Swap modern high-rises of the city for Taroko National Park’s towering marble walls and take a weekend trip to Hualien City during your stay in Taiwan. Named after the Truku Tribe and the famed Taroko Gorge which runs through the park, its beauty attracts visitors no matter the season.

Carved into mountains by the coursing strength of the Liwu River, Taroko National Park is home to aboriginal settlements, gorgeous hiking trails, tranquil temples and a scattering of museums. It’s the perfect getaway providing something for solo-travelers, families and adventure seekers alike. 

Transportation:

Whether on a bike, bus or taxi, you won’t be lacking in options getting in and around Taroko National Park. Despite variable waiting times, getting the shuttle bus (from outside Hualien train station) around the park is fairly convenient and keeps you consistently moving around. Buy a two-day pass from the ticketing booth beforehand and you’ll be set for the rest of the trip.

If traveling in a group, consider hiring a taxi for the day. Enquire at your hotel or head directly to the taxi rank outside Hualien train station to start your Taroko adventure. Since the national park is best seen over two days, negotiate route and price with your driver beforehand.

For the bold, rent a scooter and enjoy breath-taking drives in and around the park. Taroko Gorge’s imposing walls coupled with narrow and winding roads following the path of the river makes for adrenaline-inducing, yet utterly magical way to experience the beauty of the park.

Shakadang Trail ~2 hours

Suitable for all ages, the trail takes you along the tranquil Shakadang Stream and is most renowned for its stunningly blue waters. A slow moving stream, some enjoy dipping their feet in the water as a respite from a day worth of hiking.

Halfway along the trail, you’ll find a small market selling local, artisanal goods from the Truku tribe. Stop here to fuel up for the day and learn more about the area’s history.
(own photo)

Swallow Grotto Trail ~1 hour

Photo source: Flickr

Arguably Taroko Gorge at its best, Swallow Grotto lies just about in the middle of the park and provides beautifully soft pastel views of the gorge. Its name derives from the families of swallows setting up home in the hollow of the caves – visit in spring for a chance to glimpse them in flight. Along this route, look out for the profile of an Indian Chieftain emerging from the rock wall.

Due to landslides and risks of rock falls, safety helmets can be borrowed free of charge from Visitor Centres and Service Stations located within the park.

Zhuilu Old Trail ~3 hours

Photo source: Flickr

Here’s one for the adventure seekers out there! To embark on this trail, you first need to apply for a permit via Taroko National Park’s Official website at least two weeks in advance. (Police registration is also required at least 5 days before entry). Once obtained, entry is only allowed between 0700-1000.

It’s one of Taroko Park’s most famous trails, dating back to the 1800s and has gone through many transformations, originally being used as a hunting path by aboriginals and later by the Japanese army to deploy military troops. Spend an hour or so hiking uphill through the lush greenery of the forest before the trail opens up and greets you with sheer drops and clear views of the gorge from atop.

Lushui Trail ~1 hour

Photo Source: Flickr 

A short but sweet trail through vegetation and the mountainside, consider this a Zhuilu-lite trail. Take a leisurely walk along the cliff’s edge and marvel at the variation in colors, patterns and textures in the walls and rock formations. If you do end up falling love and wanting to stay longer, you’re in luck. Lushui hosts the only campsite in Taroko National Park, perfect for an evening of stargazing.

Nearby scenic spots include Cimu Bridge & Pavilion, great spots to explore if you’re waiting for the next shuttle bus.

Baiyang Waterfall Trail ~2 hours

Beginning with an imposingly dark tunnel, the hike to the waterfalls will take you through a handful more. Come equipped with a flashlight to navigate the series of tunnels and inspect the glistening walls inside.

Although entry to the Water Curtain is often closed due to dangers of rockfall, the views of the waterfalls in this area are well worth the walk to get there.

Qingshui Cliffs

Photo Source: Taroko

Less of a hike and more of a scenic spot, it’s a short relief from the claustrophobic walls of Taroko Gorge. Although you’ll be tempted to dive into the three-toned waters, swimming is prohibited here, so take a dip with your eyes only.

Not many visitors stop by this spot, but as one of Taiwan’s eight wonders, make sure to schedule Qingshui Cliff in your itinerary to take advantage of an underrated and peaceful location of the park.

Changchun Trail (Eternal Spring Shrine) ~20mins

Photo Source: Flickr

Built in 1958 to commemorate the 212 workers who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway, this structure has now become one of Taroko National Park’s most iconic spots.

Seemingly lifted from a fairy-tale, this scenic spot makes for the perfect location to wind down your visit to Taroko, not to mention the last great opportunity to capture a really amazing photo to remember your trip.