Taroko National Park

Taiwan's Most Spectacular Natural Wonder

The Taroko Gorge (太魯閣峽谷) is a 19 km long marble gorge that the Liwu River has carved into the rock over millions of years. The walls rise up to 1,000 meters vertically and display layers of white and gray marble, granite, and green schist — geological beauty that is hidden underground elsewhere but is exposed here. The gorge is Taiwan's most visited natural wonder and one of the most impressive canyons in the world.

The Taroko National Park covers 92,000 hectares — from subtropical coastal forests at sea level to alpine peaks over 3,000 meters. The Central Cross-Island Highway (中橫公路) runs directly through the gorge and is itself a masterpiece of engineering: In the 1950s, veterans carved it into the marble with the simplest means, and 212 workers died in the project — the Eternal Spring Shrine is dedicated to them.

The Best Hiking Trails

• Shakadang Trail (砂卡礑步道): 4.4 km along the turquoise Shakadang River. Flat, easy, breathtakingly beautiful — the turquoise water against the white marble is a top-class photo motif. Perfect for families and beginners. Duration: 2–3h round trip. Start: right at the gorge entrance.
• Swallow Grotto Trail (燕子口步道): 500 m walkway through the narrowest part of the gorge — the road is literally carved into the marble, the Liwu River roars 200 meters below you, and swallows nest in the thousands of small rock holes above you. Helmets are provided. The immediate feeling of standing between the marble walls is overwhelming.
• Eternal Spring Shrine (長春祠): A Taoist shrine, dramatically built into a rock wall, with a waterfall cascading beside it. Dedicated to the 212 workers who died during the construction of the road through the gorge. The short path to the shrine offers one of the most iconic views of the gorge.
• Zhuilu Old Trail (錐麓古道): THE trail for adventurers — a narrow path carved into the vertical rock wall, with a 500 m drop below you and only a thin wire rope as a railing. The trail was once a trade route of the Truku indigenous people and was expanded by the Japanese. Permit required (apply online, max. 96 people/day). Duration: 6–7h for 10.3 km. Not for the faint-hearted — but the adrenaline and views are unparalleled.

Practical Information

• Entry: National park free (individual trails may require permits)
• Getting There: Train to Hualien (Taipei → Hualien: 2–3h, from 440 TWD), then bus 1133A or taxi to the park (30 min.)
• Accommodation: Stay in Hualien (wide selection, from 800 TWD/night) or at the Silks Place Taroko Lodge directly in the gorge (upscale hotel, from 150€, spectacular location)
• Duration: 1 day is enough for the main attractions (Shakadang, Swallow Grotto, Eternal Spring). For the Zhuilu Trail, you'll need a second day.