Few places in East Asia capture the imagination quite like Taroko Gorge. Carved over millennia by the Liwu River, this marble canyon in eastern Taiwan is the heart of Taroko National Park. With its sheer cliffs, cloud‑topped peaks and trails that cling to rock faces, the gorge is a dramatic showcase of natural power and beauty.
Yet beyond the gorge itself, the wider park reveals a landscape of coastal cliffs, alpine forests and cultural landmarks, offering visitors far more than a single scenic stop. Here is your ultimate guide to discovering the wonders of Taroko Gorge and Taroko National Park.
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Geography and geological origins
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Taroko Gorge owes its beauty to a long geological story. Tectonic uplift pushed thick marble beds skyward over millions of years. Meanwhile, the Liwu River carved deep into the rock, creating sheer walls that rise as high as 1,100 metres. The name ‘Taroko’ comes from the Truku people, the Indigenous community for whom this landscape has long been sacred.
Park history and recent events
Declared a national park under Japanese rule in 1937, Taroko was re‑established in 1986 to protect its landscapes and cultural sites. Nature, though, remains unpredictable. On 3 April 2024, a powerful earthquake triggered rockfalls and landslides. As of mid‑2025, parts of the park and some trails remain closed. Always check the latest updates before your visit.
Access & getting there
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Most visitors start in Hualien City, about 20 kilometres south of the park entrance. From Taipei, the Taroko Express and Puyuma Express trains reach Xincheng (Taroko) Station in roughly two and a half hours. Local buses, scooters or bicycles then carry travellers into the gorge.
Drivers use Provincial Highway 8, the Central Cross‑Island Highway. However, weather and seismic activity can cause sudden closures, so it is wise to check conditions before setting off.
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Visitor centre and official updates
The Taroko National Park Visitor Centre, near the eastern entrance, is the best place to begin. Staff share up‑to‑date trail conditions and maps, and explain the park’s geology and history.
Trails are graded from Level 0 (easiest) to Level 5 (most challenging). Updates are also posted daily on the park’s website. It’s worth spending a little time here to plan your visit carefully and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Key sights and activities
Shakadang Trail
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Also known as the Mysterious Valley Trail, Shakadang follows the clear river through marble boulders and forest. The 4‑kilometre walk is usually gentle, though parts remain closed after the 2024 earthquake. Always confirm which sections are open before you go.
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Eternal Spring Shrine
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Built in 1958 to honour workers who died building the highway, this small shrine perches above a waterfall. Over the years, rockfalls have repeatedly damaged the shrine, leading to several reconstructions. This cycle of destruction and rebuilding reminds visitors of nature’s power even as they admire the shrine’s beauty.
Swallow Grotto and Tunnel of Nine Turns
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One of the most iconic spots in Taroko Gorge is Swallow Grotto. Here, narrow pathways and tunnels are carved directly into the towering marble cliffs, offering visitors close-up views of the gorge’s sheer walls. The area gets its name from the swallows that nest in the cliffside caves, darting swiftly between rock faces.
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Just a short distance away lies the Tunnel of Nine Turns, a separate but equally spectacular section of the gorge. This area features a series of tunnels and viewing platforms that snake through some of the most dramatic bends in the canyon. The viewpoints offer panoramic vistas of swirling marble rock formations and the turbulent river far below.
Together, these two spots showcase Taroko Gorge’s breathtaking geology and provide some of the best photo opportunities within the park.
Zhuilu Old Trail
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For experienced hikers, the Zhuilu Old Trail is one of Taroko Gorge’s crown jewels. This historic path clings to a sheer cliff face, winding along a narrow ledge roughly 600 metres above the Liwu River below. The trail offers breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the gorge’s marble walls and the winding river far beneath your feet.
Originally built as a military patrol route, the trail has been restored for hikers seeking a more challenging adventure. The full trail is about 10 kilometres round-trip and typically takes four to 6 hours to complete, depending on pace and conditions. Because of its exposed nature and limited capacity, hikers must obtain a permit in advance through the Taroko National Park administration. Daily visitor numbers are capped to protect both the environment and safety.
Beyond the gorge: The Taroko National Park
Qingshui Cliffs
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At the park’s eastern edge, the marble Qingshui Cliffs plunge up to 800 metres into the Pacific Ocean. A drive along the Suhua Highway reveals views of cliffs meeting deep blue water, some of Taiwan’s most photographed scenery.
Tianxiang Recreation Area
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About 20 kilometres upstream sits Tianxiang, a small village and rest stop where rivers meet. Short trails, suspension bridges and pagodas give visitors quieter views of the gorge.
Mountain and alpine areas
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Higher in the park, dense forests and cool ridges replace marble walls. In winter, these mountain areas may even see snow, offering a different glimpse of Taroko’s landscape.
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Planning tips & practical considerations
The best times to visit are March to May and October to early December. These months bring milder weather and clearer skies. Summer can mean high humidity and typhoons, which may close roads and trails.
Safety is essential. Landslides and rockfalls can happen, especially after rain or earthquakes. Stay on marked trails, wear good footwear and follow park advice.
Public buses run through the gorge, though they may not be frequent. Scooters and bicycles offer flexibility, but roads can be narrow and busy. Facilities such as toilets and small food stalls are mainly near the visitor centre and Tianxiang, so carry water and snacks if exploring further.
Also read: 7 Scenic Destinations in Taiwan for Nature Lovers
Enjoy your Taroko adventure
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Taroko Gorge is more than marble cliffs and winding trails. It is a living landscape shaped by water, stone and time. Even after natural disasters, its beauty remains. With planning and respect for the land and its people, a visit to Taroko offers one of Taiwan’s most memorable experiences.