Taroko Gorge day tour an archived route through Hualien s marble scenery
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This archived route introduces Taroko’s gorge scenery; it is not a current trail-opening or tour-availability notice.
Taroko National Park is famous for its dramatic gorges. Between Taroko and Tianxiang, the Central Cross-Island Highway follows the Liwu River past towering marble walls, a reminder of the extraordinary work involved in building the road. From the highway’s entrance arch onwards, the views unfold through Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Grotto and the Tunnel of Nine Turns. Baiyang Waterfall and Qingshui Cliff reveal yet more of the park’s rugged terrain and remarkable geology.
The magnificent scenery of Swallow Grotto, Eternal Spring Shrine and the Tunnel of Nine Turns
At Swallow Grotto, flowing water has worn countless small hollows into the marble gorge walls. Swallows once nested here in such numbers that birdsong filled the gorge. Visitors could step out of their vehicles and walk
to look down at the river and across to the birds, taking in both the natural setting and the feat of engineering. Sadly, the traffic and visitors frightened the swallows away from this famous spot, leaving the hollows in the rock.
Near the entrance to Taroko, Eternal Spring Shrine’s Tang-style buildings nestle against the mountainside. A circular trail around the shrine looks out over the gorge and the winding river.
The Tunnel of Nine Turns (only part of the route is currently open; if visiting, wear a safety helmet and watch for falling rocks) is a great spectacle of the Central Cross-Island Highway. Here the road was carved through mountains into a series of winding tunnels, giving the site its name. Sheer rock formations, deep valleys and fast-flowing water create striking scenery along the way. Above the cliffs and gorge, mountains block much of the sky, leaving the narrow opening known as the 'tiger's mouth skylight'. With unusual rocks, sharp peaks, cliffs and tunnels at every turn, the Tunnel of Nine Turns combines human engineering and nature in an awe-inspiring landscape.
Baiyang Waterfall sits in a beautiful, secluded gorge often compared with Taroko itself. The Taroko National Park administration has built
a suspension bridge to the lower part of the falls and a viewing area where visitors can pause and enjoy the scene.
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