Taroko Gorge

World : Asia : East Asia : Taiwan : East Coast : Hualien County : Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge (太魯閣, [1]) is an impressive 19-km-long canyon, situated near Taiwan's east coast. The area of the gorge is also identified as Taroko Gorge National Park.

Understand

The Taroko Gorge is composed mainly of marble and granite. The name, Taroko, means the "magnificent and splendid" in the language of Truku, the aboriginal tribe who resides in the area.

History

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

Get in

The nearest major city is Hualien.

Fees/Permits

Entry to the park is free.

Get around

By bus

There are numerous bus tours visiting the gorge every weekend. And, while the buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, the tours tend to have a tight itinerary (including, of course, the obligatory stop at some local gift shop), leaving little time for extended hiking.

By car

Renting a car in Hualien is definitely an option, though be very cautious; the roads through the gorge are extremely narrow with numerous bends. In addition, there are pedestrians, scooters, cars and massive tour buses all vying for the tight space.

By scooter

The Gorge is not the best place for a first scooter experience. However, scooters are available to rent in Hualien. If you run low on fuel, the locals often stock a small supply that they'll part with for a miraculously uninflated price.

By bicycle

For the truly adventurous, cycling is a wonderful way to traverse the park. However, before slipping on cycling pants and helmet, the road conditions referred to in the 'car' section (above) should be seriously considered. Traffic is much lighter on week days.

See

Eternal Spring Shrine
Buluowan
Swallow Grotto & Tunnel of Nine Turns

Do

Buy

Eat

Although western tourists are few and far between, this area is still rather a tourist trap. In spite of this, restaurants are in short supply.

There is the occasional souvenir shop and snack bar along the way, with slightly inflated prices.

There are also a couple of options in the Grand Formosa Hotel. The café there is reasonable for a snack and an air-conditioned break from the heat if you are so inclined, but prices are high. The restaurant proper is quite fancy and expensive.

Sleep

The only accommodation within the gorge is at the very expensive five-star Grand Formosa Hotel. Therefore, most tourists nominate to stay in Hualien, where there is an abundance of all kinds of accommodation.

Lodging

Grand Formosa Taroko, 18 Tianxiang Rd, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Tel: 03-869-1155, Fax: 03-869-1160, [2].

Camping

Backcountry

Stay safe

In May 2004, the Hualien area experienced an earthquake, killing two people in the Taroko Gorge area (due to rockfall). As a result, the mountain-side remains unstable in several locations. Be careful.

The river that winds its way through the gorge is extremely swift and dangerous in locations.