Live Your Best Lives
Visit the famous Taroko Gorge, hike the Shakadang Trail, explore the Eternal Spring Shrine, take in panoramic views from Swallow Grotto, and visit the Taroko National Park Visitor Center for more insight into the park's natural wonders.
Taroko National Park, Taiwan's second-largest park, is located in eastern Taiwan, spanning three administrative districts: Hualien, Taichung, and Nantou. It's renowned for its magnificent, nearly vertical marble canyons. Traveling along the Liwu River's scenic canyon route, you'll be greeted by towering cliffs, precipices, canyons, winding caves and tunnels, marble formations, and flowing streams.
For millions of years, the abundant waters of the Liwu River have continuously eroded downward, cutting through a marble layer over 1,000 meters thick, forming the vertical U -shaped canyon between Taroko and Tianxiang on the Central Cross-Island Highway today, creating the most breathtaking landscape in the park.
There are as many as 27 mountains in the park that are listed among the 100 highest peaks . The main peaks include Nanhu Mountain, Central Peak, Wuming Mountain, Bilu Mountain, Qilai Peaks, Hehuan Peaks, and Daruko Mountain.
Suitable for all seasons, the best time to travel is from March to October
Recommended play time: about half a day
free
8:30-17:00
Taroko National Park is renowned for its marble-walled gorge carved by the Liwu River. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna and has significant cultural importance to the local indigenous Truku people. It was established as a national park in 1986.
Taroko National Park is located in Hualien County, Taiwan. It is accessible by bus from Hualien City or by private car. There are also organized tours that provide transportation directly to the park.
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, though specific sites like the Visitor Center and certain trails have set hours, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is in spring and fall when the weather is mild and clear.
Entry to the park itself is free, but some specific areas like the museums or certain guided tours may charge a fee. Tickets for guided tours or special exhibits can be purchased online or at the park entrance.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary unless you’re taking a guided tour or visiting special exhibits. It’s best to book tours at least a day or two in advance during peak seasons.
To explore the main highlights of Taroko National Park, plan for a full day. If you intend to do longer hikes or explore in depth, you may need 2-3 days to fully experience the park.
Must-see highlights include the Taroko Gorge, the Shakadang Trail, the Eternal Spring Shrine, and Swallow Grotto. The Visitor Center also provides fascinating exhibits about the park’s natural history.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, English, and sometimes Japanese. Audio guides are also available at certain locations like the Visitor Center.
Swallow Grotto is famous for its stunning views of the gorge and cliffs, and it’s a top spot for photography. The Eternal Spring Shrine also offers picturesque views of waterfalls against a mountain backdrop.
Start at the Taroko National Park Visitor Center, then explore the Shakadang Trail for beautiful views. Visit the Eternal Spring Shrine, and continue on to Swallow Grotto for incredible views. If time permits, try the Zhuilu Old Trail for a more challenging hike.
Night visits are not typically available in the park itself, but there are occasionally special evening events or night hikes. The park is best visited during daylight hours for safety, especially along the trails.
Taroko National Park can be crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays in the morning, particularly during the off-season (fall and spring).
There are rest areas, toilets, and water stations throughout the park. Food is available at the Visitor Center and local eateries around the park, but it's a good idea to bring water and snacks if you plan to hike extensively.
Many areas of Taroko National Park are accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, especially around the Visitor Center. However, some of the trails, like the Zhuilu Old Trail, may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Cash is commonly used in local shops and food stalls around the park, but major sites like the Visitor Center accept cards and mobile payments. It’s recommended to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
There are several restaurants and cafes in the area surrounding the park, especially near the Visitor Center and in Hualien City. These offer local Taiwanese and aboriginal cuisine, with some focusing on fresh seafood.
Vegetarian options are widely available in the park, with some restaurants offering vegan meals. Halal food options may be limited but can be found in Hualien City or larger towns.
There are various hotels and guesthouses near Taroko National Park, ranging from budget options to more upscale hotels. Hualien City also offers a wider selection of accommodations if you're willing to stay a bit farther from the park.
Nearby attractions include the East Rift Valley, Qixingtan Beach, and Hualien’s night markets. You can also visit the Farglory Ocean Park or explore the surrounding rural villages for a more authentic experience.
There are souvenir shops at the Visitor Center where you can buy local crafts, aboriginal artwork, and products made from the region’s natural resources, such as jade and marble.
From Taroko, you can take a bus or taxi to Hualien City, where there are numerous options for continuing your journey to other parts of Taiwan. Alternatively, you can catch a train from Hualien Station to other destinations along the east coast.
