Trips in Taroko National Park
General Information
Taroko National Park in Taiwan is located about a two-and-a-half-hour drive south of Taipei (154 km). The Liwu River, flowing eastward between steep mountains into the sea and carving its way through the rocks, together with its turquoise-colored waters and the suspension bridges hanging above it, creates unique sights that grant the park its beauty and uniqueness. One of the country's main roads, which crosses the island from east to west and vice versa, also passes through the park. The country has invested considerable effort and many resources to pave this road in a difficult mountainous environment, and for this purpose, many tunnels were dug along it. To make the park accessible to visitors, many sections of the park pass through tunnels because the mountains are very steep. In many places, including on hiking trails, barriers and protections against rockfalls have been installed.
The park has many beautiful hiking trails, which I will detail later, that are not difficult to walk and vary in length from a few hundred meters to several kilometers.
At the entrance to the park, there is a visitor center, and it is recommended to enter it to get information on recommended routes and which routes are closed due to work or any blockage. A film about the park is also shown at the center.
There is a bus in the park that transports travelers between the various stations in the park. You can tour the park in a rental car, but not every trail and attraction has nearby parking, so you need to rely on the bus. It is most convenient to arrive with a private guide with a car because this way they can drop you off anywhere there is a parking problem and return to pick you up when you finish.
Guided Tours in Taiwan for Booking via Viator:
♦ Private Day Tour to Taroko Park departing from the city of Hualien:
One-Day Private Guided Tour in Taroko Gorge from Hualien
♦ 5-Day Tour to the Best Destinations in Taiwan -
-5Day Best of Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Hualien
How to Get to the Park
You can reach the park from Taipei by rental car, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive, or by train to the nearby city of Hualien, and from its train station, there are shuttles to the park. Those who are in a hurry and do not want to wait for a shuttle can take a taxi from the train station for a few hours at a higher cost of course, but with flexibility in stopping at the trails they prefer.
For nature and hiking enthusiasts, it is recommended to stay 2 nights in the park to manage to see and hike the best landscapes and trails in it.
Hotels in Taroko Park
Inside the park, there are two hotels:
This is a 3-star hotel located in an area surrounded by steep, lushly vegetated mountains. Various sculptures are scattered throughout the hotel grounds, and there is a hiking trail around the cabins amidst unique scenery. Every evening, there is a performance by the local residents, boys and girls with traditional songs and dances according to the customs of the tribe that was here in the past, and these are its descendants. The hotel has a restaurant with breakfast and dinner, cabins with air conditioning, a mini-fridge, television, and Wi-Fi. The level of food and accommodation is moderate, but the experience of living in the heart of nature in breathtaking dramatic scenery, the show, the atmosphere, and the connection with the local tribal members definitely justify staying in the place!
This is a high-quality five-star hotel. It includes a restaurant with Chinese and Western food, Wi-Fi and free parking, an indoor and outdoor pool, a fitness room, and more.
Adjacent to the hotel are several restaurants and a 7-11 convenience store where there is also an ATM and various supplies can be purchased.
Hotels outside the park:
The city closest to the park is Hualien, where it is recommended to stay if you do not wish to stay inside the park.
Hotel in Hualien:
Kindness Hotel Hualien
A successful 4-star hotel, free internet and parking. Free bicycle rental.
Hiking Trails and Attractions in Taroko Park
Swallow Groto
The length of the trail is about six hundred meters. Along it, you will get to see scenery of suspension bridges and caves in the rocks on the cliffs near the river. In these caves, swallows used to live, and hence the trail got its name, Swallow Groto (Swallow Grotto). Part of the trail has carved tunnels. For safety reasons, helmets are worn here which can be obtained for free since there is a danger of falling stones from the steep cliffs. The parking for this trail is slightly far from its start. Considered one of the most popular trails in the park.
Suspension bridges near the Swallow Groto trail :
Tunnel of nine turns
An easy and very popular trail, 700 meters long each way. The route is adjacent to the river winding between high vertical cliffs. Most of the route is covered by a tunnel whose side facing the river is open. There is no parking at the start of the trail, only drop-off and pick-up of passengers.
Baiyang trail
The most attractive trail in my opinion in the park and especially loved by families. The length of the trail is 2 km each way. The trail starts in a long, wide, and dark tunnel, using a mobile flashlight.
At the beginning of the trail running adjacent to the river, there is scenery of mountains and a river, and further along also beautiful waterfalls and a fairly long suspension bridge. At the end of the trail is a tunnel from whose ceiling waterfalls flow, some like a curtain. A rain jacket or umbrella and a flashlight are required. Shoes also get quite wet. A refreshing and special experience.
Shakadang trail
A trail 4.1 km long to its end and the same way back, but you can also be content with one or two kilometers and return. The trail runs along the mountainside alongside the river winding between high cliffs. The water color is turquoise blue, sometimes the flow is strong and sometimes quiet as the river widens more. There is parking near the start of the trail. In the middle of the trail are several food stalls.
Eternal spring shrine
This is actually a nice viewpoint because the trail is under renovation. The viewpoint is of a temple built on the mountainside at the foot of which the river flows. In the lower part of the mountain is another temple from the bottom of which a spectacular underground river bursts forth, joining the river below it.
Yuewang Pavilion suspension bridge
A very short trail from the parking lot leads to a kind of gazebo called Yuewang Pavilion, and adjacent to it is a suspension bridge over the river. At the end of the suspension bridge from its other side, the continuation of the trail is blocked.
Lushui trail
Originally this trail was about 2 km long, but due to a landslide, you can only hike half of it. On this trail, you cross a short suspension bridge and also go through a short tunnel. The trail passes among trees and at its end is a view of the river. There is parking near the start of the trail.
There are more hiking trails in the park, but these are the most recommended ones.
Video about the trip to Taroko Park: