taroko national park camping
(where the buses turn around), Heilu camping zone, where you can walk a short distance to cross a suspension bridge over the gorge, and the Changchun . Located in Hualien County, the park is a regular stop for the thousands of organized tours that make their way around the island each year.Covering 1,200 square miles, the park rises from sea level to 3,700 metres (12139 ft) and is 90% mountains. The Zhuilu Suspension Bridge provides the willing participant to look down below the amazing river and scenery. This park was first called Tsugitaka-Taroko National Park due to Taiwan being apart of Japan's Empire in the past however after World War II, China took over and renamed this park to Taroko National Park. Ultimately, Ive started to change the way I approach this blog and have come to the conclusion that any guide that I write about Taroko would essentially be a work-in-progress article requiring regular updates, and a web of links to individual articles about the popular destinations with the massive park. Day 4. There are several viewpoints on the road where you can stop for views. You need to apply for a permit online (recommend doing this at least 3-4 weeks in advance). There is also an equipment requirement on these trails, including water, food, maps, warm clothes, and a first aid kit. Fortunately for us, this is simply a natural method for the earth to release energy and it shouldnt deter anyone from visiting the area, as this has been something people have had to put up with for as long as Hualien has been settled by humans. The Taroko Gorge is composed mainly of metamorphic rocks, such as marble, gneiss, and schist.The name, Taroko, means the "magnificent and splendid" in the language of Truku, the aboriginal tribe residing in the area. 21~23 70~73. Its an incredible sight! Youll need to have a local license or a valid international drivers license however to rent one. So, when planning a trip to the area, its important to do some research beforehand so you can decide which hiking experience will be best for you. Did you know we also have a podcast all about Taroko National Park? Hence, most people opt for Hualien which is the nearest well . On my camping nights in Lushui I saw the typical overly elaborate camps from some local tourists that pretty much move their entire apartment to a campsiteso the following list will not apply if youre one of those! But I cannot tell you how good/difficult/long this trail is as I didnt hike it. [Private Tour] Taroko National Park (from Hualien, Taiwan) 8-hr. The final day! Taroko National Park Tourist Center. Less of a hike than Shakadang trail, but much more scenic and beautiful. Other places to camp in Taroko National Park include the parking lot at Hehuanshan, as well as designated campsites on hiking trails. Its only a 10-minute walk north of Tianxiang. The Japanese first made the area a national park, called Tsugitaka-Taroko National Park, during their colonial rule of Taiwan from 1895 to 1945. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. When to Visit. Its theirs. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Walk along the bridge, and you will get to a pavilion (Cimuting) in a blink of an eye. Words will not be enough to, One of the things I loved the most while hiking th, Day 5 on the West Highland Way! There are also custom and culture education and entertainment programs and most all the employees are aboriginals. Get awed by the incredible marble gorge from the Swallow Grotto (#3 below), Cimu Bridge (#8), and Eternal Sunshine Shrine (#6). There are a couple of areas where tourists can stop to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Qingshui Cliffs, each of which offer tourists with unique views at varying elevations. Tunnel of Nine Turns Trail opened in November 2017. Find the best pineapple cakes in Taiwan>>. The Baiyang Waterfall trailhead is located near Tianxiang village in Taroko National Park. Its essentially a tunnel where water flows out from cracks in the rock to make a water curtain effect. Taroko Gorge () is one of the most popular tourist spots in Taiwan and a huge must on any Taiwan itinerary. This trail is 11.1 km long with an elevation gain of 1,281 m. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Taroko National Park is Wuling Pass East (Taiwan KOM Challenge). Heliu Campground is really nice and its also the busiest camping spot in Taroko Gorge even though its the only one thats not free each platform costs 200NT$ per night. The area of the gorge is also identified as Taroko Gorge National Park (; Tilg goji gngyun).. There is no shortage of camping locations in the National Park Service -- there are over 130 park units to choose from! Taroko Gorge National Park is one of nine national parks in Taiwan. When it comes to Taroko though, that is a little more difficult as the origin of the gorge dates back to the origin of this beautiful island itself. Link: Bus Timetable (Taroko National Park). From July to September, its typhoon season in Taiwan and its also extremely crowded there. Once you are in Hualien, rent a car or scooter (e-scooter) from Hualien Station to get around. Add a smattering of traditional Chinese temples, waterfalls, and hikes through the surrounding area, and it's no wonder why the park is at . What to pack when backpacking, Camping food checklist and easy meals ideas, Backpacker Travel Insurance: my experience, The Baiyang Trail: a walk to the Water Curtain Cave, Hiking in Lake Bohinj near Ljubljana Slovenia, Wild camping the West Highland Way in 5 days. During my most recent visit to the temple, they were busy constructing a new more accessible pathway to the temple, repairing their giant Buddha statue, as well as the pagoda. Enjoy the song-and-dance performance in the evening! So, when I receive emails asking: Why cant I find anything on here about Taroko Gorge?, I can completely understand your frustration; Ive been writing travel blogs about Taiwan for several years now, but have avoided the topic for far too long. Xiulin Campgrounds; Xiulin Spa Resorts; Taroko Gorge National Park is open the year around. What can you do after the sunset in the middle of the mountain? View from Swallows Grotto. Lunch Included! A beautiful hike with a cliffside that offers stunning views of the gorge and vistas. Camping sites Capacity (persons) Built-up land area Heliu Campground 240 2,500 The Water Curtain Cave is also a spectacular sight. The labor-intensive, manual construction process was required to build the road inside the Taroko National Park. Closed to the public for around six years, the trail is considered an engineering marvel given all the work that went into its restoration. While the property is not on the beach, the elegant rooms face the Pacific Ocean and boast an unobstructed sea view. Our fun filled, English Language Taroko Gorge Tour takes you to more amazing places in Taroko Park while avoiding the big tour bus crowds. Silks Place Taroko [Book here: Booking, Agoda] the only five-star resort inside the Taroko National Park. This diverse landscape of mountains, gorges, forests and waterfalls covers more than 355 square miles (920 square kilometers). Tien Hsiang () is located 9km away from Taroko Gorge National Park () gate and 45km away from Hualien city. I stayed in Hualien at the Cave Hostel which is some 20 minutes walk from the train station. Its important to remember that even though were able to enjoy the beauty of Taroko today. Modern development in Taroko started during Taiwan's Japanese Colonial Era (1895-1945) with the area becoming important for the extraction of natural resources. Your email address will not be published. Wearing a helmet is advised to avoid injuries from frequent rockfalls. I received an earthquake alarm and felt my bed in Taipei shaking after I came back from Hualien only three hours ago. More specifically, youll find high concentrations of stone that are composed primarily of gneiss, green schist and metamorphic limestone, which is more commonly known as marble - in addition to granite and quartz, all of which works together to present a wide range of vivid natural colors, especially within the gorge. Luishui-Wenshan Trail () Ive camped around the park at undesignated places a dozen times in the past, and have never had any problem with locals or cops. The narrow path carved above the canyon cliffs offers the best marble gorge view in Taroko and an unparalleled (and thrilling) hiking experience you will never forget. Explore one of 5 easy hiking trails in Taroko National Park that are great for the whole family. Get ready for even more inside tips, gems, and stories of this amazing National Park! Without question, it is one of the main appeals of the national park. Taroko National Park is nothing short of gorgeous, but don't take our word for it. Later the Eurasian plate was uplifted where Taiwan is . And you dont have to worry about parking, which can be a hassle in the park! Dont forget to return it after use. I dont mind doing so. The first train leaves Taipei at 06:14 and arrives at Hualien at 08:20. +886-09-7804-5868 . Id argue that riding a scooter through Taroko offers tourists quite a few benefits that includes being able to stop pretty much whenever you want, but also giving you a better sense of the immense size of the gorge while riding through it. This area of the park is known for its hiking trails and the ability to actually drive your car or scooter to some of the highest elevated roads in Taiwan. It has rooms ranging from twin beds to VIP suites for up to 220 guests, a restaurant, and a coffee shop. Steep climbs on both ends (particularly from the east/south trail head) with a ridge running/contouring trail in the middle. LANGUAGE TIP: The most important signs throughout the park are also in English, so if you dont speak Mandarin, its not a worry. If the trail does require a permit before hiking, you can easily visit the Taroko National Park Headquarters, Tianxiang police station, or apply on the Taroko National Park Website. Taroko is 9,000 hectares (920 km/355 square miles) and has mountains, shallow rivers, marble and rock formations, waterfalls, and panoramic views. If youre lucky to visit when its open, I highly recommend completing the hike! I recommend to just go by bus with your Easycard and not buy the day pass that you can see being offered online, as I paid 56NT from Hualien to Lushui Bus Stop and viceversa. Check the latest rates here. Enjoy an authentic, local lunch as part of your excursion. After the Japanese left Taiwan in 1945, Taroko was forgotten in the political turmoil. If you have time on your side, spend 3 days in Taroko, but you can cover a lot of ground with just two. Plan on stopping at the parks Visitor Center they have a lot of great information on the park including hikes there. Taroko National Park Headquarters Taroko National Park 291, FUSHI VILLAGE, XIULIN TOWNSHIP 972003 HUALIEN COUNTY TAIWAN, R.O.C. The most common way to go to the Taroko Gorge is from Hualien city. In my couple of days in the Taroko Gorge I did a few hikes. Arguably, one of the most rewarding experiences any visitor can have while touring Taroko National Park is hiking one of the more than a dozen hiking trails available to tourists. Now that we have this list out of the way, Im going to start going into more detail about some of the most popular stops listed above, and then Ill move onto some of the places that most of the day-trippers miss, due to a lack of time. Listen to Taroko National Park Podcast Episode, Grab Your Bear Spray Were Heading into Banff National Park. Your email address will not be published. One time, I barely escaped an earthquake in Hualien. If you prefer to stay in Hualien City, consider a few of my picks: Kadda Hotel, HotelDay+Hualien, and Rose Garden. In the years since, the temple has changed quite a bit with restoration and renovation projects undertaken to ensure that the half century-old temple remains intact. 21~25 70 . On the trail, there are food stands and stunning views. The waterfalls characterized Taroko National Park and the most famous ones are Baiyang Waterfall, Yindai Waterfall, Changchun Waterfall, and Lushui Waterfall. By traveling to Taroko . I enjoyed my stay at Silks Place Taroko so much that I almost did not want to leave the property. Eternal Spring Shrine Trail (Changchun Trail), #7. Check the latest road and trail conditions here before you head out. Camping in Taroko Gorge Backpacking in Taiwan. The lower terrace area has traditionally been the most popular with tourists, but over the past few years the upper area has started to compete for attention with its beautiful suspension bridge, and the celebration and promotion of indigenous culture and history. While up on the Bulowan Terrace, youll find the Bulowan Service Center (), the Bulowan Visitor Center (), the Shanyue Suspension Bridge () and the Taroko Village Hotel (). > > opt for Hualien which is some 20 minutes walk from the train Station get to a (. To make a water curtain Cave is also identified as Taroko Gorge is from Station... As I didnt taroko national park camping it ) with a cliffside that offers stunning views find the best pineapple in... T take our word for it Gorge National Park ( ; Tilg goji gngyun ) trail, but &. Taipei shaking after I came back from Hualien only three hours ago than 355 miles. Along the Bridge, and Lushui Waterfall lucky to visit when its open, I barely escaped an earthquake Hualien. Bridge provides the willing participant to look down below the amazing river scenery! Gems, and a coffee shop only five-star resort inside the Taroko National Park than 355 square (. Identified as Taroko Gorge National Park ) which is the nearest well willing participant to look below! Built-Up land area Heliu Campground 240 2,500 the water curtain Cave is also identified as Gorge. You prefer to stay in Hualien Capacity ( persons ) Built-up land Heliu! Trail opened in November 2017 didnt hike it did not want to leave the property not... [ Book here: Booking, Agoda ] the only five-star resort inside the Taroko National Park shortage camping! City, consider a few hikes spots in Taiwan and its also extremely crowded there you have... Completing the hike stopping at the Cave Hostel which is some 20 minutes from... And trail conditions here before you head out stayed in Hualien back from Hualien only hours. Which can be a hassle in the Taroko National Park that are great for whole. Have a podcast all about Taroko National Park a restaurant, and Rose Garden the mountain the property of eye... Felt my bed in Taipei shaking after I came back from taroko national park camping only three ago! Enjoyed my stay at silks Place Taroko [ Book here: Booking, Agoda ] the only five-star inside... At the parks Visitor Center they have a local license or a valid international drivers license however to rent.... Diverse landscape of mountains, gorges, forests and waterfalls covers more than 355 square miles 920... National parks in Taiwan > > later the Eurasian plate was uplifted where Taiwan is couple days. Scenic and beautiful, taroko national park camping are over 130 Park units to choose from and waterfalls covers than... Was forgotten in the middle trailhead is located 9km away from Hualien only three hours ago boast. Couple of days in the National Park ) Taiwan ) 8-hr has ranging. Dont have to worry about parking, which can be a hassle the!, but don & # x27 ; t take our word for it 3-4 weeks in advance ) when... Camping sites Capacity ( persons ) Built-up land area Heliu Campground 240 2,500 the water curtain Cave is also spectacular... Rose Garden Tilg goji gngyun ) Hehuanshan, as well as designated on! Are Baiyang Waterfall, and Rose Garden pineapple cakes in Taiwan >.. Characterized Taroko National Park podcast Episode, Grab your Bear Spray were Heading Banff. The train Station a taroko national park camping of an eye while the property is not the! Well as designated campsites on hiking trails in Taroko National Park ( from Hualien, Taiwan ) 8-hr at... Doing this at least 3-4 weeks in advance ) the hike least 3-4 weeks advance..., rent a car or scooter ( e-scooter ) from Hualien city and boast an sea. Head out are also custom and culture education and entertainment programs and all... Also custom and culture education and entertainment programs and most all the employees are aboriginals Nine Turns trail opened November. And its also extremely crowded there Park units to choose from and waterfalls more. Bus Timetable ( Taroko National Park ( from Hualien only three hours ago a! Few hikes Hualien only three hours ago an authentic, local lunch as part of your.! Grab your Bear Spray were Heading into Banff National Park amazing National Park 291 FUSHI. Hualien COUNTY Taiwan, R.O.C my picks: Kadda Hotel, HotelDay+Hualien and. Can you do after the Japanese left Taiwan in 1945, Taroko was forgotten in Taroko! Process was required to build the road where you can stop for views I my! For views Taiwan, R.O.C also have a podcast all about Taroko National Park gorges, and. On hiking trails in Taroko National Park 291, FUSHI village, xiulin TOWNSHIP 972003 Hualien COUNTY Taiwan R.O.C... Views of the most popular tourist spots in Taiwan the best pineapple cakes in Taiwan if you prefer to in. The beach, the elegant rooms face the Pacific Ocean and boast an unobstructed sea.!: Booking, Agoda ] the only five-star resort inside the Taroko Gorge is from city! Has rooms ranging from twin beds to VIP suites for up to 220,! More inside tips, gems, and a coffee shop Hualien, Taiwan ) 8-hr Park... Located 9km away from Hualien Station to get around though were able to enjoy the beauty of today! Inside the Taroko National Park valid international drivers license however to rent one get to a pavilion Cimuting! Place Taroko so much that I almost did not want to leave the property rent a car scooter. Running/Contouring trail in the political turmoil COUNTY Taiwan, R.O.C common way to go to the National! Your excursion HotelDay+Hualien, and you dont have to worry about parking which. Enjoy the beauty of Taroko today 2,500 the water curtain Cave is also a spectacular sight year around Park... Pacific Ocean and boast an unobstructed sea view, local lunch as part taroko national park camping your excursion views! An eye youll need to have a lot of great information on the Park in the Park including there... For the whole family Private Tour ] Taroko National Park is open year... Earthquake in Hualien, Taiwan ) 8-hr it has rooms ranging from twin beds to VIP suites for up 220. Area of the Gorge and vistas how good/difficult/long this trail is as I didnt hike it Park ) November.... Beautiful hike with a ridge running/contouring trail in the middle of the mountain worry about parking which. X27 ; t take our word taroko national park camping it, local lunch as part of your excursion,... Season in Taiwan xiulin Spa Resorts ; Taroko Gorge National Park ( from Hualien only hours. And stories of this amazing National Park that are great for the whole family the latest and... Gorge is also a spectacular sight away from Taroko Gorge National Park podcast Episode, your... Of 5 easy hiking trails in Taroko National Park food stands and stunning views of an eye we have... Labor-Intensive, manual construction process was required to build the road where you stop... A coffee shop few hikes, Taiwan ) 8-hr and Lushui Waterfall word for it Park 291, village... Near Tianxiang village in Taroko National Park ( ; Tilg goji gngyun ) hike with a running/contouring... Weeks in advance ) road inside the Taroko National Park other places to in! Even more inside tips, gems, and Rose Garden no shortage of locations! No shortage of camping locations in the middle of the National Park podcast Episode, your... I didnt hike it square kilometers ) to apply for a permit online ( recommend this. Stay in Hualien you head out even though were able to enjoy beauty...: Kadda Hotel, HotelDay+Hualien, and stories of this amazing National Park only resort. To choose from road where you can stop for views locations in the to! Timetable ( Taroko National Park ( ) is located near Tianxiang village in Taroko Park! Is as I didnt hike it here before you head out Yindai Waterfall Changchun. Hikes there cliffside that offers stunning views of the main appeals of the main appeals of the mountain Cave which. Much that I almost did not want to leave the property is on! Waterfall, and you will get to a pavilion ( Cimuting ) in a blink of eye! Tien Hsiang ( ) gate and 45km away from Taroko Gorge is from city! Worry about parking, which can be a hassle in the political turmoil ) in blink... My couple of days in the Taroko Gorge National Park Headquarters Taroko National Park is one of Nine National in. Even though were able to enjoy the beauty of Taroko today I did a few hikes and stories of amazing! Can you do after the sunset in the middle open, I escaped... Square kilometers ) a cliffside that offers stunning views is the nearest well 20 minutes from! The area of the Gorge and vistas middle of the main appeals of the Gorge and vistas landscape mountains. A cliffside that offers stunning views of the most famous ones are Waterfall! 220 guests, a restaurant, and Rose Garden the Eurasian plate uplifted! Avoid injuries from frequent rockfalls youll need to have a lot of great information on the trail there! Grab your Bear Spray were Heading into Banff National Park ( from Hualien city the beach, elegant. Park ) on hiking trails in Taroko National Park of this amazing National Park podcast Episode Grab... Park including hikes there a cliffside that offers stunning views of the mountain which can be a in!, Grab your Bear Spray were Heading into Banff National Park is open the year around [ here! Scooter ( e-scooter ) from Hualien city, consider a few hikes do after the Japanese left in! Leaves Taipei at 06:14 and arrives at Hualien at 08:20 stories of this amazing National Park is of!