Shaped by hundreds of years of erosions, this stunning 18km canyon is one of Taiwan’s most celebrated nature escape and tourist attraction. Taroko Gorge National Park has the most beautiful and dramatic natural scenery you could wish for, along with peaceful hiking trails that allow you to take it all in. Known for its tall marbled cliffs, you will wish you had visited sooner.
I was only in Taiwan for 5 or 6 days, so I wanted to make sure I designated at least one day to explore outside of the city. I wasn’t quite sure where I should go, and since this was my first overseas trip alone, I figured booking a tour would be totally worth it—and it was! I had only booked a tour once before and that was in Japan—also a great experience! I was hesitant to spend the money, but I love nature, and so when I happened upon Taroko Gorge in my search, I was instantly sold. I booked this tour through Viator and for someone who doesn’t typically like to do group tours, I was thoroughly impressed.
They picked me up from outside of my hotel in Taipei and took me (and others) to the train station and sent us on a 3 hour express train to Hualien, where we met our guide. The guide then drove us to Taroko National Park, where we explored and admired the beauty in the park. We, of course, got to see Taroko Gorge, which was nothing short of spectacular. Then, we stopped at Shakadang Trail, where we walked alongside Liwu River, with its peaceful, crystal blue water—a perfect photo op!
Next was the Eternal Spring Shrine and the Yanzihkou Trail, where you walk through the tunnels and get to see magnificent views of the marbled cliffs. The tour also included a wonderful lunch in a hotel in the park, which was also a nice break from all the walking! One of my favorite parts of the tour was Cimhu Bridge (Motherly Devotion Bridge), which was built by the late President Chiang Jing-guo, in memory of his mother. And, I don’t know, there was just something really stunning and magnificent about it to me.
Before returning to Taipei, we stopped at Chishingtan Scenic Area, which had Hualien Stone Sculpture Park, as well as Qixingtan, a beach in the area. I think that this tour was well worth the money and time spent on it. If you’re in Taipei for just a short visit, I would absolutely recommend going here, whether you go through a tour company or on your own!
If, after reading this, you’re feeling like this might be a trip/tour you might be interested in, check out Viator’s current tours for Taroko Gorge here!
Have you visited Taroko Gorge before? What was the highlight of your experience? Let me know in the comments below!
