Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is a deep, rocky, tree-lined canyon with a boulder-strewn, blue-green river at the bottom. Its magnificent scenery makes it an incredible place for hiking, with trails ranging from flat and leisurely to strenuous and heart-pumping. The 19-km-long canyon in Xiulin Township near Taiwan's east coast is protected as Taroko National Park. The nearest major city is Hualien, making it accessible for day trips, though staying overnight in Tianxiang or Xincheng allows earlier starts to beat crowds.

The nearest major city is Hualien, accessible by flights and trains from Taipei and most major cities. From Hualien TRA station, shuttle buses depart at 07:00, 08:30, 09:10, 10:00, 11:10, 12:00, 13:20, 14:10, and 15:10 daily. The journey takes about 40 minutes to Park HQ, 1 hour 15 minutes to Tianxiang, and the full loop about 2.5 hours. 1-day passes cost NT$250 and 2-day passes cost NT$400. Regular buses (routes 1126, 1133, 1141) depart at 06:30, 08:40, 10:50, and 13:50 for about NT$170—bring exact change. EasyCard is accepted.

The primary way to explore the gorge is via the shuttle bus or regular buses that stop at major attractions including Qixintan Beach, Xincheng Railway Station, Taroko Archway, Taroko National Park HQ & Visitor Center, Changchun Shrine, Yanzikou (Swallow Grotto), Jiuqudong (Tunnel of Nine Turns), Lushui (Heliu), and Tianxiang. Buses stop where hailed—stand on the correct side of the road and flag them down. Many tunnels can be traversed on foot for short distances between nearby sights. Motorcycle and bicycle rental is available at Taroko Motorcycle and Bicycle Rental on Xincheng 1st Road for NT$500 per day (passport required).

The climate is subtropical and generally mild year-round. Average temperatures at low elevations range from 14°C in January to 27°C in July. At higher elevations (2000 m), winter temperatures average 5.5°C and summer 17.5°C; at 3400 m on Hehuan Mountain, January averages -3°C and July 9°C. Rainfall is abundant year-round, so be prepared and especially cautious during typhoons or extended heavy rain due to landslide and rockfall danger. The weather in the gorge is often surprisingly clear even when raining in Hualien. May is the season for You Tong flowers along Shakadang Trail. Note: Taroko National Park suffered severe damage during a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in April 2024; several areas and trails remain closed or restricted as of early 2026.

Entry to Taroko National Park is free. However, some wilderness areas, Eco-protection zones, and restricted mountain areas require entry permits. Apply at least one week in advance as some permits are limited to a small number per day. The Zhuilu Old Trail requires a permit (NT$200, NT$100 for students) and is limited to about 150 hikers per day. Permits for Zhuilu can be applied for at https://npm.cpami.gov.tw/en/index.aspx starting one month in advance—try applying at 07:00 as they sometimes run out within minutes.

Most tourists choose to stay in Hualien for greater accommodation range, though this requires a time trade-off. Within the gorge, Tianxiang (Tienhsiang) offers several options from the five-star Silks Place Hotel (NT$9,000) to budget hostels. The Youth Activity Center in Tianxiang offers beds for NT$1,000-1,200 per night and accepts YHA cards. For budget travelers, the Lüshui Heliu Campground (NT$200 per night) provides a semi-developed terrace with cold water shower, restroom, and drinking water—about 17 km into the gorge on the left side. No reservations accepted. Xincheng town near the park entrance has guesthouses like Taroko Xincheng Streets Of Old Homestay (NT$1,600) with helpful staff and convenient bus access.

Restaurants are in short supply within Taroko Gorge. The Visitor Center has a restaurant with limited bottled drinks. Service centers at Buluowan and Tianxiang have restaurants but are generally poor quality with inflated prices. The closest convenience store is a 7-Eleven at Taroko Archway, about 10 minutes walking downhill from the Visitor Center; another 7-Eleven is in Tianxiang. For the best budget options, head to Xincheng: the Xincheng Night Market (open Sunday and Friday 16:00-00:00) near the train station offers lively local dining, and Ban Tian Hong (No. 9, Bo'ai Rd, Xincheng; closed Tuesdays) serves spicy dishes. Along Shakadang Trail (before it becomes wilderness), food stalls sell wild boar sausage and mochi with ground nuts for NT$40 each and apple juice for NT$30—closed at 16:30 in November.

Taroko offers diverse trails for all fitness levels. The Shakadang Trail (4.1 km, 3-4 hr round trip) follows the river cliff with views of folded rocks and an old Datong tribe village. The Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchun Shrine) is 2 km round trip and honors workers who died building the Central Cross-Island Highway. The Tunnel of Nine Turns offers dramatic gorge views through a winding tunnel. For adventure, the Zhuilu Old Trail (NT$200, students NT$100) is a strenuous cliffside path 700 m above the road—limited to 150 hikers daily with permits required. The Cave of Water Curtains / Baiyang Trail (2.1 km, 2 hr round trip) features a waterfall pouring through a cave; bring a flashlight for unlit tunnels. River tracing is available from Sanjhan community centre for about NT$500 in gear rental.

Rockfall is a serious hazard—do not enter during or after prolonged heavy rainfall. Signs in English mark dangerous areas, and hard hats are provided at the Tunnel of Nine Turns. The Liwu River is extremely swift and dangerous, especially after heavy rain. Poisonous snakes exist in the gorge—most are shy, so make plenty of noise while walking to alert them of your approach. As of early 2026, several areas and trails remain closed or restricted due to damage from the April 2024 earthquake—check the official website for current status. The Swallow Grotto was closed as of December 2019.

Hualien is the biggest city in East Taiwan, offering greater accommodation variety, night markets, and serves as the main transport hub for Taroko. The Hualien Ocean Park is Hualien's biggest man-made tourist attraction. Lishan Village, reachable by bus from Taroko, is well known for apple farms and nearby Dayuling tea—though administratively part of Taichung, it's more easily accessed from the gorge area.