tripool app, contact Steven Hsieh (search “drivers” on my website’s search function to find my article with his contact info), or you can take the train, which is faster than driving.

Outstanding guide. What a legend. Thank you very much for the huge effort!

Good afternoon,

First and foremost, we wanted to express our gratitude for your detailed blog post about Taiwan. It has proven immensely helpful while planning our upcoming trip to Taiwan in November.

While your blog suggests touring Taroko Gorge either with a guided tour or a private vehicle, we’re more inclined towards using public transportation for our travels. We find comfort in buses and the freedom to explore at our own pace. Could you please advise if it’s possible to visit Taroko Gorge in a day using public transportation? If so, we would greatly appreciate guidance on where we can find information such as timetables, station details, and other relevant transport-related details.

Additionally, for context, we’ll be arriving in Hualien and plan to depart for Yuli on the same day after our visit to Taroko Gorge.

Thank you very much for your assistance. We’ll wait for your answer. Have a nice day!

I almost always feel the same, but this is one case when I would personally go for the driver. The thing about bussing to Taroko is that it’s slower, and you’re coming to spend your whole day watching the bus schedule, trying to visit places fast or slow enough to catch the next bus, and waiting for the bus. There are at least half a dozen spots you’ll want to see in Taroko, so to heave to catch a bus to and between each of those will be tedious. By hiring a driver, you can create a customized tour, and not worry about how much or how little time you spend at each stop. If you decide to go by bus, it’s surely still doable, but I think you just have to accept that you’ll be able to see as many spots as if you have a driver. Having a driver also allows you to tack on Qingshui Cliffs, Qixingtan Beach, and if you want to swim in a lovely river, the Sanzhan swimming spot. By bus, you’ll probably have to leave these three spots out, too.

Thank you for the great blog post! My friend and I were planning on getting the train then bus to get to takoro gorge on a DIY day trip from Taipei. Once we get off the bus at the Takoro stop, is it going to be easy to see the main sights on foot or are there busses or taxis available to take us around? Thank you!

Seeing the gorge by bus is not ideal. There are around half a dozen main stops/hikes in the gorge (and many smaller ones) spanning a distance of about 20 kilometers. So definitely you can’t walk to all of them, or even a few, and there will definitely be no taxis there. You will be at the mercy of the bus to get between stops. The bus is infrequent, so you’ll need to figure out the schedule, then try to always be at the bus stop for catching it to your next stop. It means you’ll probably only be able to see 2-3 stops in the gorge, and miss out on some of them. This is why I usually recommend splurging on a tour or private driver for Taroko Gorge, even though I normally always prefer to do things DIY or just drive there myself. Having a driver or joining a tour means you’ll be able to see all the main stops with ease.

Hi Nick, Thank you so much for an incredible post. It is very helpful and detailed. I’d like to ask if it’s safe to drive to taroko by ourselves from Hualien. We’re thinking of driving from Taipei to Hualien for the view and since the car will be there anyway I figured we could do a chill tour at Taroko by ourselves but I’ve heard from other travelers that it might not be the easiest road. Also we usually drive on the right side so if the road is too difficult that could be a problem?

I think under normal times the road in Taroko is fine. It’s a little narrow and winding in some places, but as long as you drive carefully, it’s OK. However, the biggest problem now is that the road in Taroko is damaged from landslides and under construction around Xipan Dam, in the middle of the tourist visiting part of the gorge. The road is only open 5 times per day for cars to pass. So you must know those times and plan accordingly. Please join my Facebook group “Taiwan Travel Planning” where we have many posts and updated information about this.

hmm, is there any food in taroko?

Yes, there are some snacks and lunchboxes for sale at Buluowan Terrace and an aboriginal restaurant in the hotel there. Option two is the 7-11 and some simple restaurants at Tianxiang.

Hi Nick, hopefully you and your family are safe and not affected by the earhquake this morning. My family booked tickets to visit Taipei and Hualien, supposed to take train on 7 April from taipei to Hualien. Taroko was our main destination in Hualien (booked private driver from klook), with the earthquake this morning, do you know whether it is still open for visit ? I tried googling for any information on this but couldnt find any reference. Thank you in advance! Also, thank you for your comprehensive information on Taiwan! It helps me a lot in planning my family trip 🙂

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Asia , Outdoor Guides , Taiwan · July 13, 2019

Visiting Taroko Gorge: Ultimate Taroko National Park Guide

Visiting Taroko Gorge for the first time and not sure how to plan the perfect Taroko tour? This post has you covered!

Taroko Gorge (太魯閣) is one of the most popular tourist spots in Taiwan and a huge must on any Taiwan itinerary . Situated in Xiulin Township on Taiwan’s mind-blowing east coast, this dramatic 19-km gorge is the shining star of Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園) – one of the country’s nine national parks. The park spans more than 920 km² and actually lies over three counties; Taichung, Nantou, and Hualien.

Taroko Gorge is famous for many things; it’s more than 200 million years old, it’s home to some of Taiwan’s highest peaks, and the Truku tribe (the area’s indigenous tribe) is settled here. However, what really makes Taroko Gorge so special is its stunning scenery.

The gorge was shaped by thousands of years of erosion and carved out by the Liwu River that flows right through it. With breathtaking natural beauty featuring high mountain tops, steep gorges, dreamy waterfalls, and abundant plant and animal life, it’s not hard to see why Taroko Gorge is a must-visit attraction in Taiwan. What’s more, Taroko is absolutely littered with colorful temples, glorious hikes through lush jungles, and easy trails along high-rising marble walls.

In this guide, I’ll cover absolutely everything you need to know about visiting Taroko Gorge for the first time. I’ve also included tons of tips from how to get to Taroko, where to stay, the best Taroko Gorge hiking trails, and more!

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Tips for visiting Taroko Gorge Taiwan

Before visiting Taroko Gorge National Park, here are a couple of quick tips to make your trip all the easier. 

• Hualien City is the main gateway to Taroko Gorge. Find out exactly how to get to Hualien , and also read my detailed Hualien guide to discover the best things to do, where to stay, and so much more! 
• Taroko Gorge is Taiwan’s #1 attraction, and as a result, it’s important to book accommodation a few weeks in advance . There are several hotels within and near the park, but you’ll find more choices in Hualien. Find the best hotel deals here on Agoda. Book at least one night’s stay to experience all of Taroko’s best bits.
• If you don’t want to plan a thing, this  day tour from Hualien  is your best bet. And if you’d like to plan all of your stops without worrying about any transport hassles, this  private car charter  is a great stress-free option. 
• Don’t forget to bring your  Easy Card  (Taiwan’s transport card) so that you can travel on trains and buses easily. 
• Some of Taroko’s hiking trails, like Zhuilu Old Road, require permits. See the  official park website  for more details on fees and permits, or  apply for a permit  here. 
• Pack bug spray, sunscreen,  and a  hat  for your trip. Also wear  comfortable non-slip walking shoes  or  hiking boots  when tackling longer trails. 
• Check the weather  before visiting Taroko National Park because the east coast is prone to unpredictable weather conditions.
• Check the  road and trail conditions  before your Taroko trip. Trails often close due to safety precautions or construction.
• Taroko Gorge is full of animal life. Remember to keep an eye out for poisonous snakes and giant hornets when hiking.

How to get from Taipei to Taroko Gorge

While it’s possible to access Taroko Gorge via several places in Taiwan, Hualien City on Taiwan’s east coast is its main gateway. Hualien is a picturesque city with loads to keep you busy. So if you have a few days to spare, definitely also check out these great things to do in Hualien .

Since Hualien is the main access point to Taroko Gorge, it’s very easy to reach from practically anywhere in Taiwan. I’ve written a detailed guide on exactly how to get to Hualien from Taipei . But if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick look at all the ways to get there.

Taking the Train from Taipei to Hualien

The quickest way to get to Taroko Gorge from Taipei is via Hualien by train. Loads of trains run daily from  Taipei , but take a  Taroko Express  or  Puyuma train  for the fastest route. The journey to Hualien takes less than 2.5 hours and costs NT$440 per way. See prices and time schedules  here . 

Trains bound for Hualien fill up quite quickly, so it’s best to book tickets well in advance . You can buy tickets directly at any train station across Taiwan or online (up to 14 days in advance).

Flying from Taipei to Hualien

If you want to maximize your time in Taroko Gorge National Park or have limited time, you might want to consider flying to Hualien.

Uni Air  flies daily from Taipei’s Songshan Airport , and  Mandarin Airlines  has direct flights to Hualien from  Kaohsiung . One-way tickets shouldn’t set you back more than NT$2500, but as prices often change, it’s best to check individual sites directly.

Once you arrive at the Hualien airport, you could either hop on the Hualien Bus ( more details and schedules here ), rent a car, or grab a taxi.

Taking the bus from Taipei to Hualien

It is possible to take a bus directly from Taipei to Hualien. Both  Taipei Bus  and  Ubus  offer cheap rides from Taipei to Hualien. Buses depart from Nangang Bus Station in Taipei City and take about 3 hours to reach Hualien.

Taipei Bus 1071 departs from platform 1, while Ubus 1663 departs at platform 3. If you’re traveling via the Lunar New Year holidays, it’s quite common to find greatly discounted tickets which will easily cost half than a Puyuma train ticket. See more details here (only in Chinese):  Taipei Bus  |  Ubus

Alternatively, take a bus to Luodong  and continue your journey by  train to Hualien . However, as these combo tickets are only slightly cheaper and the travel time is nearly the same as the train, I wouldn’t recommend using this transport option.

Joining a Taroko Gorge day trip Tour from Taipei

Another option you might want to consider is taking a  shared sightseeing car from Taipei to Hualien . The journey takes about 8 hours, but it’s a great way to see a bit more of Taiwan’s beautiful coastline. The charter stops by several iconic sights in Taiwan, including Jiufen, Qingshui Cliff, the Nanfang-ao viewing platform, and Yilan Jimmy Park.

How to get from Hualien to Taroko Gorge

Unless you stay within the Taroko National Park at Tianxiang or near the park’s entrance, the best place to stay is in Hualien.  (More on accommodation later).  Although it is a 40-minute ride to the National Park, basing yourself here would give you so much more freedom to explore the city and surrounding areas. Not to mention, you’ll have better accommodation and food options.

There are a few ways to travel between Taroko Park and Hualien, the easiest being driving a car or renting a scooter. Buses also run daily between Hualien and Taroko. Here’s what you need to know about each one.

Getting to Taroko Gorge By Car

There are plenty of car rental companies available in Hualien itself, so you could easily take the train to Hualien and then rent a car upon arrival. However, it is important to note that you need a valid local or international license .

Another thing to know is that driving within the park has some constraints – the roads are quite narrow with tons of twists and turns, and traffic can get congested easily – especially if there are roadworks underway. Also, you’ll need to watch out for the huge tour buses, and finding a parking spot can sometimes be a total pain. Nonetheless, if you want to explore the park at your own pace, this is a great way to do so.

For a hassle-free journey, consider booking a  private car charter   instead. 

Driving a Scooter to Taroko Gorge

A great way to explore Taroko National Park at your own pace is by renting a scooter. This way, you’ll also get to visit some of the amazing attractions in and around Hualien.

You can rent a scooter right outside the Hualien train station – there are a plethora of scooter shops lining the parking lot towards the left. Near the exit, and between the bus and train station, is another great little shop. The owner speaks excellent English, and rentals go for NT$500 a day.

However, to rent a scooter anywhere in Taiwan, you must have a valid local license or an international license for a scooter. It’s also highly likely that you will need to leave some kind of identification at the shop to guarantee you return the scooter. So, be sure to bring some form of identification along – apart from your passport or ARC card .

If you are traveling on a shoestring, you might want to check with your accommodation beforehand whether it is possible to rent a scooter or even a vehicle through them. Many of the hotels and hostels in Hualien offer this service – often at a lower price than the scooter shops near the train station.

Taking the Hualien Bus to Taroko Gorge

The best way to reach Taroko Gorge via public transport is by bus. Buses run daily from the Hualien Bus Station (the orange building near the train station) towards Tianxiang. Although it’s pretty hassle-free to use the bus, keep in mind that the buses aren’t that frequent. So you may spend more time waiting for a bus than actually sightseeing. The best tip I can give you is to plan your schedule properly beforehand.

If you choose to use the bus to travel to/ within Taroko Gorge, I highly recommend investing in an Easy card. That way, you won’t need to bother with small change. Alternatively, you can also buy a 1-Day Pass (NT$250) or a 2-Day Pass (NT$400) at the bus station.

The earliest bus leaves Hualien at 6:30 am, and the last bus from Tianxiang is at 5 pm. The journey takes about 1 hour, and buses leave every 1.5hrs or so.

For more details, see the Taroko shuttle bus timetables .

When to visit Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge generally enjoys mild temperatures year-round, which drop as the elevation rises. Seeing that the elevation here rises from 60 m to 3,742 m, you might want to bring a light jacket and an umbrella along, no matter which time of year you visit.

Taiwan’s East Coast is also prone to heavy rainfall and earthquakes, so it’s vital to always keep an eye on the weather forecast before traveling here. Taroko Gorge, in particular, sees about 2000mm of rain a year, and typhoons are common from July to September.

As a rule of thumb, it’s best not to visit mountainous areas anywhere in Taiwan after extended periods of rain as rockfalls and landslides can occur here.

Like  Alishan  and  Sun Moon Lake , it’s also best to time your visit to Taroko National Park. Try to avoid weekends and public holidays when most crowds and large tour groups come.

How long to stay in Taroko Park

How much time you spend in Taroko Gorge will ultimately depend on what you’d like to get out of your trip. While it’s possible to visit Taroko on a day trip, I highly recommend staying longer as there is so much to do and see! To really get a feel of what the area offers, stay at least two to three days . This will allow sufficient time to do a few hikes and explore some of the stunning places around Hualien.

However, if you are pressed for time, this  Hualien Day Tour from Taipei is your best bet. The tour lasts 11hrs and includes a visit to Qixingtan Beach and the Swallow Grotto Trail in Taroko. 

Taroko Gorge Hotels

Taiwan’s east coast has loads of excellent accommodation options to match any budget. With that said, though, to really maximize your time in Taroko Gorge, I highly recommend staying in one of these three areas:

• Tianxiang (If you want to stay in Taroko National Park)
• Fushi Village (If you’re looking for a cheaper option, right beside the park)
• Hualien (If you’re looking for more choice and want to see more of Taiwan’s east coast)

Where to stay in Tianxiang

Silks Place  is the only 5-star hotel right in the heart of Taroko Park and the best Taroko Gorge hotel. It has beautiful rooms, a restaurant, a dreamy swimming pool, and a gym. 

Nearby you’ll also find the  Taroko Tienhsiang Youth Activity Centre  with basic rooms and a much friendlier price tag.

If you are traveling on a tight budget but still wish to stay a few nights, you could consider camping. There are two campgrounds near Tianxiang, namely Heliu and Lushui Campgrounds .

Heliu, near Cimu Bridge, has 12 wooden platforms where visitors can pitch tents. There are also bathrooms with cold water showers. A platform costs NT$300 per day and works on a “first-come, first-serve basis.”

A little further along, you will also find Lushui. Here you’ll need to pitch your tent on the grass as there are no tent platforms. Water and lighting are available too. No reservations or fees are necessary. For more details on camping, you can check out the park’s website  here .

Where to stay in Fushi Village

Fushi Village is just a stone’s throw from the Taroko National Park’s East Entrance Arch Gate. Don’t expect anything too fancy here, as this area mainly caters to budget travelers. But, if you want to base yourself near the park, this is a great option. Popular Taroko Gorge hotel options here include  Liwu Hotel  and  Yong Ying B&B .

Where to stay in Hualien

Hualien is the biggest city near Taroko Gorge and is an excellent base, especially if traveling further afield. There are many accommodation options to suit every pocket and traveling style. Here are a few places I highly recommend staying at: 

Meci Hotel   is an excellent mid-range hotel only a few hundred meters from the Hualien train station.  While the hotel’s exterior may look somewhat outdated, the interior is top-notch. You’ll find clean, trendy rooms, great staff, and lots of food choices nearby.  

Wow Hostel  is a great alternative for those traveling on a tight budget. Choose between dorm rooms or rooms with private bathrooms. The hostel is a stone’s throw away from the train station, and you can spot its bright green exterior a mile away! 

You’ll find a few posher options a bit further away from the train station. Both  Lakeshore Hotel Hualien  and   LeaLea Garden Hotels – Hualien  are excellent choices if you’re looking for an upscale stay.

What to pack for Taroko Gorge

Since most of the activities in Taroko National Park are centered around hiking, make sure to pack  comfortable walking shoes  or sturdy non-slip  hiking boots . It’s also a good idea to bring along  sunscreen  if you’re visiting during the warmer months. Other must-pack items include  mosquito repellant , a refillable  water bottle , and an umbrella . Oh, and don’t forget your  camera  – you’re going to need it!

Also, check out my Taiwan packing list for more tips on what to pack. 

Best Taroko Gorge Hiking Trails & Things to do

Great, now that you know all the ins and outs of planning a Taroko Gorge trip, it’s time to find out what to do!

There are loads of amazing things to do in Taroko Gorge. The National Park is home to some of the most incredible  hiking trails in Taiwan , and it’s easy to explore the area whether you’re planning a  day trip from Taipei  or a bit longer. Here are the best Taroko Gorge hiking trails and top things to do in Taroko National Park.

Shakadang Trail

Altitude: 60m | Length of trail: 4.4km | Time: 3-4 hrs | Difficulty: Fairly Easy |  MAP

Just a short drive or walk from the park’s Visitors Center, you will find the Shakadang trail. There is a small parking area near the Shakadang bridge’s entrance if you need parking. The trailhead starts to the right of the bridge – follow the small staircase down to start the hike.

The Shakadang trail, also known as the “Mysterious Valley trail,” is an easy hike and one not to miss while visiting Taroko National Park. The course takes you past the river valley, renowned for its deep azure rock pools, beautiful natural scenery, and diverse plant and animal life.

Note this trail runs near a restricted area home to the local Truku people – please pass by respectfully. You might also see some of the locals selling snacks and handmade souvenirs along the trail from time to time.

The trail ends at 3D Cabin, and if you want to continue past this point, you would need an entry permit to do so. You can find more details on obtaining permits for Dali and Datung  here .

If you happen to visit Taroko in May, this is a great place to see the beautiful Tung blossoms in bloom.

Eternal Spring Shrine Trail (Changchun Trail)

Altitude: 85m | Length of trail: 1.35km | Time: 30mins | Difficulty: Fairly Easy |  MAP

No visit to Taroko Gorge would be complete without dropping by one of the most iconic landmarks in Taiwan – the Eternal Spring Shrine. The shrine was built in memory of 226 veterans who died constructing the Central Cross-Island Highway between 1956-1960 and plays an important role in the park’s history.

The small shrine is perched on the side of a mountain, and a beautiful waterfall flows nearby. It’s a spectacular sight to see and one you definitely shouldn’t miss when visiting Taroko Gorge.

The trail leading to the shrine is currently only partially open, so best to keep an eye on the  park’s road and trails page  for any updates before you visit. Remember to wear sturdy shoes as the path is quite slippery.

If you don’t feel like hiking via the East trailhead, you can still get an amazing view from the observation deck. The small coffee shop beneath the walkway also offers an excellent vantage point and is a terrific spot to enjoy a cuppa while marveling at the shrine from a distance. The entrance is right next to the bus stop.

The Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou Trail)

Altitude: 274m | Length of trail: 1.37km | Time: 10-30 mins | Difficulty: Easy |  MAP

The Swallow Grotto trail takes you past towering marble walls covered in lush vegetation, with the Liwu rushing by below.

The hike follows the old road all the way to Jinheng Bridge and is an easy walk. Generally, you only need about 20 minutes to finish a leg but as the scenery is mindblowing, work on more if you want to stop for photo ops. Apart from getting a bird’s-eye view of the magnificent gorge, potholes resembling swallow nests, and weird rock formations, you can also spot the” Chieftain Profile Rock” along the way. This rockface has been carved out by years and years of water erosion. The best place to spot this rockface is from the observation deck at Jingheng Park, at the trail’s end. It’s also an excellent spot to take a breather and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There is a small coffee shop where you can enjoy a bite to eat, grab some refreshments or shop for local souvenirs too.

You should ideally wear a hardhat/ helmet when following this trail, as rockfalls aren’t uncommon. You can borrow a hard hat at the Xipan check-in/check-out Service Station, but many visitors wear a scooter helmet.

Zhuilu Old Road Trail

Altitude: 765m | Length of trail: 3.1km | Time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Intermediate |  MAP  

At the Swallow Grotto’s east trailhead, you’ll spot the Zhuilu Suspension Bridge – this is where the Zhuilu Old Trail starts.

The Zhuilu Old Trail is one of the most famous (and dangerous trails) in Taroko Gorge. It follows through lush jungle and along a narrow path with sweeping views over the valley below. The Zhuilu Old Road plays an important role in Taroko’s history as it’s part of the Old Cross-Hehuan Mountain Road – a former means to connect to the local Truku villages.

The trail is only partially open (Zhuilu Suspension Bridge to the Cliff Outpost) due to rockfall damages, but it’s still worth doing. However, to complete this hike you’ll need to apply for a Park Entry Permit . Only 96 permits are issued per weekday, and 156 on weekends and holidays, so plan in advance. You’ll also need two copies of the permit, an ID card and NT$200 cash, which you need to take to the small office near the Zhuilu Suspension Bridge before accessing the trail.

The trail is open from 7 am – 6 pm, but you’re only allowed to enter it between 7 am – 10 am. If you decide to do this hike, it’s important to know that the terrain is very rugged and the cliff is narrow. You should really  only  attempt this hike if you are  fit  and  not scared of heights . Spotting poisonous creatures along the trail isn’t uncommon either.

Tunnel of Nine Turns Trail (Jiuqudong)

Altitude: 300m | Length of trail: 700m | Time: 30-40 mins | Difficulty: Easy |  MAP

The Tunnel of Nine Turns Trail is one of the most amazing trails in Taroko and well worth your time.

You can only enter and exit at the west end of the trailhead, but the trail takes you along an underpass lined with cliffs, dramatic marble walls, waterfalls, and the Liwu River. Just a stone’s throw from the entrance, you can follow the Waterscape trail to get closer to the valley and the Liwu River.

Other important points of interest, such as the “Fish Leaping over the Dragon’s Gate” and the “Coiled Dragon of the Nine Turns,” can also be found on the way.

Tianxiang ( map ) is a large terraced area and also the biggest village within Taroko National Park. Here you will find the prestigious 5-star Silks Place Taroko as well as a few cheaper options to stay at.

Apart from popping by the Sakuma Samata Shrine, you can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many vendors or small restaurants, dishing up local delicacies before heading out to the Pudu bridge. From here, you can access the Tianfeng Pagoda and some small temples.

Baiyang Waterfall Trail

Altitude: 480m | Length of trail: 2.1km | Time: 1hr | Difficulty: Fairly Easy |  MAP

Another famous trail is the Baiyang Waterfall Trail – a few hundred meters west of Tianxiang. The trail leads you past several tunnels before reaching this  breathtaking Taiwan waterfall . Please note that you can only enter the first Water Curtain due to safety reasons.

It takes about 2 hours to complete a round trip, and you might want to bring a flashlight as the tunnels can be a bit dark. It’s also extremely important to check the Taroko website for safety warnings before attempting this hike.

Taroko Park in Conclusion

If you’re spending some time in Taiwan, you should definitely add Taroko Gorge to your list of things to do! It’s one of the most beautiful places in Taiwan and one you certainly won’t regret visiting!

Well, that wraps up this Taroko Gorge guide. If you have any tips or suggestions for fellow travelers visiting Taroko Gorge, let me know in the comments below so that I can add to this list of epic things to do in Taroko!

Ready to plan your trip? Pin this Guide to Visiting Taroko Gorge for quick reference later.

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July 14, 2019 at

Love Taiwan! I Loved the food there too!

Glad to hear that – it is indeed an amazing place to explore! Thanks for stopping by.

September 11, 2022 at

Do you think it’s feasible to do Zhuilu Old Road followed by several (2 or 3) of the other trails in one day? We stay in Hualien, will go by bus to Taroko, don’t have car/scooter, and we have the permit for Zhuilu. We’ll rely on Uber or public transport to go from one start point to another. Thanks!

September 17, 2022 at

Hey Maxim, the Zhuili Old trail is quite an intense hike taking roughly 6 hours. You also need to enter and exit at specific times, so you might not have enough time (or energy) to tackle a few other trails. If possible, I suggest adding another day to your itinerary so that you can explore the rest of the trails at a more relaxed pace.

March 19, 2023 at

Hi! Our family will be there in Taiwan this April. We plan to go to Taroko even if we have a 2yr old and a 7yr old with us. My question – I read there are easy trails that are paved all the way. Can I use the baby stroller in these trails? I am interested in these trails: 1. Swallow Grotto Trail 2. Eternal Spring Shrine Trail 3. Tunnel of Nine Turns Trail 4. Cimu Bridge 5. Xiangde Temple Trail

Super thanks in advance for your inputs!

March 28, 2023 at

Hey Binky, you should be fine. The only trail that you probably won’t be able to use the stroller is the Eternal Shrine one, cause the path to the shrine is cut out in the rock face. There are quite a few stairs to climb down to the entrance and the path itself is very uneven. It’s not that far to the actual shrine, though, but if you want to do the entire circular route it takes about an hour.

June 12, 2023 at

Love this!! I’m a solo traveller and have found this super helpful!! I stayed at meci Hotel and took the bus to taroko gorge and it worked perfectly well. I even used the links you provided for buying my train ticket from taipei to hualien. Also checked out your recommended trails!

Thanks for being so thorough!

June 13, 2023 at

That’s amazing, Ri – thank you! So glad you had an amazing trip!

July 2, 2023 at

I am going to travel Solo to Taiwan in the next 2 weeks, I just want to know how you went navigating Taroko Gorge? Did you walk everywhere or did you rent a bicycle?

Hopefully, you will see this!

July 7, 2023 at

Hey Vic – no, I usually rent a scooter or we drive a car. But you can also take the bus there and I believe it stops at some of the places inside the park.

August 22, 2023 at

thank you very much for the detailed explanation each time! I follow quite some travel blogs, but yours is definitely one of the top on my list of sites to check for details! 😉

September 2, 2023 at

Thanks so much David – that’s so lovely to hear. Glad you find it useful.

August 30, 2023 at

Hi, Thanks for the great information on all your blogs. We have 1 day in taroko, we have a 8 yo and a 6 yo ( so realistically approx 6 hrs); we will have a car. What would your top 3-4 trails be to do?

September 3, 2023 at

Hey Doreen – my faves are the Eternal Shrine, Swallow Grotto and the Shakadang trail. They are all low key hikes, so suitable for kids. You probably won’t have time to finish the entire Shakadang trail, but you can see a good portion of it with the time you have. Hope that helps!

September 27, 2023 at

Hi. We are planning our trip in December and have limited time. We’re debating whether to visit Tarogo Gorge and Hualien. We are travelling with 2 seniors with limited mobility. It seems it’s mostly trails and hikes and the two seniors will not be able to participate much. Is it still worthwhile to visit or spend the time elsewhere? Would love your expertise. Thank you!

September 28, 2023 at

Hey Christina, Taroko is mostly a hiking area, but you don’t necessarily need to hike to enjoy the scenery. Some of the areas are wheelchair friendly and you could also just drive through the park without walking around much. The scenery is really spectacular, so if you can, it’s worth a visit.

October 23, 2023 at

Hi. Thank you for a detailed write up. I am travelling with my husband in November 2023 and I have a phobia of monkeys. Is it safe to hike there and what should I expect ?

October 24, 2023 at

Hi Preeti – you should be fine. I don’t recall ever spotting monkeys there, and I’ve been a bunch times! Expect to see spiders and bugs at most.

October 25, 2023 at

Thanks Mariza. I really appreciate that 😊

October 26, 2023 at

No problem, Preeti. If you do happen to spot some, just remain calm and don’t make eye contact.

November 4, 2023 at

Hi, thanks for all the great info and tips! Based on your write-up (and the fact that the Tienhsiang Youth Activity Centre is unfortunately booked up during our travel dates), we are thinking of staying in Fushi Village. Just curious, is further transportation needed between Fushi and the gorge and all of the hikes? You noted it’s a stone’s throw, so was hoping we could just step out of the B&B’s in the village and essentially start walking! Thanks!

Hey Justin, sorry to hear the hostel is all booked up for your dates – that’s a real bummer. But yes, there are a few places to stay outside the park, right near the entrance gate. You want to specifically search for “ Xiulin Township ” on Google Maps, and look for accommodation within walking distance to the Taroko Archway (the entrance gate to the park). From the entrance gate, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Visitor’s Center, where you can access some trails (incl. one that connects to the Shakadang Trail). However, if you want to go all the way to Tianxiang, it will probably take a few hours to walk because it’s about 30 mins (17km) away by car/scooter. If that’s too intense and you want to avoid renting your own wheels, you can consider taking the bus or check with your hotel if they offer bike rentals.

February 15, 2024 at

Hello, thanks so much for all the info on this blog…. Taroko National Park. The only part I am still confused is , how to tour around to the rest of the points once get to Tianxiang (by bus). Is the bus like a shuttle I can hop on/off to drop me at certain vista points? And if I ride the bus from Hualien to Tianxiang… on the way there are points like Changchun Shrine, Buluowan Bridge or Tunnel of nine turn, can I get off the bus to walk around then hop back on next bus to keep going to Tianxiang.? Thank so much… I am planning to go Taiwan, first time, stay there for a week from 4/19 to 4/26.

Hey Joy, thanks for stopping by. There are a couple of buses you can take to Taroko Gorge but I think your best bet is to take Ubus 310 . It’s like a hop-on-hop-off bus and allows you to get on/off at any of the stops along the route. You can check out the schedule and stops for Ubus #310 here. From quickly looking at the schedule though, it doesn’t look like bus 310 stops at the Eternal Spring Shrine, but you can try bus 310A . It’s the bus that goes back to Hualien, so you’ll need to be in the park already to take it to the temple. It might require a bit of planning, but Google Maps works very well in TW, especially in more touristy spots.

The bus info page on the Taroko Gorge website summarizes all the options you can take, so have a look at that too. Hope that helps!

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Taroko Gorge Day Tour from Taipei by Train

• Operation Day Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
• Departure Morning
• Duration 1 Day
• Pick-up Time 06:10
• Vehicle Type 43-seater bus, 20-seater mini bus or 9-seater mini van (according to the number of participants)
• Meeting Point Exit East 2 of Taipei Main Station (near the train locomotive installation)
• Drop-off Point Taipei Main Station
• Discover the wonders of the world’s biggest marble gorge—Taroko Gorge
• Take in the stunning view of the soaring marble cliffs while rambling through the trails
• Enjoy a scenic train ride along the east coast of Taiwan
• Witness the beauty of the most romantic beach in Taiwan—Qixingtan Beach
• Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 1 participant

Famed for the stunning marble gorge, Taroko National Park is regarded as one of the top nature wonders in Asia. If you are traveling from Taipei, a train journey can be an attractive option to start your adventure, which offers you a chance to experience a different mode of transportation, and connect with the local people.

The awe-inspiring deep gorge cut by the flow of water for millions of years resulted in the natural masterpieces such as Swallow Grotto Trail, Tunnel of Nine Turns, etc. On this one-day tour, you will ramble through the trails in the gorge while enjoying the stunning view of the soaring marble cliffs. Make sure you have enough storage space on your phone! The beauty of Taroko Gorge will make you want to capture every moment.

Additionally, you will also visit the classic attractions in Hualien County during this tour: the marble factory and Qixingtan Beach.

• Description

Meet Edison Tour’s representative at the Exit East 2 of Taipei Main Station (near the train locomotive installation)

Meet Edison Tour’s representative in the early morning, and then take an express train bound for Hualien on your own. Don’t worry! Just sit back and enjoy this 3-hour journey.

Entrain for Hualien (#406, ETD 06:40, ETA 08:57)

Enbus for the Archway of Taroko Gorge

Upon your arrival in Hualien, your tour guide will greet you at the train station. Your one-day tour to Taroko Gorge National Park will start from the Archway of Taroko Gorge. This remarkable arch not only serves as the gateway to Taroko Gorge but also stands as a profound symbol of the dedication of those who built the Central Cross-Island Highway. Take advantage of this moment to capture your joyful smile alongside this iconic landmark.

From the entry to Tianxiang, this 20km section of Central Cross-Island Highway winding through the steep marble cliffs and tunnels of the gorge will blow you away.

Shakadang Trail

Your first stop is Shakadang Trail, one of the most popular hiking trails in Taroko National Park, also known as “Mysterious Valley Trail”. 

The river gently flowing through the marble boulders as you meanders along the trail in parallel. The turquoise blue water of the river is crystal clear that you can see the riverbed from above. 

Swallow Grotto Trail

The next stop of your Taroko Gorge tour is Swallow Grotto Trail. The potholes on the cliff surface were created by the ground water and the rapid stream of the river. In the past, they were the natural nesting location of swallows, hence the name.

Walking through the tunnels, you will be amazed by the stunning views of the marble cliffs reaching up to the sky.  

Your lunch will be served in a restaurant in Taroko National Park.

Cimu Bridge (pass by)

After lunch, you will pass by Cimu Bridge. The name “Cimu” directly translates to “loving mother”, as a homage to a touching story of maternal love. At the eastern end of the bridge proudly stands the Cimu Pavilion, a structure commissioned by the late president Chiang Kai-shek in the memory of his own mother.

Originally constructed with white marble from the region, this red steel bridge, resembling a cable-stayed design, was known as the “Marble Bridge” before being swept away by a typhoon in 1990. On its eastern end, visitors can take in the scenic beauty of a riverbend where millions of years of powerful rapids have artistically shaped the riverbed.

Tunnel of Nine Turns

Your tour continues with a visit to Tunnel of Nine Turns. Hold your breath, because this natural masterpiece will take your breath away!

Tunnel of Nine Turns is considered the most scenic section of Taroko Gorge, which reopened to public in 2019 after years of repair works. As you walk along the trail, you can see the meandering river running through the deep and spectacular canyon from above, and you can also have a closer look at the faults and folds of the sheer marble cliffs, as well as the vegetation on the walls.

Eternal Spring Shrine (pass by)

After that, you will pass by Eternal Spring Shrine, a memorial shrine established in 1958, to commemorate the 225 personnel (military veterans) who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway.

From afar, you can see the waterfall cascading over the sheer cliff below the shrine, creating a picturesque view.

Marble Factory

On the way back to the train station, your will visit a local marble factory, where you can get some handcrafts made of marble or souvenirs featuring the local characters, to enrich your travel collection.

Qixingtan Beach

Before you return to the train station for your train back to Taipei, you will visit the most romantic beach in Taiwan. Qixingtan Beach, a crescent-shaped beach covered with sprawling pebbles.

Here you can take a walk, chill yourself and enjoy the sea breeze along the beach, or challenge yourself to stack a stone tower with the pebbles.

Arrive at Hualien Train Station

Entrain for taipei (formosa express, etd 16:49, eta 19:28) (#229, etd 16 :30, eta 18 :56), drop off at taipei main station.

After 13 hours and 20 minutes of exploration, your journey concludes with a convenient drop-off at Taipei Main Station, leaving you with cherished memories to hold onto.

Inclusions & Exclusions

• Professional licensed tour guide (Mandarin / English / Japanese)
• Local transfer by air-conditioned vehicle
• Round-trip TRA express train ride between Taipei and Hualien
• Local general liabilities insurance
• Tour will be conducted in Mandarin, English and Japanese. (Please note that Japanese commentary will only be available on Mondays and Thursdays starting on April 1, 2024.)
• Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
• The sequence and time of stay at tour stops may be adjusted according to the traffic/weather condition.
• If the tour has to be cancelled due to bad weather, we will contact you no later than the evening before the excursion day by email or SMS.
• Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes earlier than the pick-up time.
• Each guest is allowed to bring one piece of carry-on baggage.
• This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users and people with physical disabilities.
• Ensure you carry enough cash with you to cover your expenses for snacks, beverages, souvenirs, tips, etc. Convenience stores and most of the eateries in Taiwan don't accept credit cards as a form of payment.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, you must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the listing ’ s local pick-up time(GMT+8). Please contact us by email or phone. 

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: +886 2 25635313

No-shows are defined as passengers who do not show up on time for the tours. In this event, the bookings will be cancelled and non-refundable.

Cancellations made 24 hours or more in advance of the listing’s pick-up time in the local time zone: full refund

Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance of the listing’s pick-up time in the local time zone: non-refundable

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Taroko Gorge Taiwan: How To Visit The National Park

The awesome Taroko Gorge National Park in Hualien is a bit like Taiwan’s version of the Grand Canyon.

This is a huge marble gorge with steep rock walls carved by the Lewu River, complete with old Chinese shrines and temples, and 27 peaks over 3,000 meters tall.

Taroko Gorge Taiwan has some of the best (and most accessible) scenery on the whole island, so don’t miss it!

Taroko Gorge Taiwan: What To Expect

The best way to visit Taroko Gorge Taiwan is on a bus tour from Hualien or Taipei, that way you can enjoy all the great canyon views along the way without being busy at the wheel driving.

While it’s technically possible to visit Taroko on a day trip from Taipei, I think it’s a way better idea to stay in Hualien city and spend at least 2 full days seeing the park. Hualien has plenty of cheap hotels and good restaurants.

There’s a lot to see in Taroko, and it has some outstanding day hikes like Zhuilu Old Trail that are only possible if you have more time.

We spent our first day hiking the fantastic Zhuilu trail, and then for our second day we booked a prearranged Klook tour that hits some of the main tourist sites.

How To Get There

Taroko Gorge National Park is located in Hualien county , in eastern Taiwan.

The first step is getting to Hualien. There are lots of cheap flights and trains from Taipei, with a flight taking 1 hour for about $1,200 NTD ($40 USD), or a train journey taking 2 hours for less than half the cost — $450 NTD. We took the train.

From Hualien city, the park is only a 1 hour drive and there are daily buses and tours available.  

Best Taroko Gorge Tour Packages

If you want to skip the hassle of arranging everything yourself and figuring out the bus schedules, Klook has the best Taroko Gorge tour package from Hualien for just $18 USD per person.

This tour visits most of the popular tourist spots in Taroko, and also stops at a couple of nice scenic spots outside of the park — Qingshui Cliff and Qixingtan Beach! This tour was just what we needed for our second day at Taroko.

We’ve used Klook for lots of day tours and activities around the world, and they’ve been great! Highly recommended.

Hualien City / Taroko Gorge Taiwan Bus

If you would rather arrange everything yourself, you can take the 1133A bus from Hualien Station to Taroko Gorge. The bus station is the bright orange building right next to the entrance for Hualien Train Station.

Complete timetables can be found here , but they’re in Chinese, so I’ve transcribed the Hualien bus station departure times below:

When you get on the bus (or visit the bus station), they’ll give you a Taroko Gorge pamphlet with the full 1133A timetable in English. For some reason this doesn’t exist anywhere online except in Chinese, but once you have the pamphlet in hand everything will all make more sense.

There’s a day pass for this bus that you can buy at the bus station or at any 7-11 or FamilyMart in Taiwan for $250 NTD ($8 USD). We bought this at 7-11 the day before we hiked Zhuilu , and it covered all of our bus costs for the day. Otherwise, you can pay on the bus with EasyCard or cash.

Best Things To Do In Taroko Gorge

• eternal spring shrine.

This is a shrine built on top of a waterfall, as a memorial to 200 veterans who died building Taiwan’s central cross island highway. It takes about 20 minutes to walk through the tunnels to the shrine, and there’s also a longer mountain trail that takes you up to some towers and temples at the top of the cliffs.

• Shakadang Trail

Also known as the ‘Mysterious Valley Trail’, this one has some bright blue turquoise colored pools partway through the trail. The full trail is 2 hours roundtrip, but it’s flat and easygoing.  

• Swallows Grotto

This is one of the most narrow parts of the gorge, with rock walls that are almost touching at the top. This is a good short trail to combine with Zhuilu Old Trail , since they both start from the same trailhead. Sadly this trail was closed when we visited. It only takes 15-30 minutes roundtrip.

• Tunnel Of Nine Turns

This is a short trail through a 700 meter long tunnel in a narrow part of the gorge, where you can see the marble rock walls and the river up close as they wind through the ravine. You’ll see a couple of waterfalls along the way too. The trail takes about 30 minutes roundtrip.

• Zhuilu Old Trail

Zhuilu is the best hike in Taroko Gorge. This day hike takes you up to the top of the canyons, where you can walk along the steep cliffs and get some crazy views of the valley below. Must do!

Read More: Zhuilu Old Trail

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Hualien and Taroko Gorge, Taiwan is in the winter months, from November to April, when it’s less rainy and daytime temperatures hover around a cool 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 C).

Summer months will work, too, but be prepared for a bit more heat and humidity since the temps will be above 80 F (27 C).

Happy travels!

Qingshui Cliff is a nearby spot that is often included in the best Taroko Gorge tour packages

Black stones at Qixingtan Beach

Qixingtan Beach is another popular stop that is usually included in the best Taroko Gorge tour packages

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Xiong Zhi Mi B&B in Hualien city for $900 NTD ($30 USD) per night and loved it.

This price got us a clean double room with a private bathroom and cold A/C. It included free breakfast (and free cookies from the friendly staff!), and there are lots of great restaurants nearby too.

The train station is just a 15 minute walk away, or you can easily hail a taxi or rent a scooter to get around. The room prices may fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal.

We stayed at this hotel in Hualien city for $30 USD

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5-day Classic Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake & Alishan (Private)

• In-depth Cultural
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Traveled in March 2023

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Taipei - Taroko Gorge
• Day 2 Taroko Gorge - Sun Moon Lake
• Day 3 Sun Moon Lake
• Day 4 Sun Moon Lake - Alishan
• Day 5 Alishan to Taipei

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• CH Christina · 18th April 2024 This was such a wonderful trip. Our itinerary was changed last minute due to a devastating earthquake that occurred just a week before, and the steps taken to ensure that we’d be safe while still having a lovely trip were amazing. There was a lot of... Show more Trip date: April 2024
• LG Lissa · 27th March 2024 Our tour, 5 day Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake & Alishan was exceptional. My partner and I were blown away by the incredible landscape, the warmth of the Taiwanese people, and our fabulous tour guide/driver Calvin Lo. Calvin was so much fun, very... Show more Trip date: March 2024
• GF Gavin · 30th October 2023 Some longer days driving but this tour went to three top sites. Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake and Alishan National Forest area. Our guide, Jett, was very informative about Taiwan culture and current affairs. Trip date: October 2023

• PL Petra · 25th November 2022 We had an excellent time. Alex was very knowledgable on the sites we visited and took us for some great street food. Alishan sunrise was beautiful we were very lucky with the sun rise. My mom and I enjoyed this trip very much! Trip date: October 2022
• HK Hing-Wah · 7th May 2019 This tour was an amazing glimpse into the vast landscapes of Taiwan from seascapes, gorges, high mountains and lakes. Arriving just after an earthquake, we had to improvise the early parts of the tour. Zoe was an amazing tour guide who was filled with... Show more Trip date: April 2019

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FULL TRAVEL GUIDE TO TAROKO GORGE [TAIWAN]

Why Visit Taroko Gorge in Taiwan?

We had an incredible experience visiting Taroko Gorge in Taiwan . This was THE highlight of our road trip around Taiwan. In this post, we’re excited to share all you need to know about Taroko Gorge and Taroko National Park!

Taroko Gorge, located in Taroko National Park, is a stunning marble canyon that cuts through the heart of Taiwan’s lush landscapes.

It’s a place of breathtaking natural beauty, with towering cliffs, crystal-clear rivers, and lush greenery that will leave you in awe.

Simply put, Taroko is one of the best things to see in Taiwan!

Key Takeaways from a Visit to Taroko Gorge

– Stunning Natural Beauty: Taroko Gorge is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural scenery. The sheer scale and grandeur of the landscape are truly breathtaking. – Diverse Hiking Opportunities: Taroko Gorge offers an array of hiking trails suitable for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. – Cultural Richness: Amidst the natural wonder, Taroko Gorge also boasts a rich cultural heritage. You can explore Buddhist temples, shrines, and monasteries. – Weather Variability: Taroko Gorge’s weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes in conditions. – Duration: It takes at least 1 full day to visit Taroko Gorge and Taroko National Park, however, 2 days would be much better in order to add 1 hike.

Look at this Drone Footage for a Sneak Peek into Taroko Gorge in Taiwan:

How to Get From Taipei To Taroko Gorge?

To get from Taipei to Taroko Gorge, you have a few transportation options. Here are the most common ways to travel from Taipei to Taroko Gorge:

1. Going by Train to Taroko Gorge

• Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Hualien Station ( official Taiwan Railway website ). The train ride offers scenic views of Taiwan’s eastern coastline and takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the type of train. Stop at Xincheng Taroko Station or Hualien Station. You can view the schedule and buy ticket s here .
• Once you arrive, you can take a taxi, or bus (302 or 1132), or rent a car/scooter to get to Taroko Gorge. The gorge is about a 30-40 minute drive from Hualien. We recommend renting your own vehicle to enjoy your visit the most! (more on that in the next section)
• If you prefer to drive (that’s what we chose during our 2 weeks road trip), you can rent a car in Taipei ( we chose Klook to rent our one ) and take the Northern Coastal Highway (Highway 2) or the Central Cross-Island Highway (Highway 8) to reach Hualien and then continue to Taroko Gorge. The drive takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

3. Join a Tour

• Another convenient option is to join a guided tour from Taipei to Taroko Gorge. Many tour operators offer day trips or multi-day packages that include transportation, a guide, and visits to popular attractions within the national park. See below:

How to Get Around Once You Arrive in Taroko?

Once you arrive in Taroko, you’ll need a way to get around to explore the park (you can’t simply walk to all the points of interest). Here are our recommended options for getting around in Taroko Gorge:

1. Rent a Car or Scooter

For us, this is by far the best option! Having your vehicle allows you to explore the park at your own pace, stop at various viewpoints, and access areas not covered by the regular shuttle buses.

You can rent a car or a scooter in nearby Hualien City or Xincheng Town before entering Taroko.

2. Shuttle Bus

Bus #310 runs around Taroko National Park relatively regularly… It’s the cheapest way to visit Taroko, yet the most inconvenient, as you will need to wait each and every time for the bus to visit the next stops.

You might not be able to cover all attractions unless you start early. Bus tickets can be purchased at the Train Station or FamilyMart, more info here .

Another option for exploring Taroko National Park is by renting a bicycle. There are rental shops in the area.

Cycling is another great way to explore the park, especially if you want a more active experience. There are a few uphill sections though. Also, this is the slowest option, so it’s only good if you visit Taroko Gorge for 2-3 days.

4. Guided Tours from Hualien

Joining a guided tour is an excellent way to get around Taroko if you prefer a structured and informative experience. Many tour companies offer day tours to Taroko National Park:

5. Local Taxis

During our visit to the Taroko Gorge, we also saw many people hiring taxis for a day. We have no idea about the cost, but if you don’t mind paying a slightly higher price, this could be another option on how to visit Taroko Gorge.

Practical Tips for Your Visit to Taroko Gorge

• Entrance to Taroko National Park is free .
• There is a visitor center ( Taroko Visitor Center ) at the entrance to the gorge. Don’t hesitate to stop there to get the trail map and see which ones might be closed.
• You will also find a lot of information on the official website
• Check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure a pleasant visit.
• Be cautious of falling rocks when visiting Taroko, especially during or after heavy rain. Many people are actually wearing helmets during their visit.
• Bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
• There are restaurants inside the Park, you don’t have to pack your lunch.
• The park is open 24 hours.

10 Best Things to See at Taroko Gorge in Taiwan

1. shakadang trail.

If you drive, this would be your first stop after entering the Taroko National Park. After passing through a tunnel, you’ll cross a beautiful bridge (and parking is on the left).

Here you can start a pretty east trail along the picturesque Shakadang River The trail reveals serene natural pools and mesmerizing rock formations. The trail is suitable for all ages and is ideal for a leisurely stroll.

The trail is 4km long, however, don’t feel obliged to complete it. We only walked for about 30 minutes along the river, to have a great glimpse of it, as we wanted to cover most attractions in a day. However, if you have a few days ahead of you, this could be a great start!

Location of Shakadang Trail

2. Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchun Shrine), one of the highlights in Taroko Gorge

After you are done at Shakandang Trail, take the bus or your own car and drive to the next highlight of Taroko Gorge: The stunning Eternal Spring Shrine!

Nestled against the backdrop of a cascading waterfall, the Eternal Spring Shrine is a symbol of hope and resilience. This serene shrine is dedicated to the memory of those who perished while constructing the Central Cross-Island Highway.

It’s absolutely beautiful. Don’t hesitate to walk all the way to the Shrine, it doesn’t take long and the hike is really scenic. Sadly most people just stopped to take photos from the parking lot.

Location of Eternal Spring Shrine at Taroko

3. Buluowan

Your third stop should be at Buluowan, to see the amazing Cable Suspension Bridge!

The Buluowan Cable Suspension Bridge is one of the most fascinating attractions within Taroko Gorge National Park. It is a remarkable suspension bridge that offers breathtaking views of the surroundings.

The bridge spans across a deep ravine, providing a thrilling way to cross from one side to the other.

Before getting to Buluowan Bridge, you can check out the visitor centers and eat a great meal on the rooftop! We had a beautiful day, so for us, it was the perfect place to stop for lunch (and they have Vegetarian options, which was perfect!). There is also a big parking there, which makes it convenient.

Location of Buluowan Cable Suspension Bridge

4. Swallow Grotto (燕子口 or Yanzikou)

As you get deeper and deeper through the gorge it gets more and more beautiful. Next on your itinerary, stop at Yanzikou (limited parking space) and hike all the way on the old road called the Swallow Grotto.

This is a dramatic section of Taroko Gorge renowned for its sheer cliffs and crystal-clear river. The name “Swallow Grotto” originates from the numerous Pacific swallows (birds) that nest in the rocky overhangs during the spring and summer months.

For us, this is when Taroko Gorge started to become really impressive!

From here you can also cross the   Zhuilu Suspension Bridge , which is the start of one of the most popular hikes in Taroko: Zhuilu Old Trail (more on that in the next section).

Location of Swallow Grotto

5. Zhuilu Old Trail, most popular hike in Taroko Gorge

The Zhuilu Old Trail is one of the most exhilarating and scenic hiking trails in Taroko Gorge National Park, Taiwan. This challenging trail is renowned for its stunning panoramic views of the Taroko Gorge, dramatic cliffside paths, and the feeling of being suspended in mid-air as you traverse the narrowest sections of the trail.

A permit is required to hike the Zhuilu Old Trail, and access is restricted to a limited number of hikers each day to protect the environment and ensure safety. Permits can be obtained at the Taroko Visitor Center.

The trail is approximately 3.1 kilometers (1.9 miles) one way, making it a relatively short hike in terms of distance. However, it is considered challenging due to its steep terrain, and narrow paths along the cliffside. It’s actually better to plan a full day for this hike!

Start of the Trail

6. Tunnel of Nine Turns, Another Major Highlights in Taroko

Another amazing and unmissable feature in Taroko, is the Tunnel of the Nine Turns. We’ve never seen anything like it before!

This unique tunnel takes you on a winding journey through the heart of Taroko Gorge, offering breathtaking views of its stunning marble cliffs and the Liwu River.

As the name suggests, the tunnel consists of nine distinct curves or turns, which wind their way through the marble cliffs. The road is closed to cars, so you’ll need to find a parking space by the side of the road and walk through the beautiful tunnel!

The Tunnel of Nine Turns offers numerous photo opportunities. You’ll find designated viewpoints.

By the way, every single attraction in Taroko (except the Zhuilu Old Trail) is free as it’s the national park itself! Which is quite remarkable! Well done Taiwan 🙂

Tunnel of Nine Turns Location

7. Yuewangting

After being in awe at the Tunnel of the Nine Turns, continue your journey to Yuewangting, which we actually found by chance.

After multiple turns, we saw a white pagoda perched on top of a cliff. As curious as we are, we parked a few meters down the road and decided to explore this park.

At Yuewangting, besides the traditional pagoda, you can visit another stunning suspension bridge! The star of the show actually!

As it was raining heavily a few days before coming to Taroko, the river was super strong pouring down along the cliff. The view from the bridge was stunning!

Actually, it’s also the start of yet another trail in Taroko Gorge!

Location of Yuewangting

8. Tianxiang Recreation Area & Xiangde Temple

This is the most commercial area within Taroko Gorge. If you haven’t had lunch at this point, you’ll find a couple of restaurants in this part of the park.

However, the reason we stopped there, was to cross the beautiful Taroko Pudu Bridge and walk up many stairs to Xiangde Temple and the Tianfeng Pagoda.

This beautifully adorned temple is a cultural gem within Taroko Gorge.

Note that if you visit by bus this would be the terminus, you’ll need to head back after that.

Tianxiang Recreation Area

9. Baiyang Trail

Baiyang Trail is actually one of our favorite trails in Taroko. This was our last stop for the day (and we are glad we made it there, although it was starting to get a bit dark).

We heard that here, we could see a waterfall inside a cave! What a unique sight!

And indeed, it’s true, the hike ends at the Baiyang Waterfall, which is truly amazing! We would have been soaked yet if some kind of visitors didn’t give us a rain poncho to visit it (so be ready to get wet!).

On top of the waterfall, you can also see other impressive Suspension Bridges, Monkeys, and amazing landscapes!

The hike took us roughly 1.5 hours.

• Start of Baiyang Trail

READ: Complete Guide to Baiyang Trail

10. Wenshan Hot Spring

To be honest we did not make it that far… It was dark after finishing our hike at Baiyang trail, so we decided to head back to our hotel.

Besides, since a typhoon in 2015, the Wenshan Hot Spring is officially closed (though still somehow accessible as we heard from friends). If you risk it (which we don’t recommend) you will be rewarded by a wild hot spring…

Where to Stay at Taroko Gorge?

When staying overnight at Taroko you have the option to either stay within the National Park (limited hotels), or in the nearby town at Hualien or Xincheng.

Here is our top 3 recommendations:

1. Silks Place Taroko Hotel (inside Taroko)

Silks Place Taroko Hotel is a luxurious and upscale accommodation option situated within the breathtaking Taroko National Park in Taiwan. This 5-star hotel offers guests a unique and immersive experience surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Taroko Gorge.

2. Taroko Mountain View B&B (just outside the Park)

This charming bed and breakfast , located near the spectacular Taroko National Park, is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. You can enjoy comfortable, cozy accommodations that blend rustic charm with modern amenities, ensuring a relaxing stay.

3. Classic City Resort (In Hualien)

Classic City Resort in Hualien City is another great accommodation near Taroko Gorge. It’s just a 5 to 7-minute walk from Hualien Railway Station which makes it super convenient.

Things to See Near Taroko Gorge

1. Qingshui Cliffs

These stunning cliffs offer breathtaking views where the mountains meet the sea. The cliffs stretch along the coast and are particularly impressive because of their sheer size and the contrast of the blue ocean against the greenery of the mountains.

2. Qixingtan Beach

This beach is known for its pebble-covered shoreline and clear blue waters. It’s a peaceful spot ideal for relaxing, taking leisurely walks, and enjoying the scenic beauty. The beach also provides a great view of the Pacific Ocean.

3. Hualien City

While not an attraction in the traditional sense, Hualien City is the nearest major city to Taroko Gorge and offers a variety of dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. It’s a great place to explore local Taiwanese culture and cuisine.

Best Time To Visit Taroko Gorge?

The weather in Taroko National Park is generally good throughout the year. The warmest months are May through September, which might be ideal if you prefer warmer weather. However, these months also coincide with the rainiest periods, particularly June, August, and September.

The winter months, from November to April, are considered the best time to visit if you prefer cooler temperatures and potentially fewer crowds.

Final Thoughs – Is Taroko Gorge Worth It?

A visit to Taroko Gorge is an unforgettable experience that combines awe-inspiring natural beauty, exciting outdoor activities, and a deep cultural heritage.

From the majestic marble cliffs and lush landscapes to the diverse hiking trails, Taroko offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Taiwan’s natural splendor.

The gorge’s accessibility and the year-round appeal add to its charm, making it a must-visit destination in Taiwan!

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If music is liquid architecture and architecture is frozen music, as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, then Taroko Gorge is both architecture and music. A breathtaking combination of solid rock and rushing water, Taroko Gorge deserves its reputation as a world-class natural attraction. Since a strong earthquake on the morning of April 3, 2024 , however, most of it has been closed to the public. It’s possible that some spots within the national park, such as Changchun Shrine, Buluowan Lower Terrace, the Tunnel of Nine Turns trail, and the Tianxiang area, could reopen before the end of 2024 — but this depends on the progress of repair work and whether the summertime typhoon season brings any destructive storms.

This not-to-be-missed geological marvel is located in the eastern part of Taiwan, a rugged island that punches far above its weight in terms of mountains and ecological diversity. Wandering through the 19 km-long (12 miles) gorge, one can’t help but stare at the cliffs high above, then gaze down at the boulder-filled Liwu River.

A world-class natural attraction

Because Taroko Gorge is a treasure chest of marbles, schists, and gneissic rocks, the colour scheme includes creamy whites, dark greys, light browns plus soft shades of silver and gold. And then there’s the foliage which thrives in all but the most vertiginous spots, as well as the hemlock, spruce, cypress and pine forests  that cover more than four fifths of Taroko National Park .

The only road through Taroko Gorge is the Central Cross-Island Highway. Completed in 1960 by demobilised soldiers who’d followed Chiang Kai-shek when he withdrew from the Chinese mainland  more than a decade earlier, it’s a spectacular but challenging ribbon of tarmac. Drivers may feel nervous, but for passengers it’s a thrilling succession of eye-popping sights. Glimpses of sheer rock faces and azure streams are followed by intoxicating, as-far-as-the-eyes-can-see mountain vistas.

The layers of rock which form the floor and sides of Taroko Gorge began to take shape tens of millions of years ago with the accumulation of sediment and lava beneath the Pacific Ocean. These deposits, often over 10 km (6 miles) deep, were hardened by metamorphism. More recently — a mere 6.5 million years ago — the Philippine Sea tectonic plate began to collide with and slide beneath the Eurasian plate, pushing up the edge of the latter and causing the tilted rock strata evident in many parts of Taiwan.

Around 2 million years later, the landmass we now call Taiwan emerged from the sea. Rivers quickly formed, and these waterways began chiselling down through the rock. Erosion continues at a steady pace, but because Taiwan’s tectonic uplift rate is one of the world’s highest (more than 5 mm per year until 5,000 years ago; an average of 2 mm per year since then), the riverbed at the bottom of the gorge is in fact rising by a tiny amount each year.

Beyond the gorge

Even for those who wish to stay close to their vehicle, the Taroko area offers an abundance of impressive sights. Changchun Shrine (Eternal Spring Shrine) was built as a memorial to construction workers who lost their lives building the Central Cross-Island Highway. It’s a colourful Chinese-style place of worship named after and built atop a water source that never dries up. It’s possible to hike from here to a cave named in honour of Guanyin , the Buddhist goddess of mercy, a bell tower, and a Zen monastery.

Rightfully regarded as a highlight, Swallow Grotto is one of the narrowest, deepest and most extraordinary sections of the gorge. Grit and stones carried downstream when the Liwu River floods have pock-marked the cliff face here, leaving dozens of cavities in which birds nest, hence the name.

A few sections of the highway have been straightened for safety reasons, and one stretch of former road is now a walking trail which gives sightseers a chance to slowly appreciate the Tunnel of Nine Turns and views from it up and down the gorge. The route, as much overhang as actual tunnel, has far more than nine twists and turns; the ‘nine’ in the place name is a classical Chinese way of expressing ‘many’.

Discovered by Japanese soldiers during the colonial government’s 1914 campaign to subdue the indigenous people , Wenshan Hot Spring remains undeveloped. The only facilities are a changing room; access is from the highway is via stone steps and a footbridge. The geothermally-heated water which seeps out from the rock face is scalding hot, while the adjacent river is often numbingly cold. Because visitors have been injured by falling rocks, the national park strongly advises tourists not to approach the hot spring; fences and warning signs have been added to keep people out. Entering an officially-closed section of the national park could result in a stiff fine.

Popular hiking options

A popular leg-stretcher is the Shakadang Trail (4.5 km / 2.8 miles; indefinitely closed due to the 2024 earthquake), named after a tributary of the Liwu which drains from north to south. Much of the path is a broad concrete track which shadows the stream; the gradient is gentle. Most visitors spend two to three hours on the trail, but it’s possible to go further afield if planned in advance.

Often described as Taroko Gorge’s most challenging and rewarding hike, Zhuilu Old Road (10.3 km / 6.4 miles; also closed for the time being) is misnamed. It was never wide enough for cars, and in places it’s so narrow fast hikers can’t overtake slow walkers. This trail was cut into the hillside almost a century ago and is high above the current highway. Those brave enough to tackle it are rewarded with incredible views of the valley, but need to be in tip-top physical condition.

The family-friendly Lushui Trail (2 km / 1.25 miles; closed at the time of writing but may reopen by spring 2025) also predates the modern highway. It’s hardly changed since the Japanese colonial authorities widened a hunters’ track so military equipment could be moved by porters pushing wheelbarrows.

The little settlement of Tianxiang — location of the area’s most luxurious hotel —  is at an elevation of 480 m (1,575 ft). Most of those who call Tianxiang home are Truku, members of one of Taiwan’s 16 indigenous tribes. Like Taiwan’s other Austronesian aboriginal groups, the Truku share linguistic and genetic kinship with the natives of Polynesia, Hawaii, and New Zealand. The tribe’s name is derived from that of the gorge, although the word ‘taroko’ (which means ‘magnificent and beautiful’ in the Truku language) initially referred not to the ravine, but to the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean which greeted those who emerged from the gorge’s eastern end.

From Tianxiang, a very short but steep trail leads to a small plateau where there was once a Truku village called Tapido. The much longer excursion to Huoran Pavilion (1.9 km / 1.2 miles) involves considerable altitude gain if tackled from Tianxiang, but rewards those who take on the challenge with superb views from a high ridge. Starting less than 1 km inland of Tianxiang, the Baiyang Trail (2.1 km / 1.3 miles) features no fewer than seven short tunnels. These cut through the mountain, delivering walkers to one of Mother Nature’s sweet spots:  Baiyang Waterfall and the gorgeous creek into which it cascades. Even before the April 3, 2024 quake brought devastation to the area, trail closures were frequent, especially in the wake of typhoons.

One of the great things about Taroko Gorge is there’s no bad time of year to visit. Still, each season has particular advantages. During summer, wildflowers and butterflies  are exceptionally abundant. The Liwu and its tributaries are spectacularly vigourous, yet there’s a greater chance landslides may damage hiking trails or even the main road. The gorge never gets as hot as Taiwan’s cities, and there’s no shortage of shade. November to April has the driest weather. Even during the coldest months of December, January and February, temperatures in the gorge are a comfortable 11 to 20 degrees Celsius (52 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit).

Several recommended destinations are within a day’s drive of Taroko Gorge. The road that passes close to the main peak of Hehuanshan, (Taiwan’s 34th highest mountain at 3,416 m / 11,207 ft) leads to Sun Moon Lake via Qingjing Farm. An alternative route takes in the high-altitude fruit-growing town of Lishan, within striking distance of Shei-Pa National Park . Taiwan’s glorious east coast and East Rift Valley begin just south of the gorge, and await those with the time to explore every corner of Taiwan.

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HUALIEN TAROKO GORGE TOUR

花蓮 太魯閣（タロコ）観光 1 日ツアー

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We focused on a day trip to Taroko National Park

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Taroko Gorge with our exclusive tour service. Explore the stunning marble cliffs, walk across suspension bridges, and marvel at cascading waterfalls. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in nature's wonders. Book your Taroko Gorge tour now and create memories that will last a lifetime!

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What to expect in Taroko National Park?

Shakadan trail

Swallow grotto trail

Shanyue Suspension Bridge

Tunnel of 9 turns trail

Baiyang Trail

Lushui Trail

Water curtain cave

Eternal spring shrine

Aboriginal Lunch (optional)

Qingshui cliff

Qixingtan beach

Sometimes will encounter scenic spots closed maintenance

Experience the beauty of Taiwan's most scenic destination, Taroko National Park, on a private day tour. With its diverse range of nature and wildlife, you'll travel through rugged coastlines, luscious forests, and dramatic cliff faces along the 19km Taroko Gorge. The highlight of the tour is the Swallow Grotto Trail, where you'll explore the heart of the park, passing through tunnels and witnessing the narrowest part of the gorge. From here, you'll have the best viewpoint for admiring the dramatic river and its surrounding landscape. After the hike, you'll enjoy a scenic lunch in Tianxiang before visiting the beautiful Changchung Shrine (also known as the Eternal Spring Shrine). This temple is nestled within the hillside and sits atop a waterfall stream that never stops running, giving the shrine its name. The tour will end at Qixingtan, a stunning pebble beach with fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you're a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Taroko National Park is not to be missed. Join us on this private day tour to experience its stunning beauty firsthand.

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Discover Taroko Gorge

Personally, the biggest surprise of my Taroko Gorge hike was how little hiking it entailed. This was born of necessity: I arrived to the park under thick, cloudy skies, which opened up the moment I got out of my rental.

The good news, if the same fate happens to befall you, is that Taroko Gorge isn’t just home to some of the best hikes in Taiwan. Much of the scenery is accessible via road, including roads served by bus (if you don’t have your own set of wheels).

The better news? Whether you stay overnight in Hualien before your day in Taroko, or attempt to extremely ambitious task of travel from Taipei to Taroko (and back) in a single day, I’ll explain everything you need to know in my Taroko Gorge travel guide below.

The Logistics of Visiting Taroko Gorge

Now, I don’t want to curse you: Let’s go ahead and assume, if only for the sake of optimistic, that your Taroko Gorge hike will go off completely without a hitch. Thing is, you’re still going to need to get there. Two parallel but quite different tracks for doing this exist: Visiting Taroko Gorge for the day from nearby Hualien, or visiting Taroko Gorge from Taipei on a day trip.

Unless you have an extreme time constraint (i.e. you’re spending less than a week in Taiwan ), I would suggest the first option. This entails traveling from Taipei to Hualien, either in a rental car or by train, and spending the night in this underrated city before your full day in the park, which is accessible both by car and public transport. If you do want to do Taipei to Taroko (and back) in a day, on the other hand, I’d say the only realistic way is to rent a car.

Places to See in Taroko National Park

Swallow grotto (yanzikou) trail.

When it comes to Taroko Gorge trails, this one is one of the easiest, but also the most satisfying. After parking your car (assuming your don’t take the bus or walk all the way from the visitor’s center), you’ll be asked to don a mildewy yellow helmet, which I personally removed as soon as I passed the entrance to the cave. Although I didn’t see any massive number of the namesake birds of Swallow Grotto , hiking Yanzikou is fulfilling nonetheless.

Changchun Shrine

Known in English as the Shrine of Eternal Spring , this is another relatively easy Taroko Gorge hike—at least it is if you come on a rainy day like I did, and hike the 1 km or so from the parking lot to the shrine itself. Do eep in mind that while the journey is absolutely worth it, the best view of the destination ( Changchun Shrine has a waterfall—an eternal spring—seemingly flowing from it) is from far away.

Shakadang Trail

Arriving at Shakadang Bridge already situates you at one of the most beautiful places in Taiwan. In fact, this is just the beginning of the Shakadang Trail , which extends 1.5 miles out and up along the tranquil Shakadang Stream . Note that while tourism authorities suggest an official return hike time of 3-4 hours, I can’t imagine it taking this long for most travelers. It’s a pretty easy trail, and never takes me longer than two hours return.

Baiyang Waterfall

Another favorite Taroko Gorge hike is the Baiyang Trail , which runs about 2 km from a well-marked trailhead to a waterfall of the same name. In addition to the cascade itself, the turquoise pools it leaves in its wake are some of the most beautiful in Taroko Gorge, although you can’t swim in any of them (and it would be very difficult to reach them anyway!). Note that like many natural attractions in Taiwan, there is no way to reach Baiyang Waterfall except on foot.

Chongde Trail

I’ll state straight off that this trail is not part of the traditional Taroko National Park cachement area, and also isn’t reachable by public transport. With this being said, if you want to reach eastern Taiwan’s famous Qingshui Cliff , the easy 15-minute walk along Chongde Trail is a great way to do it. Many travelers will stop here on their way into Hualien, be it from Taipei or from Yilan , another coastal city farther north.

Is Hualien Worth Visiting?

On one hand, the array of things to do in Hualien doesn’t match what you find in Taipei or even, say, Taichung . On the other hand, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the city, including:

• Street eats at Dongdamen Night Market
• Pine Garden cultural center
• My favorite Cong You Bing in Taiwan at Lao Pai
• Oceanfront Beibin Park

More than anything, Hualien makes for a nearby and relaxing place to return “home” after your Taroko Gorge hike. It’s a lot more of a relief than if you’d need to trek all the way back to Taipei !

Taiwan’s East Coast Scenic Route

I’ve previously written about how to take a Taiwan road trip , but if you don’t want to read that post, I’ll sum it up here. Hualien, for all intents and purposes, is the beginning of Taiwan’s East Coast Scenic Route . After leaving the city behind, drive through the rice fields of Yuli County , emerging onto the Pacific shoreline at Sanxiantai , aka the Bridge of the Three Immortals.

More beautiful coastal scenery exists along the journey from Hualien to Taitung , notably Lisong Hot Spring in the East Rift Valley . However, the most beautiful places in Taiwan (in my opinion, anyway) are found beyond Taitung City , namely Taimali Beach . From here you’ll continue southward to Kenting National Park , where you’ll sleep for at least a night before concluding in Kaohsiung , where you’ll return your car.

Other FAQ About Visiting Taroko Gorge

How do i get to taroko gorge.

Although you can travel by bus from Taipei and Hualien to Taroko Gorge, it’s really best to have your own set of wheels. I recommend taking a Limited Express train from Taipei to Hualien and then renting a car there, as the drive from Taipei to Hualien is long and not especially exciting.

How many days do you need in Taroko Gorge?

Whether or not you spend the night within Taroko National Park, I recommend spreading your trip over at least a couple of days (which may simply end up being two day trips from Hualien to Taroko Gorge). This allows you to take your time hiking and to see many different parts of the gorge.

What is special about Taroko Gorge?

Taroko Gorge, in addition to being beautiful and dramatic, is made primarily of marble, which gives its towering walls an especially beautiful experience. This marble can actually be found paving the streets of nearby Hualien, which gives the city a grand feel.

The Bottom Line

Whether or not you precisely follow my Taroko Gorge travel guide isn’t the point. From the Shrine of Eternal Spring to Swallow Grotto, many of the most beautiful sights in the Taroko area are accessible by car and bus, even if this is not quite as exhilarating as getting there on foot. Taroko Gorge, to be sure, is only the beginning of Taiwan’s beautiful east coast, whether you continue southward to Taitung and Kenting National Park by car or bike, or simply stay in Hualien a couple of days and discover that underrated city.

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The Taroko Gorge in Taiwan: A Day Trip Itinerary

Last modified on February 12th, 2024 at 21:09

Taroko National Park is one of Taiwan’s top tourist destinations. A spectacular area containing marble-walled canyons, emerald vegetation and picturesque shrines, the park is a dream destination for lovers of hiking, culture and splendid scenery.

The national park’s massive mountains are awe-inspiring. They tower over the chiseled Taroko Gorge, concealing temples and rivers and waterfalls. The national park—speckled with pagodas and surrounded by green forests—is a scenic wonderland that is worlds away from the bright city lights of Taiwan’s urban centers.

Bisecting this emerald wonderland is the Taroko Gorge–a masterpiece of geologic craftsmanship that, all puns intended, puts the ‘gorge’ in gorgeous. 

Table of Contents

TAROKO NATIONAL PARK IN TAIWAN

Taroko  National Park lies on the eastern coast of Taiwan, near the city of Hualien. Not only is the park one of the top places to visit in Taiwan, but it is also sometimes considered to be one of the most beautiful national parks in Asia.

A highlight of travel outside Taipei , Taroko’s scenery is varied and dramatic. Within an area of less than 60km, its landscapes rise from sea level to over 3,00o meters.

The Taroko Gorge is the national park’s landmark attraction. Its precipitous cliffs line the snaking Liwu River and practically beg to be photographed.

In addition to the gorge, Taroko National Park boasts waterfalls, shrines, sea cliffs, and 27 peaks over 3,000 meters in height.

TAROKO NATIONAL PARK DAY TRIP ITINERARY

Taroko National Park is a popular day trip destination from Hualien. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even visit as a day trip from Taipei.

We spent two nights in Hualien and explored the gorge over the course of a day. Taking a public bus through the Taroko Gorge meant adhering to posted timetables. Since we were visiting the Taroko Gorge as a day trip from Hualien, we didn’t have time to do extensive hiking in the area. With that in mind, we skipped the longer hiking trails in the park and opted to spend more time at viewpoints along the way.

Our itinerary consisted of five main stops along the tourist circuit: the Swallow Tail Grotto, the Tunnel of Nine Turns, Tianxiang, the Eternal Spring Shrine and Qixingtan Beach.

THE SWALLOWTAIL GROTTO

The Swallowtail Grotto was the first stop on our self-guided itinerary of Taroko National Park. The grotto derived its name from the eponymous swallows that have found a home in these sheer cliff walls. Sitting smack dab in the middle of the canyon, the grotto is a narrow stretch of gorge that affords jaw-dropping views at every turn. Sheer cliff faces soar skyward and plunge into the ravine below. At the Swallowtail Grotto, Taroko National Park is at its most dramatic. A narrow canyon has been chiseled by the blue-green Liwu River over millenia, creating one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Taiwan.

The Swallowtail Grotto Trail takes about half an hour to complete. The path runs parallel to the vehicular road that cuts through the canyon.

Beware of falling rocks. The path through the canyon has rocky overhangs that can potentially be dangerous. As a result, many pedestrians at the Swallowtail Grotto and nearby Tunnel of Nine Turns choose to wear hardhats for protection.

THE TUNNEL OF NINE TURNS

Just down the road from the Swallowtail Grotto, the Tunnel of Nine Turns is another must-see attraction along the Taroko Gorge.

The tortuous course of the Liwu River has carved a narrow canyon in the heart of the national park. A highway cuts alongside the canyon, winding along the precipitous cliffs, through a series of tunnels. This area of the park features vertical marble facades and some of Taiwan’s most astonishing natural craftsmanship. The path offers views of layered stone strata, narrow canyon walls and the snaking Liwu River below.

Like the Swallowtail Grotto, the Tunnel of Nine Turns takes about 30 minutes to walk and follows the main vehicular road through the park.

TIANXIANG PAGODA

From the dramatic and narrow gorge, we hopped back onto the 1137A and took the bus all the way to the final stop of Tianxiang–the largest village in Taroko National Park. Tianxiang offers limited food and accommodation options for those who choose to stay in the national park overnight.

Set amidst a dramatic mountainous landscape, Tianxiang is yet another highlight of the Taroko Gorge. The Xiangde Temple in Tianxiang is the centerpiece of of the area’s attractions and a popular spot for visitors and worshippers. A short steep trail leads to the temple and adjacent pagoda.

From the temple overlooking Tianxiang, 360 degree views of the chiseled limestone formations are nothing short of breathtaking.

ETERNAL SPRINGS SHRINE

After about an hour of soaking in the views of the surrounding mountains in Tianxiang, we continued our Taroko Park day trip with a stop at the Eternal Springs Shrine–a haunting memorial to the workers who died while constructing the park’s Cross-Island Highway. The shrine–one of the most photographed and beloved scenes of the park– sits atop a series of waterfalls that gush into the river below.

The Eternal Springs Shrine sits near the entrance to the park, just beyond the visitor’s center. Shuttle buses only stop by the site on their return trips from Tianxiang to Hualien. Thus, while the shrine is one of the closest park highlights to the entrance, it was the penultimate stop on our Taroko National Park itinerary.

The Eternal Springs Shrine is a ten minute walk from the parking lot and bus stop. Those wishing for a longer hike can follow a 2.2km trail behind the shrine. The uphill trail leads to the Guanyin Cave and Taroko Bell Tower.

QIXINGTAN BEACH

Qixingtan, about 3km north of Hualien, features a wild and rugged coastline of emerald cliffs and ebony shores. Lying just outside the Taroko National Park boundaries, this sweeping crescent of black pebbled beach was the final stop on our return journey from Tianxiang to Hualien.

Qixingtan isn’t a typical beach escape. The scenery is wild, raw and unforgiving. One of Taiwan’s most iconic beaches, Qixingtan is a force of nature. The sky-blue waters of the Pacific crash agains the black-rock beach, churning its waters into a frothy foam.

The water at Qixingtan Beach is too rough for swimming. Nevertheless, the rugged stretch of oceanfront is a fantastic spot to bring a picnic lunch and photograph the crashing ocean waves.

HIKING IN TAROKO NATIONAL PARK

Admittedly, my visit to Taroko National Park consisted of very little hiking. Though my itinerary included short walks to some of the park’s highlights, I didn’t have the time to complete any of the longer treks in the area. Traveling to the Taroko Gorge by public bus meant I had to adhere to a strict transportation timetable. And so with only one day to explore the stunning gorge, I had to prioritize.

Based on my independent research prior to visiting the park, however, I gathered that there are quite a few beautiful trails along the Taroko Gorge. Most popular, are the Shakadang Trail, the Baiyang Waterfall Trail and the Zhuilu Old Trail.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR TAROKO NATIONAL PARK

Hualien’s proximity to the Taroko Gorge entrance makes it a logical place to stay while exploring the national park. We stayed at the Flower Time Guesthouse for two nights during our trip to the Taroko Gorge. The guesthouse– centrally located near the train station in Hualien—provides a clean and inexpensive base for exploring the area.

Other highly-rated places to Stay in Hualien include the Visual Range B&B and 1999 B&B for a budget room and the Kindness Hotel for a higher-end stay.

WHAT TO DO IN HUALIEN TAIWAN

Hualien was a delightful surprise. Though we primarily used the city as a launching pad for our day trip to the national park, we took the opportunity to wander the streets of Hualien during our free evenings in town.

If you’ve got only a day or two to explore Hualien’s surroundings, I suggest you focus your itinerary on the Taroko Gorge Attractions.

But if you have extra time to spare, you can check out some of the places to visit in Hualien that we couldn’t squeeze into our itinerary: Pine Garden, the Manor House, and Martyr’s Shrine.

Hualien’s undeniable highlight the Dongdamen Night Market. We found the market to be one of the best we visited during our short trip to Taiwan.

TRAVEL FROM HUALIEN TO TAIPEI

The train journey from Taipei to Hualien takes two hours. Due to its popularity, however, tickets sell out fast–usually two weeks in advance. For those who choose to map out their travel itineraries last-minute, bus/train combo tickets are a convenient and affordable alternative.

Since we planned on visiting Hualien a mere two days before departure, we had no choice but to purchase a combo ticket. From the Taipei City Hall Station, we took a bus to Luodong, followed by a local commuter train from Luodong to Hualien. The total journey took around three hours.

If you have limited time in Taiwan and don’t want to worry about planning and logistics, you can opt to join a day tour of the Taroko Gorge from Taipei.

GETTING AROUND TAROKO NATIONAL PARK

The scenic wonders of Taroko National Park are accessible by both public bus and private tour. There are several bus companies that travel through the gorge. We took Taroko Bus route 1133A, which departs from Hualien’s train station seven times a day.

The public bus is an affordable way of seeing the park’s highlights. An unlimited day pass on the 1133A costs NT$250.

Alternatively, you can join a tour of Taroko National Park from Hualien. Tours of the gorge provide reliable transport and bring you to all the main highlights in the park.

The Taroko National Park is one of the most beautiful attractions in Taiwan. From gushing waterfalls to black sand beaches to soaring granite peaks, the park affords photo opportunities at every bend.

Portuguese explorers in the 1500s landed in Taiwan and named the island ‘Ihla Formosa’ or ‘Beautiful Isle.’

By traveling to Taroko National Park and immersing myself in the island’s natural beauty, it was not difficult for me to understand why.

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TAROKO GORGE TOUR

Our Taroko Gorge Tour package features popular landmarks and various attractions. You'll get to explore this national park and the places around it. The Taroko National Park is known for preserving the nature and wildlife. It is also called The Marble Gorge since its area is filled with marbles. Found along the park are the Eternal Spring Shrine, Shallow Caves, and the Shakadang Trail. Usually, the tour will end at the Tianxiang Recreation Area before moving to the Chihsingtan Beach.

• Tour Highlights

TAROKO NATIONAL PARK

Photo credit:  hundredspring  on  Visual Hunt  /  CC BY-ND

Another must visit attraction in Taiwan is the Taroko National Park. It is also a part of Taiwan’s Nine National Park that features the beauty of nature and wildlife. Its area is filled with marbles hence also called The Marble Gorge. These rocks are actually sediments formed to limestones that metamorphosed into marble. More information about the rocks is going to be discussed by a tour guide while roaming the area. Tourists will also have the chance to visit various sights on this tour. Exploring Taroko National Park will definitely give you a memorable and interesting escapade.

ETERNAL SPRING SHRINE

Photo credit:  sanbeiji  on  Visual hunt  /  CC BY-SA

One of the popular landmarks of Taroko National Park is the Eternal Spring Shrine. It is named after the Changchun Falls, thus also called as Changchun Shrine. This memorial shrine complex is definitely a picture-perfect attraction of the park. The shrine is actually located right above the waterfall streams. Likewise, with the mountains beside it, the shrine definitely gives a majestic scenery. Eternal Spring Shrine is purposely built to commemorate that veterans who died whilst building the Central Cross-Island Highway. 

SWALLOW CAVES

Photo credit:  paularps  on  Visualhunt  /  CC BY

The best location to observe the Taroko Gorge is at the Swallow Caves. It is approximately situated in the middle of the park after the Buluowan. The rock walls that surround the river create a magnificent view of Taroko Gorge. In fact, these walls contain actual caves where spring swallow birds nested. These birds chirping and flying around brings life to the area of the flowing river. Thus, locals also called this place the Swallow Grotto. The center of the grotto also offers a grand view of the gorge from the east and west side. The east features the yellow-brown metamorphic gneiss rock. While grey-black marble rock can be seen in the west. The trail going to the Swallows Caves will also let tourists sight other attractions such as the Liwu River and Chieftain’s Profile Rock. 

SHAKADANG TRAIL

Photo credit:  Gavin Anderson  on  VisualHunt  /  CC BY-SA

The Shakadang Trail is most well-known for its crystal-clear blue water. Thus, it is also recognized as the Mysterious Valley Trail. With its mystical vibe, travelers definitely find this place soothing and relaxing. The trail also let people observe the rock folds closer. This also includes the plant ecosystem beside the river valley. The Shakadang Trail turns into another enchanted place at the month of May. The Tung Tree Flowers bloom and creates a beautiful pathway of flowers. The flowers also filled the air just like a drizzle of snowflakes. 

Photo credit:  paularps  on  VisualHunt  /  CC BY

Usually, the end-tour around Taroko National Park is at Tianxiang Recreation Area. This village offers a great visitor center and various restaurants. There is also a bus station in the area that travelers can ride back to Hualien. You can still seize a free time of exploring the village before finalizing the tour. Take great photos and have fun sightseeing the plum garden, church, rivers, Pudu Bridge, and the Xiangde Temple. 

CHIHSINGTAN BEACH

Photo credit:  jiashiang  on  VisualHunt  /  CC BY

Discover the amazing Chishingtan Beach of the Hualien County. The waves and sunlight will definitely refresh your body and soul. Take great photos as this beach actually faces the Pacific Ocean. Yearly thousands of tourists visited this beach. You can also drop by at the Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum if you want to explore the area more.

• INFORMATION

English speaking tour guide.

Hotel pickup and drop off., air-conditioned mini-bus for transportation., food and drinks., gratuity and tipping., hotel accommodation., tour schedule, one-day tour., please wait in the hotel lobby for your pick-up. pick up time around 6:00 – 6:30 am., please provide me for departure to our local tour provider., additional information, tour operator information will be given once payment has been made., they will assist you with your needs and questions regarding the services and the tour., special request such as “wheelchair assistance” and handicap requirements can be accommodated ahead of time., please present your e-voucher to our local tour provider for confirmation if needed., cancellation policy, cancellation should be done 7 days prior to the date of the tour to get 100% refund on the service., cancellation within 7 days of the tour may result in a partial refund of the service..

• OTHER PACKAGES

YAMINGSHAN NATIONAL PARK HOT SPRING

Explore another Taiwan’s National Park, with this package! Yamingshan National Park & Hot Spring tour will definitely make your vacation relaxing. This park is popular for its cherry blossoms, sulfur deposits, and hot springs. Get ready to experience bathing in a natural thermal hot spring with this tour package. 

Taipei day tour.

Visit the most popular landmarks of Taiwan at its City Capital. Our Taipei Day Tour includes the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Martyr’s Shrine, and the National Park Museum. Get also a glimpse of Taiwan’s Presidental Office and National Museum. Taipei Day Tour is an ideal first getaway for your Taiwan escapade. 

Shifen sky lantern tour.

Go on a nostalgic trip with our Shifen Sky Lantern Tour. This package will bring you the Shifen Sky Lantern and the district’s natural beauty. Explore its old streets, the Shifen Station, and the majestic Shifen Waterfall.

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• Location 1: Php 100,000
• Location 2: Php 50,000
• Location 3: Php 25,000
• Location 4: Php 15,000

*Bank Chargers and Credit Card surcharges may apply.

✔ Air-conditioned mini-bus ✔ English-speaking tour guide ✔ Entrance fees

Small Groups Personalized Booking That's the Island Life Way!

More amazing locations - passionate guides - loads of fun, taroko gorge update 2024.

May 2024: Due to the Taiwan earthquake of April 3, 2024, the Eastern part of Taroko Gorge National Park is closed until further notice. Currently, only the upper mountain region of the park including Hehuanshan Mountain is open, but this is not the “gorge” portion where all the primary attractions are.

The Taiwan government plans to reopen additional parts of Taroko Gorge National Park, including the famous Eternal Springs Shrine , in July 2024.

We will keep you updated here as things reopen! For now, check out our other amazing tours and experiences in Hualien below.

Hualien Tours 2024

Hualien Rivers & Valleys Experience

East Coast Explorer Tour

Hualien To Taitung Coastal Cruiser

Hualien River Tracing Fun Day

Butterfly Valley Hot Springs and Aboriginal Food Experience

Custom Private Hualien Tours

The Walami Trail: Hiking & Waterfalls Tour

Mugua River Gorge: Waterfalls & Swimming Holes Adventure

Have a question or ready to book, we're here to help, about island life.

“An amazing experience with an experienced guide”

“Our friendly guide gave us a unique insight into the history and wildlife of the park. Things we would have been oblivious to without his guidance and experience. So thankful that we found Island Life and I’d definitely advise booking with them for an unforgettable experience”

Jennifer K.

“Exclusive and Extraordinary Tour in Hualien!!”

“We took 2 tours with Island Life: Zhuilu Old Trail and the Mugua River Gorge with Swimming Holes and Waterfalls. I must say both tours were epic and amazing for both of us! Thank you so much Island Life for the great memories!”

“What an amazing day! Island Life really took care of everything.”

“The Island Life team had the day planned perfectly, and all four children (and all four parents) had a great time. Hualien is such a beautiful place, we wish we could have spent a week exploring it with Island Life!”

Hualien Travel Blog

About island life taiwan.

Based in Hualien, Taiwan (adjacent to Taroko Gorge National Park), Island Life Taiwan designs all of our unique daily itineraries to help you discover the rich natural beauty and culture of Taiwan, in the most enjoyable, and most immersive way possible. We’re dedicated to showing you the most amazing locations in eastern Taiwan, while having the most fun and avoiding the crowds. More than just a tour operator and adventure outfitter, our team truly loves showing this awe-inspiring part of the world to our guests, and when you love what you do, it shows.

More Info On Enjoying Taroko Park

Click here to see more of our taroko gorge tours, hualien tours and other unique things to do in eastern taiwan.

Top 7 Places to Visit in Taiwan on Your Next Visit

Last Updated on February 15, 2024

Are you planning a trip to Taiwan? This beautiful country is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant city life. From bustling cities to serene natural wonders, Taiwan has something to offer every traveller. In this guide, here is my pick of the 7 top places to visit in Taiwan, ensuring that you make the most of your next adventure. Whether you’re seeking Taiwan tourist attractions, cultural experiences, or breathtaking landscapes, I’ve got you covered.

1. Taipei 101

Taipei 101, previously recognized as the Taipei World Financial Center, stands tall as an iconic tourist attraction in Taiwan that should be on every traveler’s list. Standing at 508 meters (1,667 feet), it held the title of the world’s tallest building until 2010. The panoramic vista from the 89th-floor observation deck presents awe-inspiring views that capture Taipei City and the surrounding mountains. It’s especially enchanting during the evening when the city lights up. Inside, you’ll find a luxurious shopping mall with international brands and a wide array of dining options, making it a fantastic destination for sightseeing and shopping.

2. Taroko Gorge National Park

Taroko Gorge National Park is a natural wonderland in Taiwan that captivates visitors with its stunning marble cliffs, deep canyons, and emerald-green rivers. The park covers an area of over 920 square kilometers (355 square miles), and it’s a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Some must-visit places within the park include the Swallow Grotto, to witness the Liwu River cutting through marble cliffs, and the Eternal Spring Shrine, to pay tribute to the workers who lost their lives during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. The park’s diverse ecosystems make it a hotspot for biodiversity, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Jiufen is a charming old mining town located in the hills of northeastern Taiwan. Steeped in history and culture, this picturesque town is famous for its narrow winding streets, atmospheric teahouses, and traditional red lanterns that illuminate the evenings. Jiufen’s unique blend of Japanese and Chinese influences is evident in its architecture and cuisine. Visitors can indulge in local street food, including the famous taro balls and sweet potato balls, while enjoying panoramic hillside views. Don’t forget to visit the A-Mei Tea House, an iconic tourist attraction perched on a hilltop that served as an inspiration for the Studio Ghibli movie, “Spirited Away.”

4. Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest body of water, is nestled in the lush Nantou County. The lake gets its name from its unique shape, resembling both a sun and a moon. Surrounded by mist-covered mountains, this place offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Visitors can take leisurely boat rides to explore the lake or rent bicycles to cycle around its perimeter, taking in the breathtaking scenery. Additionally, a visit to the nearby Wenwu Temple adds a cultural dimension to your experience, as it is dedicated to Confucius, Yue Fei, and Guan Yu.

5. Kenting National Park

Kenting National Park, located at the southern tip of Taiwan, is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a must-visit place for water sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as surfing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. The park also features lush forests and coral reefs, making it a diverse destination for nature lovers. At night, the Kenting Night Market comes to life with food stalls offering a variety of Taiwanese and international delicacies. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, this place has it all.

Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, is a treasure trove of historical sites and cultural landmarks. It’s often referred to as the “Capital City of Taiwanese Culture.” Some must-visit places include Chihkan Tower, a Dutch-era fortification that offers insights into Taiwan’s colonial history, and Koxinga Shrine, dedicated to the national hero who resisted foreign rule. Tainan is also famous for its street food, and you can savour local delicacies like oyster omelettes and shrimp rolls at the countless food stalls scattered across the city.

7. Alishan National Scenic Area

Alishan National Scenic Area is a mountainous wonderland that attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Known for its misty forests, ancient trees, and breathtaking sunrise views, Alishan offers a serene retreat from city life. Watching the sunrise from the Alishan Forest Recreation Area is a surreal experience as the sun’s first rays pierce through the sea of clouds. A network of well-maintained trails allows visitors to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region, making it a top place to visit in Taiwan for hiking and photography.

Embrace the Diversity of Taiwan: Your Perfect Itinerary Awaits

Taiwan is a remarkable destination filled with diverse experiences for travelers. From the bustling streets of Taipei to the serene natural wonders of Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, and other incredible destinations, this island nation has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in Taiwan tourist attractions, cultural explorations, outdoor adventures, or simply figuring out where to go in Taiwan , these top places to visit provide a comprehensive itinerary for your next visit. So, pack your bags and embark on a memorable journey to discover the beauty and charm of Taiwan.

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