Summary
The awesome Taroko Gorge National Park in Hualien is a bit like Taiwan’s version of the Grand Canyon. This is a huge marble gorge with steep rock walls carved by the Lewu River, complete with old Chinese shrines and temples, and 27 peaks over 3,000 meters tall. Taroko Gorge Taiwan has some of the best (and most accessible) scenery on the whole island, so don’t miss it! This travel guide will explain how to get there, and everything you need to know before you go!
Taroko Gorge Taiwan: What To Expect
The best way to visit Taroko Gorge Taiwan is on a bus tour from Hualien or Taipei; moreover, this allows you to enjoy all the stunning canyon views along the way without the stress of driving. While it is technically possible to visit Taroko on a day trip from Taipei, it is recommended to stay in Hualien city and spend at least two full days exploring the park. Hualien has numerous affordable accommodations and excellent dining options.
There is plenty to see in Taroko, including some outstanding day hikes like the Zhuilu Old Trail, which require more time to truly appreciate. Our first day was spent hiking the incredible Zhuilu trail, and on our second day, we opted for a prearranged Klook tour that included several key tourist sites.
How To Get There
Taroko Gorge National Park is located in Hualien county, in eastern Taiwan. The first step is getting to Hualien. There are many affordable flight and train options from Taipei; a flight takes about one hour for approximately $1,200 NTD ($40 USD), while a train journey takes about two hours for less than half the cost—around $450 NTD. We chose to travel by train.
From Hualien city, the park is just one hour away by car, and there are daily buses and tours available. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, consider Klook for a great Taroko Gorge tour package from Hualien at a reasonable price.
Best Taroko Gorge Tour Packages
Klook offers a fantastic Taroko Gorge tour package from Hualien for about $18 USD per person. This tour visits most of the popular tourist spots in Taroko and includes stops at scenic locations outside the park, such as Qingshui Cliff and Qixingtan Beach, which proved to be the perfect addition to our itinerary.
Hualien City / Taroko Gorge Taiwan Bus
If you prefer to arrange everything independently, the 1133A bus from Hualien Station to Taroko Gorge is an option. The bus station is conveniently located next to the Hualien Train Station.
For bus schedules, timetables can be found here, though they are in Chinese. Below are the departure times for the 1133A bus:
- 7:00 AM
- 8:30 AM
- 9:10 AM
- 10:00 AM
- 11:10 AM
- 12:00 PM
- 1:20 PM
- 2:10 PM
- 3:10 PM
A day pass for this bus can be purchased at the bus station or at any convenience store for approximately $250 NTD ($8 USD). This pass covered our transportation costs for the day. Alternatively, payment on the bus is accepted via EasyCard or cash.
Best Things To Do In Taroko Gorge
• Eternal Spring Shrine
This shrine is built atop a waterfall to memorialize 200 veterans who perished during the construction of Taiwan’s central cross-island highway. It usually takes around 20 minutes to walk through the tunnels to reach the shrine. For those seeking a longer trek, there is a mountain trail that leads to picturesque towers and temples perched high on the cliffs.
• Shakadang Trail
Also referred to as the ‘Mysterious Valley Trail,’ this hike features vibrant turquoise pools along its route. The full round trip duration is approximately two hours, but it is mostly flat and easy to navigate.
• Swallows Grotto
This is one of the narrowest sections of the gorge, featuring rock walls that almost touch overhead. This trail is a great short trek to combine with the Zhuilu Old Trail, as both begin from the same trailhead. However, this trail was closed during our visit. It typically takes 15-30 minutes to complete.
• Tunnel Of Nine Turns
This is a brief trail that winds through a 700-meter-long tunnel in a narrow part of the gorge, allowing close-up views of the marble rock walls and the river as they wind through the ravine. You will encounter a few waterfalls during your walk. The round trip duration is approximately 30 minutes.
• Zhuilu Old Trail
Zhuilu is renowned as the premier hike in Taroko Gorge. This day hike ascends to the tops of the canyons, providing hikers with breathtaking views of the valleys below—a must-do experience!
Best Time To Visit
The prime time to explore Hualien and Taroko Gorge, Taiwan is during the winter months, from November to April, when there is less rainfall and daytime temperatures remain around a pleasant 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 C). Summer months are also feasible, but be prepared for higher temperatures and increased humidity, as they can exceed 80 F (27 C). Happy travels!
Where We Stayed
During our visit, we chose to stay at Xiong Zhi Mi B&B in Hualien city for about $900 NTD ($30 USD) per night. This cost provided us with a clean double room featuring a private bathroom and cold air conditioning. Additionally, the stay included free breakfast and complimentary cookies from the friendly staff, alongside many great restaurants in the vicinity.
The train station is only a 15-minute walk away, and hailing a taxi or renting a scooter for transportation is quite simple. Room rates can fluctuate, so it is advisable to be vigilant for good deals.
