Things to do in Taroko Gorge
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Shakadang Trail
The Shakadang Trail, formerly the Mysterious Valley Trail, is a flat 4.4km hike (one hour one way). The route follows the crystal-clear Shakadang River, which winds through marble canyons and boulder-strewn flats that create massive pools of blueish-green water (tinted by limestone in the rocks). Many outdoors groups from Hualien come here in summer to swim and river trace, though the park's board is not entirely happy about that.
Coming from the National Park Headquarters, the trailhead is to the right after emerging from the first tunnel. Follow the stairs down to the river to access the path. Note that you can only go as far as 3D Cabin without a permit.
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River Tracing
River tracing outings are organised year-round by the local aborigines in Sanjhan from the community activity centre. The cost is around NT$2000 per person including all rental equipment. Trips take about eight hours return and start from the activity centre, usually in the early morning. You should be able to just go and join a group.
Sanjhan is just south of Taroko Park on the way back to Hualien. Heading south, turn right off Hwy 9 at the sign for Sanjhan (三棧). When you cross the bridge into the village stay right along the river. The community centre is obvious, 150m on at the end of the road on the left.
Note that technically you are supposed to apply for a police…
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Wenshan Hot Springs
How we miss this place. About 3km above Tienhsiang, the lovely secluded Wenshan Hot Springs once flowed into an open basin of solid marble beside the Taisha River (Tàishā Xī). In 2005, however, a rockslide killed and injured several tourists and the springs were closed. At the time of writing, they were still closed pending a final decision by the park's administration. We believe this decision will be in favour of opening the springs, though the water may be diverted to a safer location.
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Dali-Datung Trail
The Shakadang Trail officially ends at 3D Cabin but if you have permits you can continue on the Dali-Datung Trail, leading to Dali and Datung, two isolated Atayal villages. At the time of writing, the trails were getting new signs and being made more accessible and clear, and should be ready for hiking by the time you read this. Maps should be available at the park headquarters. Apply for permits at the police station by the park headquarters. The trail should take about seven to eight hours return.
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Huoran Pavilion Trail
The Huoran Pavilion Trail is short but steep, gaining 400m in elevation in 1.9km. The trail leads to Huoran Pavilion, which has fantastic views of the Liwu River and Tienhsiang. Note that the trail turns into a slippery mess when it rains and is best avoided at these times. Landslides occasionally close the area, so check with the National Park Headquarters before starting out. The trail starts off the road on the way up to the Youth Activity Centre.
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Golden Canyon
The Sanjhan North River flows through southern Taroko Park. A short 2km trail has been built along the river following a canal built by the US government in 1952 (clean, clear water still flows down the canal), but the real reason to come here is to river trace to an area called the Golden Canyon. Those who have done the trip rave about the beauty of the gorge, the numerous waterfalls and the deep swimming pools.
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Lushui-Holiu Trail
Once part of the Hohuan Trail, the Lushui-Holiu Trail runs for 2km above the highway along a cliff, with fantastic views of the Liwu River. The trailhead is behind the Lushui Visitor Centre. Note that at the time of writing a new five-hour-long trail from Lushui to Wenshan (the site of the old hot springs) was about to open. You'll probably need a permit for this so inquire at the park headquarters.
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Meiyuan/Jhucun Trail
About 6km up the main road from Tienhsiang, at the 163.4km mark on a switchback, is the trailhead for the Meiyuan/Jhucun Trail. This is a clear, level 9.2km-long trail (one way) that takes six hours return. It's an exciting trail in parts, especially where the path has been chiselled into the walls of a cliff, or where it crosses over high suspension bridges.
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Taiwan Tour Bus
All travel agencies in Hualien and Taipei can arrange full- or half-day tours of the gorge. Taiwan Tour Bus leaves from beside the visitor centre at the Hualien train station. The staff at the visitor centre can help you purchase tickets. Taking a tour is a convenient way to see Taroko but it doesn't leave enough time for exploring.
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Eternal Springs Shrine
The Eternal Springs Shrine sits on a steep cliff overlooking the Liwu River and above a rushing waterfall fed by springs that never dry. It is dedicated to the 450 workers who lost their lives building the highway. It's a strangely beautiful site.
To reach the shrine, cross the suspension bridge and hike up the steps.
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Lotus Pond
At the Jiumei (Chiumei) suspension bridge there is a 4.3km side trail to Lotus Pond, a former farming area now reverting to its natural state. It is a three-hour return hike from the suspension bridge to Lotus Pond.
You can camp at Plum Garden and Bamboo Village, but make sure you ask the park for permission first.
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Baiyang Waterfall
A entire trek to this high waterfall and back is 3.6km and takes about two hours to complete. The trail starts about 500m up the road from Tienhsiang. Look for the tunnel on the left; you have to go through this to get to the trail on the other side. Bring a torch as it's 380m long!
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Hsiangte Temple
Just before Tienhsiang a suspension bridge leads to the Hsiangte Temple, which sits high on a cliff overlooking the valley. The temple is named after the Buddhist monk Kuangchin, who prayed for the safety of the workmen as they built the Central Cross-Island Hwy.
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Tunnel of Nine Turns
The Tunnel of Nine Turns is actually a 2km section of the original highway through the park. In the early '90s, the highway was diverted to leave this section - the most scenic in the entire gorge - open to walkers. Don't miss this one!
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Arts & Crafts
Meaning 'echo' in Atayal, Bulowan (Bùluòwān) is a former Atayal mountain village. In the lower village a few aboriginal families sell and display good quality arts & crafts.
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