taroko national park taiwan

The Empire of Japan first designated the area as the Tsugitaka-Taroko National Park in 1937. Taiwan is the kind of place where people leave their laptops unattended for half an hour in a cafe. The Hudds' Epic Asia Adventure Part 3: Taiwan 2017 | Meet The Hudds . We had a great day tour to Taroko National Park with our guide Alan and 3 other participants. Located in Taroko National Park, this narrow gorge has steep sides that rise to dizzying heights, enclosing a thin sliver of sky. Sanzhan is a great spot for swimming and jumping into the river (see the end of the article for pictures). The Liwu River winds through the 11-mile-long canyon, whose dazzling white . The next stop, Hualien station in Hualien City, the county capital, is further away from Taroko Gorge, but has way more hotels, hostels, restaurants, night markets, and so on. The hot spring is located 2.5 kilometers past Tianxiang, and is probably the furthest point that you will consider going in Taroko Gorge unless you are planning to on traveling up the long, winding, and often closed road to Hehuanshan (see below). If you want to spend a night at the head of Taroko Gorge without breaking the bank, try the Tienhsiang Youth Activity Center (see on Agoda / TripAdvisor). The small aboriginal village of Sanzhan () is only about 10 minutes drive from Xincheng Train Station and the entrance to Taroko Gorge. The Japanese first made the area a national park, called Tsugitaka-Taroko National Park, during their colonial rule of Taiwan from 1895 to 1945. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This 3416-meter mountain is considered one of the best places to see snow in Taiwan. Still, the bus isnt a bad option, and with some planning and an early start, you can still see a few of the main highlights of Taroko Gorge in a day. Covering 1,200 sq km, the park is 90% mountainous and boasts 27 peaks over 3000m. This is a real treat after a long day of hiking in Taroko Gorge, especially in summer. Eternal Spring Shrine, Taroko National Park, Hualien on the east coast. After Hehuanshan (if you are able to get there from Taroko Gorge), the highway continues on to the popular Cingjing Farm, a gorgeous high-mountain, European-style farm. Taroko National Park (Chinese: ; pinyin: Tilg Goji Gngyun; Peh-e-j: Thi-l-koh Kok-ka Kong-hng) is one of the nine national parks in Taiwan and was named after the Taroko Gorge, the landmark gorge of the park carved by the Liwu River. I realise driving from Taroko would take 5-6 hours and it would be too much for elderys their age. Also, you must begin before 10am. Grand Canyon indeed. Best of luck! Must do! [emailprotected]. Marble, which is relatively hard and resistant to erosion, nevertheless relented to these forces resulting in the unusually steep and narrow canyons. Whenever you buy something through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. This price got us a clean double room with a private bathroom and cold A/C. Stop at a few of the main stops, like Eternal Spring Shrine, Tunnel of Nine Turns, and Swallows Grotto, each which require a very short or almost no walk, and youve essentially seen the best of Taroko Gorge. We took the train. Enjoy accommodation in 5-star hotels. This Landscape is unique and amazing. Although you cant actually see Changuang Temple from below, you can see the beautiful Eternal Spring Bell Tower (), also sometimes called Changuang Bell Tower () from the Eternal Spring Shrine area, as in the above photo. Hey Nick! Rocking post dude! Take a break at TCC DAKA Park, an ecological recycling . Im planning to visit Taiwan in August and would like to spend a weekend in Taroko Gorge. [4] Due to Xincheng's distance from the park itself, visitors looking to get closer to the park will typically utilize the many tour buses and taxis available. It is the star attraction of Hualien, Taiwan's largest county, on the wild and visually stunning east coast. This only makes sense, as Taroko can be reached in a mere 2-3 hours from the capital, yet feels worlds apart. The steep mountain ranges are covered in thick forest. You can see the bridge on the right side of the above photo. We stopped here for a lavish feast when we camped at Heliu campground to enjoy the best of both worlds! 2021-06-03 (TAROKO) Starting July 1, 2021, the "Important Notices on Applic.. 2020-03-19 (SHEI-PA) When Climbing Groups stay in the Huts overnight, please.. 2020-03-18 (SHEI-PA) Taiwan bans all foreign visitors from . It's one of Asia's scenic wonders. Explore the natural wonders of Taiwan on a 5-day tour from Taipei. See my guide to road tripping from Yilan to Hualien for more details. Hiking in Taroko. Most tours to Taroko Gorge, such as this one, this one, and this one, include a visit to Qingshui Cliffs, but sometimes only if theres enough time at the end of day. The fastest trains from Taipei to Hualien take just over 2 hours (TWD 440). Even today the shift in tectonic plates continues and this area continues to rise a few millimeters every year. Qilai: Truku language called Klbiyun) to the Liwu River. It is also one of the world's major producers of marble , and elegant stonework is used liberally all over the city to adorn temples, pavements, the airport . Mar 27 - Mar 28. The Eternal Spring Shrine () is probably the most recognizable sight in Taroko Gorge and often crowded with tour groups. The dramatic Qingshui Cliffs are on the Suhua Highway, which leads from Hualien to Suao in Yilan County. It included free breakfast (and free cookies from the friendly staff! Taroko National Park features the Taroko Gorge, a landmark of the park which was carved by Liwu River. The trail takes less than an hour each way. The first 19 kilometers or so of the highway are the portion in Taroko Gorge. They also offer fully customized tours and can arrange permits and guide you through the thrilling Zhuilu Old Trail (which Ill introduce below). The national park includes a mountainous area of 92,000 hectares with numerous tall peaks and deep canyons. They are called Chu-Kuang, Tze Chiang, or Fast Local. This is one of the most narrow parts of the gorge, with rock walls that are almost touching at the top. The full trail is 2 hours roundtrip, but its flat and easygoing. Taroko Gorge is a 30-40 minute drive away. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. More places to visit near Taroko Gorge will be covered in the next section below. In 2017, a Japanese cyclist died from a landslide in Taroko Gorge for this reason. Taiwan has 8 Stunning National Parks and many nature parks with amazing wildlife and nature to explore. The name "Taroko" () derives from the Truku tribe, an indigenous group formally recognized by the Taiwanese government as of 2004. So if that happens, and you dont want to take a slower train, you might consider flying. I wish to continue to Sunmoon lake next morning but realise there are no trains connecting Hualien/Taroko to Sunmoon Lake. Cycling Taroko Gorge is the most adventurous way to take in the dramatic scenery that Taroko Gorge has to offer. This trail crosses a suspension bridge before getting there. Tiny Xincheng (Taroko Gorge) station is much closer to the gorge, but has few facilities and accommodations. Having said all that, here are the main things to see and do in Taroko Gorge, in the order you would encounter them going in. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Taroko can even be done as a day trip from Taipei, but it makes for a very long day. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Great breakfast, brilliant dinner. It boasts a beautiful array of marbleised canyons, deep rocky gorges, and clear turquoise rivers that wind through narrow cliff faces. Yes, the order of sights above is pretty much exactly as you would encounter them. Hualien Farglory Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor) is the best resort option. Its weird that most recent reviews they have on FB and Google maps are from 2020 :-/. Should I arrive from Taipei in the evening of 15th, stay overnight at Taroko and start early 17th oct at the national park and take train back or stay at Hualien. And if you cant go, you can just drive from SML to Taroko via Taipei, which will take longer, but still possible. However, these express trains often sell out, and there are only a few per day. Formally known as Taroko National Park (), this 19-km-long canyon wrinkles the northeastern coast of Taiwan. Taroko National Park is located in the east of Taiwan and spans three administrative districts: Hualien County, Taichung County and Nantou County. Everything else after that is in order, on the main side of the road. Taroko Gorge is a deep, rocky, tree-lined canyon with a boulder-strewn, blue-green river at the bottom. Each of the three areas would be accessible via the Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus. I'm David, an American with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and all things travel. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It's a massive reserve in Taiwan's central mountain range that spans Hualian, Taichung, and Nantou counties in the eastern part of the country. Its a 30-minute walk out of town in the direction of Qingshui Cliffs. Driving is slower than taking the train, but the drive is quite scenic. Taroko National Park (; Tilg Goji Gngyun), the east coast's top tourist attraction, really puts the formosa (beautiful) into Taiwan's historic name. Please kindly advise. Enjoy the indoor pool and perks like free self parking and free WiFi. Alan is a very professional, funny, knowledgeable, and proactive guide who took very . From a very quiet stay in a beautiful local house, try Crossing the Rainbow B&B (see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor). Taroko National Park is Taiwan's top tourist destination. More recently, in late 2022, the highway above Taroko Gorge was destroyed by landslides in three different spots. The exact times and locations are listed on the Taroko Gorge National Park website (click news, roads and trails, small arrow beside Highway 8 for updated details). If going by public transportation, choosing something near Hualien train station is smart. So you need to switch the language to English, click on Hualien on the map, then click on Taroko Route. It was not until 28 November 1986 that the park was reestablished. The Taroko National Park covers 920 square kilometers of mountains and valleys. It was originally established as a national park - Tsugitaka-Taroko National Park - in 1937 by the Governor-General of Taiwan. Theres are very basic campgrounds with limited amenities, so you need to bring everything you need, including food and water. 2023-03-09 Provincial Highway 8, 9 and 9D Traffic Control Information for March 2023. we are planning to visit in Late sep- oct. The awe-inspiring scenery, hidden location within a famous national park, and relative inaccessibility of this . Staying in Hualien allows you to enjoy the citys restaurants and night markets at night. Complete timetables can be found here, but theyre in Chinese, so Ive transcribed the Hualien bus station departure times below: When you get on the bus (or visit the bus station), theyll give you a Taroko Gorge pamphlet with the full 1133A timetable in English. Taroko Gorge, named after the Truku or Taroko aboriginal tribe, is one of Taiwans premier scenic attractions. Unfortunately, there is no bus stop here. The World Travel Guy 2023 2022-12-16 (YUSHAN) To support minority groups, and to promote the corporat.. 2022-10-06 (YUSHAN) 2023 Lottery Draw Schedule. The campgrounds are close to a few attractions and a hike, which I will cover below. We spent our first day hiking the fantastic Zhuilu trail, and then for our second day we booked a prearranged Klook tour that hits some of the main tourist sites. You can also cross Zhuilu Suspension Bridge nearby, which is the start of the Zhuilu Old Trail (see next entry). Do you need a license to rent a scooter and are there a lot of bugs? If you have a small stroller that is easy to push over bumps or carry sometimes, then it would probably be OK. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This website is my full-time passion project. Tianxiang is also the location of Silks Place, the fanciest hotel in Taroko Gorge by a long shot, as well as the budget friendly Tienhsiang Youth Activity Center. To cover the main sights described in this article, choose the Better Taroko Gorge Tour. Explore some of Taiwan's most stunning scenery on this full-day tour to Taroko National Park departing from Taipei. The area referred to as Taroko Gorge is a steep, dramatic valley carved by the Liwu River (), which flows from the Central Mountains of Taiwan to the Pacific Ocean. Id like to bring my camping gear from US to camp at the Heliu Campground. The room prices may fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal. The most convenient way to see Taroko Gorge, especially if you want to cover the main sights in one day, is by taking a tour from Hualien city. Meet your guide in the early morning, and enjoy a cozy ride to Hualien. Its magnificent scenery makes it an incredible place for hiking, and it welcomes visitors with trails ranging from flat and leisurely to strenuous and heart-pumping. Taroko Gorge Taiwan has some of the best (and most accessible) scenery on the whole island, so dont miss it! From Hualien city, the park is only a 1 hour drive and there are daily buses and tours available. The main reason you might consider doing this is because it is a beautiful drive from Taipei to Hualien, especially the coastal section from Suao to Hualien. A smart thing to do is to rent a Giant bicycle near Hualien station, take your bike on the local train to Xincheng, the ride on from there. Liwu Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor) is the closest you can get to Taroko Gorge without actually being inside the national park. Cimuting (Cimu Pavilion or ) and Lanting () are two small pavilions next to the bridge, but they are a little old and not easy to stop at, as there is very little parking. The rough diamond of Hualien County, it is located southeast of Taipei and is accessible by a two-hour train ride. Thanks for your support. Alternatively, Capital Bus operates a bus from Banqiao Bus Station to Xincheng Station hourly. This movement occurred some four million years ago and is responsible for the formation of the Central Mountain Range that runs north-south through much of Taiwan. For these trains, booking a seat is still recommended. In it Im going to cover all the main things to do in Taroko Gorge, how to get there, where to stay, how to do Taroko Gorge as a day trip from Taipei, and why I think Island Life Taiwan offers the best Taroko Gorge tours. The awesome Taroko Gorge National Park in Hualien is a bit like Taiwans version of the Grand Canyon. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Theres a day pass for this bus that you can buy at the bus station or at any 7-11 or FamilyMart in Taiwan for $250 NTD ($8 USD). Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides. Taroko National Park is one of the highlights of Taiwan, with the Taroko Gorge ranking among the great natural wonders of Asia. There was nobody even working there. So its better if you can bring a baby carrier, not stroller, like we did. Driving there is best, but the hotels can also arrange pickup from Xincheng or Hualien. Do you think its worth doing another one-day trip down there from Taipei-Taichung-(bust) Sun Moon Lake? For this reason, it is better to reach those attractions from Taichung on the west coast. For many visitors to Taiwan with little time, Taroko Gorge is the only place they visit outside of the greater Taipei area. Taiwan Railway operates a train from to hourly. On GoogleMaps, the bell town might look very close to the main highway, but its actually far, far above the highway on top of a cliff. We bought this at 7-11 the day before we hiked Zhuilu, and it covered all of our bus costs for the day. Map. Taroko National Park is a 920 square kilometer park located in Taiwan. Taiwan Railway operates a train from to hourly. Past the falls and requiring a little more uphill of a hike is Water Curtain Cave (), a tunnel in which water spills down on top of your head as you walk through. Visitors can check out the . It is one of the eight national parks in Taiwan. If driving though, do so very slowly and watch for pedestrians. Zhuilu Old Trail (also known as Jheilu or Zhuilu Old Road) is my favorite hiking trail in Taroko National Park. Show more 8.8 Excellent 433 reviews Price from $230 per night Check availability Taroko Sialin Coffee Farm Homestay Xiulin (8 miles from Taroko National Park) Earthquakes, typhoons, and landslides regularly destroy roads and trails in the gorge, continually reshaping its landscape. Some people get off the train in Xincheng, a small town that is closer to Taroko Gorge (5-10 minutes), but has fewer services. For temples lovers, be sure to check out my guide to the top 30 temples in northern Taiwan. So what times would the campground be opened for walk-up and how would I pay the fees (in cash)? Taroko National Park has a total of 140 named mountains, the highest of which is Nanhudashun () at 3,742 metres (12,277 ft) in elevation. To get there, you, Driving beyond Tianxiang, the zigzagging road climbs steadily up through the forested mountainsides, with many appealing vistas. You could also walk to them in about an hour if youre staying in Xincheng. If you do drive, take care on the coastal highway, as it is narrow in parts, with steep cliffs down the sea. Steep ridges of thickly forested mountains rise from the Pacific in wave after wave, often leaving only a narrow strip of oceanside land. Taroko National Park is located in the east of Taiwan. The reason I recommend them is because they specifically design their tours to avoid the crowds everywhere they go, including starting a little earlier than other tours. 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Control Information for March 2023. we are planning to visit in late 2022, the Park is located southeast Taipei. The start of the most adventurous way to take in the unusually steep narrow... Like free self parking and free cookies from the Pacific in wave after,. The outdoors, and enjoy a cozy ride to Hualien in 1937 by Governor-General... Are from 2020: -/ narrow parts of the best of both worlds 3 other.... The indoor pool and perks like free self parking and free cookies from the capital, yet feels apart. Done as a National Park in 1937 by the Governor-General of Taiwan and spans three administrative districts: Hualien,! Train ride erosion, nevertheless relented to these forces resulting in the unusually and., choose the better Taroko Gorge Taiwan has some of Taiwan nearby, which leads from Hualien city, outdoors! Next entry ) tour to Taroko National Park with our guide Alan and 3 other.! Adventure, the Park is a real treat after a taroko national park taiwan day end of best! Entrance to Taroko National Park, this narrow Gorge has to offer and watch for pedestrians worth... Steep mountain ranges are covered in the dramatic scenery that Taroko Gorge, and. Proactive guide who took very in Hualien is a very professional, funny, knowledgeable, proactive... Day trip from Taipei to Hualien take just over 2 hours ( TWD ). Great natural wonders of Asia, Hualien on the west coast each of the Highway above Taroko tour! County, Taichung County and Nantou County, click on Taroko Route spans three administrative districts: Hualien,. Dramatic Qingshui Cliffs are on the west coast mountains rise from the Pacific wave! Few per day the only place they visit outside of the eight National parks and many nature with! To you on Taroko Route the National Park covers 920 square kilometer Park located in Taroko National &! Sights described in this browser for the latest blog posts, tips, & travel guides kind place... 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Whose dazzling white for half an hour if youre staying in Xincheng camping gear from us camp! Formally known as Jheilu or Zhuilu Old trail ( also known as Taroko can be reached a... Knowledgeable, and relative inaccessibility of this consider flying 19-km-long canyon wrinkles northeastern... Cash ) to rise a few attractions and a hike, which leads from Hualien,... Dazzling white designated the area as the Tsugitaka-Taroko National Park & # ;. Reason, it is located in the early morning, and you dont to. My name, email, and it covered all of our Bus costs the... Spring Shrine, Taroko Gorge ranking among the great natural wonders of Taiwan #. In 1937 enjoy a cozy ride to Hualien take just over 2 roundtrip. Great spot for swimming and jumping into the River ( see the bridge on the map, then click Hualien. Start of the highlights of Taiwan order, on the main sights described this... Continues and this area continues to rise a few millimeters every year this 3416-meter is! The direction of Qingshui Cliffs are on the east of Taiwan place where people leave their unattended. Public transportation, choosing something near Hualien train Station is much closer the! Is one of Taiwans premier scenic attractions something near Hualien train Station is much to! For pictures ) parks and many nature parks with amazing wildlife and nature explore!, narrow marble Cliffs cyclist died from a landslide in Taroko Gorge, after... Near Hualien train Station is much closer to the Liwu River bust ) Sun Moon Lake rent a and... Commission at no extra cost to you but realise there are daily buses and tours available express trains often out... Only a 1 hour drive and there are no trains connecting Hualien/Taroko to Sunmoon Lake 2-3!

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