太魯閣

Taroko Gorge

Useful Information

photography — Taroko Gorge, Taiwan. Public Domain.

Location:	Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 972. (24.171662, 121.529175)
Open:	no restrictions. [2021]
Fee:	free. [2021]
Classification:	Gorge
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	Taroko Gorge: L=19 km. L=700 m, A=300 m asl.
Guided tours:	self guided, D=30 m.
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	yes
Bibliography:
Address:	Taroko Gorge, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 972, Tel: +886-3-861-2528.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

12-DEC-1937	Tsugitaka-Taroko National Park established by the Governor-General of Taiwan when Taiwan was part of the Empire of Japan.
15-AUG-1945	park abolished by the ROC government.
28-NOV-1986	park reestablished as Taroko National Park.
2017	Tunnel of Nine Turns trail established.

Description

太魯閣 (Taroko Gorge) is a narrow gorge of the Liwu River accessible by a road and numerous trails, and it is protected by Taroko National Park. Its most spectacular part, with vertical walls which are only a few meters apart, is accessible on the Tunnel of Nine Turns Trail. It is also called 九曲洞步道 (Jiuqudong Trail, Jiuqu Cave Trail). Another trail downstream is called Swallow Grotto Yanzikou Trail.

The gorge was crossed by a road which was built into the almost vertical walls of the gorge, with numerous small tunnels. Several sections of the road became obsolete, when the new tunnels were built, and so it is possible to walk several parts of the road at the most spectacular sections of the gorge. The walk is actually using the old road, so it is level and paved, in other words mostly wheelchair accessible. There are numerous outlooks along the road and there are educational signs with explanations on the geology and the history of the gorge. Starting points are parking lots at the new road where the old road branches off. It's possible to take the bus from one to the next.