Taroko Gorge

Taroko National Park of Taiwan is situated in the eastern part of the island. The park covers more than 92,000 hectares in the northern section of the Central Mountain Range. It features high mountains and sheer gorges. Many of its peaks tower above 3,000m in elevation. The varied mountain peaks, numerous waterfalls, diverse plant forms and animal life, together with the indigenous Taroko people, create the rich texture of this unique natural ecosystem.

The mesmerizing Taroko Gorge is located at the heart of Taroko National Park , a geological marvel sculpted over millions of years by the relentless erosion of the Liwau River. This magnificent gorge meanders through the mountains, revealing a diverse array of picturesque landscapes at every twist and turn.

The mountains around Taroko Gorge

The gorge twists and turns in the mountains

Narrow road is typically several meters above water level

The gorge at Swallow Grotto

A view of Liwu River and Pacific Ocean from Xiaozhuilu Trail  

A symphony of waterfalls serenade the green-clad mountains and gray cliffs. Some waterfalls are grand, while others are more modest, but all contribute to the park's enchanting allure. Baiyang fall stands out, it is a water cascade - two falls are visible from baiyang trail. Another water fall is actually inside the mountains, in a cave, the water curtain cave.

Water curtain cave 

Baiyang fall - a water cascade

A small water fall on the left hand side cliff

The primary activity in the park revolves around hiking, allowing explorers to immerse themselves in the park's natural splendor. These trails often follow the course of the gorge, and at times, even the roadside doubles as a scenic trail. Most of these paths offer breathtaking vistas high above the flowing waters, with the notable exception being the Shakadang Trail. Here, one can descend to the banks of the Liwu River, witnessing the mesmerizing transformation of its waters, displaying a spectrum of captivating hues.

The "ramp" to the trailhead of Baiyang trail 

The first several hundred meters of the trail is a tunnel 

Sakadang Trial is the only trail that hikers have access to the Liwu River

The Liwu river by Shakadang trail

the emerald green water 

The color of water changes with view angle and Sunshine

a water pool along Liwu river

Throughout Taroko National Park, a network of road bridges and suspension bridges gracefully blends into the natural surroundings, becoming an integral part of the tapestry of beauty that defines Taroko.

While there are countless captivating destinations to explore within the park, we only had the opportunity to visit about one-third of the named viewpoints and trails. Taroko is undeniably a place that beckons to be revisited, its beauty an ever-changing masterpiece waiting to be rediscovered time and time again.

A road bridge

Baiyang Suspension Bridge

A suspension bridge by Yuewangting

Bulohwan Terrace 

A suspension bridge to Zhuilu Old Road (front)

Hundred Lion Bridge at Shakadang  

Notes 

a. The trails we hiked, listed in the order of  great to good  - 1) Shakadang, 2) Baiyang,  3) Swallow Grotto, 4) Buloh Terrace, 5) Idas Trail. 

b. fauna at Taroko: there are many animals and birds in the park, mostly in the mountain region inaccessible to tourists. The ones we saw are listed in the blog "Fauna of Taiwan".

c. Self driving in the park makes travel there convenient. But the road is narrow with many sharp turns.

d. We drove to Taroko National Park from Taipei, a 150km drive. Once out of the city, the drive is pleasant, and the vista is great.

e. We stayed at a hotel Moment by the ocean front, in the city of Hualien.