Visiting Taroko National Park in Taiwan

Taroko National Park is located in Hualien Province, Eastern Taiwan, covering an area of about 92,000 hectares. The park is situated approximately 60 km from the coast and spans across Taichung City, Nantou County, and Hualien County. About 90% of the park's terrain is comprised of majestic rocky mountain ranges, with 27 peaks exceeding 3,000 meters above sea level, the most notable being Nanhu Peak, which stands at 3,700 meters and is surrounded by bamboo forests. This unique geographical location creates a spectacular and unique natural landscape, attracting visitors from all over the world.

1. Taroko National Park - A Paradise of Majestic Natural Scenery

“Taroko” means beautiful in the Atayal language. Taroko National Park, the jewel of Taiwan, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and explorers. The park features awe-inspiring gorges, steep cliffs, magnificent waterfalls, and a diverse ecosystem, creating a breathtaking and unique natural tableau.

Upon visiting Taroko National Park, visitors will be overwhelmed by the majestic, picture-perfect natural scenery. Towering, verdant rocky cliffs stretch from the base to the summit, with 27 peaks over 3,000 meters above sea level, the highest being Nanhu Peak at 3,700 meters. Interspersed among these cliffs are impressive waterfalls cascading from great heights, such as Baiyang Waterfall, the largest in the park. The serene Liwu River winds through the mountains, eventually reaching the azure sea, captivating every visitor. Qixingtan Beach, with its clear blue water, long stretches of pebbles, and beautiful curved bay, also enchants tourists who visit.

Taroko National Park is one of the eight famous national parks in Taiwan and is renowned for its beauty, often described as a natural oil painting.

2. How to Visit Taroko National Park

2.1 Traveling from Vietnam to Taiwan

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2.2 Traveling from the Airport to Taroko National Park

From the Taiwan airport, you can reach Hualien Town by bus or taxi. From Hualien, you can reach Taroko National Park in two ways:

Self-guided: Travel by personal vehicle, such as a rented motorbike in Hualien, to freely experience the local scenery.
Tour: Book a Taroko tour to save time and ensure safety for your trip.

Learn more: Traveling to Hualien - Experiencing rural life in Taiwan.

3. Must-Visit Spots in Taroko National Park

3.1 Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder located in Taroko Park. This 19-kilometer-long gorge was carved by the Liwu River flowing through towering marble cliffs. It is also home to many rare plants and animals. Visitors can see monkeys, birds, and other wildlife while hiking.

Taroko Gorge is a must-visit for any traveler to Taiwan.

Learn more: Taiwanese culture and travel tips.

3.2 Eternal Spring Shrine

The Eternal Spring Shrine is a small temple with three prominent pavilions set against the green mountains, perched on a steep cliff overlooking the Liwu River in Taroko National Park, Taiwan. Built in 1917 to commemorate the soldiers who died during the construction of the Taroko Tunnel, this shrine is a popular site for tourists to visit and pray. Visitors can walk up the temple via stairs or take a cable car.

The Eternal Spring Shrine features curved domes and green stone pillars, creating a stunning picture amidst the majestic nature of Taroko Park.

3.3 Taroko Village

Taroko Village is a small village within Taroko National Park, Taiwan. It is home to the Bunun people, one of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes. Visitors to Taroko Village can learn about the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Bunun people and enjoy the park’s beautiful natural scenery.

The Bunun people have a unique cuisine with many delicious dishes made from local ingredients. Visitors can savor Bunun cuisine at village restaurants or join cooking classes to make Bunun dishes themselves.

3.4 Wenshan Hot Springs

Wenshan Hot Springs in Taroko National Park, Taiwan, is located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, surrounded by majestic cliffs and dense forests. The hot springs contain many minerals beneficial for health and are believed to help with rheumatism, skin diseases, and digestive problems.

Hot spring bathing is a great relaxing activity for visitors to relieve stress and fatigue.

3.5 Baiyang Waterfall

Baiyang Waterfall is located at the end of the Shakadang Trail, which is approximately 3.7 km long. To reach the waterfall, visitors must hike through dense forests, small streams, and steep cliffs. With a height of about 200 meters and cascading into a clear blue pool, Baiyang Waterfall offers visitors a magnificent view of nature’s grandeur. Visitors can swim in the cool water or simply admire the stunning scenery of the waterfall.

3.6 ChingXi Suspension Bridge

The ChingXi Suspension Bridge, also known as the Qixingtan Suspension Bridge, is the longest suspension bridge in Taroko National Park, Taiwan. The bridge spans the majestic Taroko Gorge, connecting two steep cliffs, providing visitors with a spectacular and thrilling experience. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Taroko National Park's lush greenery. The red bridge stands out against the majestic natural landscape, creating an impressive highlight for Taroko Gorge.

Learn more: Taiwan Self-Guided Travel Guide: 8 Essential Tips

4. What Exciting Activities Can You Experience in Taroko National Park?

4.1 Conquering Challenging Trekking Trails

Visitors can choose to conquer trekking trails of varying difficulty to fully appreciate the natural scenery. Each trail offers unique challenges and experiences, allowing visitors to test their limits and achieve personal milestones. One of the most famous trails is the Shakadang Trail, which is 4.4 km long and leads visitors through majestic cliffs and beautiful waterfalls.

4.2 Kayaking on the River

By participating in kayaking on the Liwu River, visitors can immerse themselves in pristine nature while navigating through rugged rock formations. Visitors can opt for guided tours or kayak on their own. Guided tours usually last from 2 to 4 hours and include safety instructions, kayaking guidance, and information about the park. Independent kayakers can rent kayaks from tour companies and explore the park at their own pace.

4.3 Rock Climbing

This activity is for adventure enthusiasts with good climbing skills. Visitors will experience the thrill of reaching new heights and enjoy a panoramic view of the park from above.

Taroko National Park in Taiwan promises unforgettable experiences for nature lovers who appreciate majestic landscapes.

With fascinating information about Taroko National Park, travel enthusiasts are sure to be amazed by nature’s generosity to this region. If you’re dreaming of a trip to Taiwan, especially to visit Taroko National Park, why wait? Book your Vietjet flight to Taiwan today.

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Discover Taiwan

Taiwan is an island located in East Asia, notable for its harmonious blend of modern urban areas, beautiful nature, and distinctive culture. It attracts visitors with its vibrant cities, lush mountains, beautiful beaches, and rich cuisine that is deeply rooted in local identity.