[2025 Hualien ] Travel Guide for Taroko Gorge (Updated May)

The most famous natural attraction in Taiwan! This is the Taroko Gorge located in Hualien, Taiwan! Many people visit this place as part of a tour. You can walk along the marble cliffs and enjoy the beautiful scenery! There are both short and long hiking trails available, allowing you to trek and enjoy the stunning views of the gorge. It was truly wonderful. If you visit Taiwan, I highly recommend taking a tour of Taroko Gorge in Hualien, near Taipei.

Here are some recaps for one of the most iconic tourist destination in Taiwan, Taroko Gorge. Situated in Xiulin Township, East Coast of Taiwan, Taroko Gorge is so damned beautiful. Look at those blue clear water surrounded with eyepleasing scenery, how can I forget that? There are also a lot of things to do in Taroko. The national park has lots of amazing hiking trail. It was so much fun when i visit there last time✨ How to get there 🚎 🚎 If you are in Taipei the quickest way to go there is via Hualien by train. A lot of trains run daily from Taipei. It takes 2,5 hours from Taipei to Hualien and costs approx. 450 NTD. After that you still have to ride for almost 40 minutes. Tips⚡️⚡️ - Don’t forget to bring bug spray, sunscreen, umbrella and a hat. It could be really hot in summer. Also wear comfortable shoes👟 👟 Price 💰💰 Entrance to the park is free Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #wecreate

A place where nature and peace meet. a must see when on a trip to Taiwan even though the fact that the park is actually a highway for common traffic is a bit disappointing . We reached it by train and travelled the park through public bus. during weekends the buses only pass 1 time every 1 or 2 hours so make sure to know which stops you really want to see or you might be stuck

We hired a guide to drive us from our hotel to the hiking location and he was very familiar with the terrain. He brought us through some caves and along the mountain side that faced towards the sea, what a breathtaking view! Would recommend not to have young kids with you though as there can be falling rocks overhead. My overall rating of the experience: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #gohiking #tripmoments #hiking #trekking #nature #mountain #seaview #mustdo #hualien #taiwan

This not-to-be-missed geological marvel is located in the eastern part of Taiwan, a rugged island that punches far above its weight in terms of mountains and ecological diversity. Wandering through the 19 km-long gorge, one can’t help but stare at the cliffs high above, then gaze down at the boulder-filled Liwu River. Because Taroko Gorge is a treasure chest of marbles, schists and gneissic rocks, the colour scheme includes creamy whites, dark greys, light browns plus soft shades of silver and gold. And then there’s the foliage which thrives in all but the most vertiginous spots, as well as the hemlock, spruce, cypress and pine forests that cover more than four fifths of Taroko National Park. The only road through Taroko Gorge is the Central Cross-Island Highway. Completed in 1960 by demobilised soldiers who’d followed Chiang Kai-shek when he withdrew from the Chinese mainland more than a decade earlier, it’s a spectacular but challenging ribbon of tarmac. Drivers may feel nervous, but for passengers it’s a thrilling succession of eye-popping sights. Glimpses of sheer rock faces and azure streams are followed by intoxicating, as-far-as-the-eyes-can-see mountain vistas.

#springitinerary #### **✨ Why Visit Taroko Gorge?** ✅ **One of Asia’s Most Stunning Canyons** – Towering marble cliffs, turquoise rivers, and lush forests. ✅ **Thrilling Hikes & Trails** – Walk through tunnels, over suspension bridges, and past roaring waterfalls. ✅ **Cultural Gems** – Visit Buddhist temples and learn about indigenous Truku culture. ✅ **Easy Access from Taipei** – Just **2.5 hours by train** (or faster by private car). --- ### **🚆 Day Trip Itinerary (From Taipei)** #### **🌅 Morning: Taipei → Taroko** **6:00 AM** – Take the **express train (Tze-Chiang/Puyuma) from Taipei Main Station to Xincheng Station** (~2 hours, book tickets in advance!). **8:30 AM** – Arrive in Xincheng, grab a taxi/bus to **Taroko Gorge Visitor Center** (10-min ride). #### **🌞 9:00 AM – Explore Taroko’s Highlights** - **Shakadang Trail** (1.5 hrs) – Easy walk along crystal-clear blue waters. - **Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou)** – Dramatic cliff views from the roadside path. - **Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchun Shrine)** – Iconic waterfall temple (short hike). #### **🍱 12:30 PM – Lunch in Tianxiang** - Try **Truku indigenous cuisine** or a bento box at a local café. #### **🌿 Afternoon: More Adventure!** **2:00 PM** – Choose your next stop: - **Baiyang Waterfall Trail** (2 hrs round-trip) – Hidden waterfalls and tunnels. - **Lushui-Heliu Trail** – Short walk with epic gorge panoramas. - **Qingshui Cliffs** (if driving) – Coastal views on the way back. #### **🚆 Evening: Return to Taipei** **5:00 PM** – Taxi/bus back to Xincheng Station for the **6 PM train to Taipei**. **8:30 PM** – Arrive in Taipei, dinner at **Raohe Night Market** to refuel! --- ### **📌 Pro Tips:** - **Entry Fee**: Free, but some trails require permits (check in advance). - **Transport**: Rent a scooter in Xincheng for flexibility, or join a guided tour from Taipei. - **Safety**: Watch for falling rocks—wear a helmet if provided! - **Packing**: Comfortable shoes, water, rain gear (weather changes fast). 👟

Taroko National Park in Hualien, Taiwan. This is where you'll find Taroko Gorge, one of the eight scenic spots in Taiwan. The gorge formed by eroding marble features cliffs and waterfalls. There is a red gate at the entrance to Taroko. If you drive from here, you'll see the gorge. This is truly the entrance to the park💡 The gate is built on the road, so you can either cross it while watching out for cars, or take a photo from the sidewalk. It's safest to take photos from the sidewalk!! It's amazing how the gorge was formed by carving marble... Even when I was driving down the road, I felt the strength of nature. The Eternal Spring Shrine, built above the waterfall, was also impressive✨ 📍: Taroko National Park 🗺: Hualien #FreeTravellerWinter #Taiwan #TaiwanTrip #TaiwanTourism

Taiwan captivates with its unique blend of culinary traditions, vibrant landscapes, and warm hospitality. The island's food culture is a beautiful fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous flavors. From bustling night markets offering street foods like stinky tofu, oyster omelettes, and bubble tea, to fine dining experiences highlighting local ingredients, Taiwan is a paradise for food lovers. Taiwan's landscapes, from the scenic Taroko Gorge to lush tea plantations in Alishan, add to its charm. Beyond its cuisine and scenery, Taiwanese people are known for their friendliness and openness, making visitors feel at home. This cultural richness, combined with diverse flavors and scenic beauty, makes Taiwan a destination full of surprises and unforgettable experiences. #travel#couplestrip#beachlife#naturalwonders#seascapes#china#localfood

Taroko Gorge in Hualien left a lasting impression on me with its awe-inspiring marble cliffs (makes us wanna cut a slab and turn it into furniture) and verdant landscapes. Spotting the Chief Head Rock, a natural formation that eerily resembles a chieftain's profile, was a unique highlight. I enjoyed the short hiking trails that offered a perfect balance of adventure and accessibility, allowing me to soak in the gorge's breathtaking beauty. Wandering through Taroko Gorge, with its towering cliffs and tranquil river, felt like a step into nature's grandeur. It was an unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to any nature enthusiast. #travelanywhere

✔️ Taroko Gorge 📍 Taroko National Park, 291 Fushi Village, Xiulin Township, Hualien, County 972003, Taiwan Located in the district of Hualien, this is a popular hiking trail that tourists visit. To get here, simply take a train from Taipei main station or a bus from Taipei bus station, then stop at Hualien county. We hired a guide to bring us up the Zhuilu Old Road trail, which is for the much more adventurous and daring hikers. It involves crossing a super long suspension bridge over the gorge and hiking along a tiny path carved into the side of the mountain, exciting! My overall rating of the experience: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #gohiking #tripmoments #tripblazers

#freehotelstay #taiwantravel #Hualien #Torokogorge #Mesmerizingbeauty

🌏✨ Embarking on a soul-stirring journey to Hualien, Taiwan—a land where nature's poetry is written in the undulating landscapes, and the Pacific Ocean whispers tales of ancient serenity. Nestled between the azure waters and lush mountain ranges, Hualien is a symphony of tranquility that unfolds with every step. The mesmerizing beauty of Taroko Gorge, a natural masterpiece carved by time, left me in awe. Towering marble cliffs, gracefully arched bridges, and jade-green rivers coalesced into a panorama that felt like a brushstroke from an artist's hand. As I traversed the winding trails, the gorge's grandeur unfolded, revealing hidden alcoves and ethereal shrines tucked into the embrace of the mountains. The coastline of Hualien, kissed by the Pacific Ocean's gentle waves, painted a scenic tableau. Qixingtan Beach, with its smooth pebbles and panoramic views, became a haven for contemplation—a place where the rhythmic lullaby of the waves harmonized with the whispers of the coastal breeze. Exploring the East Rift Valley, I marveled at the patchwork of rice paddies, emerald fields, and charming indigenous villages. Each stop was a cultural immersion, where the warmth of local hospitality blended seamlessly with the timeless traditions of Taiwan's indigenous communities. Hualien's night market, a vibrant tapestry of flavors, colors, and aromas, beckoned with street food delights that tantalized my taste buds. From local specialties like mochi to steaming bowls of beef noodle soup, every bite was a culinary journey through Taiwan's diverse gastronomy. Taroko National Park, with its vibrant flora and fauna, unfolded like a living canvas. The call of exotic birds echoed in the air, and the lush greenery created a haven for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. The Swallow Grotto Trail, with its breathtaking marble cliffs and hanging bridges, epitomized the symbiosis of human artistry and nature's wonders. Hualien, a destination that transcends postcard beauty, offered not just scenic vistas but an intimate encounter with Taiwan's soul. Each moment, from the mist-kissed mountains to the coastal serenity, left an indelible imprint—a testament to the island's enchanting tapestry of culture, nature, and unwavering beauty. 🏞️🌺 #tripstars #taiwan #travel