'''Taroko Gorge''' (___D_t: ''Tail?ge'') [http://www.taroko.gov.tw/ENGLISH/introduction.htm]) 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''' (___D_t________; ''Tail?ge guoji? g?ngyuan'').

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

When Taroko National Park [http://www.taroko.gov.tw/] was eventually established on November 28, 1986, it was of special significance for the environmental protection movement in Taiwan: it showed that both the public and the government agencies had realized despite the nation's four decades of extraordinary economic success, serious damage was being done to its natural resources. According to the National Park Act of the Republic of China (passed in 1972), parks are established to protect the natural scenery, historic relics and wildlife; to conserve natural resources; and to facilitate scientific research and promote environmental education.

Landscape

The most phenomenal aspect of the park is the amazing relief. In a single afternoon you can travel from rugged coastal cliffs through a maze of subtropical forested canyons to high elevation subalpine coniferous forests.

In about 20 kilometers the landscape rises from sea level to some of the tallest peaks in Taiwan at over 3800 meters. That's steep!

The force behind the steep valleys and narrow canyons is a (geologically speaking) relatively fast rate of uplift combined with ample water. Over the last 70 million years, these two forces collaborated to form the world's deepest marble canyon. The slot canyons here are remarkable with narrows sections a thousand feet high and only a dozen yards apart, reminiscent of the Virgin River in Zion National Park in Utah, USA. Ignore the fact that Zion is in the desert, and made of sandstone and Taroko is subtropical and comprised of marble, and these two gorges have a lot in common.

Flora and fauna

The park has 144 species of birds 10 percent of which are indigenous to Taiwan. It also hosts over 30 large species of mammal including deer, boar, and bear. 251 species of butterflies, 32 species of reptile and 18 species of fish are also known but considering the rugged terrain of the park, this is probably only a fraction of the species that actually live in the park.

Climate

The climate is subtropical and generally mild. Rainfall is abundant year round so be prepared and be especially cautious about entering the gorge during typhoons or periods of extended heavy rain due to the danger of landslides and rockfall.

According the the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau, average temperatures at low elevations in the park range from 14 degrees Celcius in January to 27 degrees Celsius in July. At higher elevation it is much cooler with winter temperatures at 2000 meters being about 5.5 degrees C in the winter and 17.5 degress in the summer and at 3800 meters at the top of Yushan, temperatures average -3 in January and 9 in July.

Get in

The nearest major city is Hualien. Flights and trains are available from Taipei.

By bus

There are five buses a day from Hualien to Taroko. A single journey costs about NT$82.

By train

A journey by train from Taipei to Hualien takes 2 hours by express train and 3 to 4 hours by local trains. The trains are cheap reliable and comfortable. Station names are announced in English and Chinese so you should have no problem identifying your stop. The closest train station to the park entrance is '''Hsincheng''' (_V__). From there, there is the choice of a one way taxi ride from the station to Taroko for about NT$200 or a day tour costing about NT$2,000.

By taxi

A taxi from the Hualien train station to Tiansiang (town in Taroko National Park, where the Grand Formosa hotel is located) costs about NT$1200 and takes about 1 hour.

By scooter

You can rent a scooter near the train station in Hualien. It takes around 30min to reach Taroko Gorge. However in some cases you may need a local drivers license to do so.

Fees/Permits

Entry to the park is free but if you want to go to some of the wild hot springs or into areas designated as special conservation areas, you will need a mountain permit.

Get around

Private Tours

Private tours are the best way to visit Taroko. Check out[http://www.tourtaiwan.wikidot.com Exactly~Divyn]. They have a Taroko Tour plus nice accomodations in Hualien for NT$2499.

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. Tour buses leave from the Hualien visitor information center and cost about NT$988 per person for a whole day tour.

There is also a non-tourist bus that brings passengers to and from Tianhsiang.

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, it's a fantastic place to ride for those with experience. 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. There is also a gas station 50km passed Taroko on the number 8 road (around kilometre 118). The drive there climbs to an impressive 3 km altitude. Bring warmer clothes. You can rent a scooter near the train station in Hualien (around NT$300/day)

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. You can rent a bike about 300m before you go into Taroko National Park Visitor Center. it cost NT$350 for a day.

By Foot

If you do not have any of the above you can see some parts of the national park by foot. The closest hiking trail to the park entrance is the Shakadang Trail, which departs from the road after the first tunnel approximately 1 km from the park headquarters. The eternal spring shrine is only 1.4 km further trough the tunnels. Taking this tour takes about 4-5h, don't forget to take enough water with you.

See

  • ''' The Eternal Spring Shrine''' _i___t_K_j
  • Drive from the west exit of the Changchun Shrine Tunnel of Central Cross-Island Highway, then turn south to Liwu River Valley, you can see the Changchun Shine (Eternal Spring Shrine) which recognizes the personnel died during the construction of Central Cross-Island Highway. Rivers adjacent to the Changchun Shine become the scattering falls, and the Highway Bureau named it after "Chanchun Falls" which is now the significant landmark on Central Cross-Island Highway.

    In 1987 the cliffs of the rivers tumbled and destroyed the pavilion nearby the Changchun Shine. After 10 years it has been restored and now open to the public agagin. In the back of the Changchun Shine , there are stairs leading to Kuanyin Caves, Taroko Tower , Bell Tower , and through a hanging bridge, so called "Heaven trail" to Changuang Temple. The river valley next to the Changuang Temple has a calabash shape, and it is named thereafter as Calabash Valley (Hu-lu Gu).

  • '''Buluowan''' (_z___s)
  • '''Swallow Grotto & the Tunnel of Nine Turns'''
  • '''Shakadang Trail'''(__???__)
  • Shakadang Trail is also known as "Secret Valley Trail", which is named because more than 40 years ago a group of young folks entered the river valley and found it very secretive. This place has attracted more and more travelers, and thus everyone is used to calling it "Secret Valley". It renamed to "Shakadang Trail" in 2001 again according to the name of the river. This trail is built along the river cliff so travelers can easily observe both the folded rocks and ecosystem beside the river shore. After 4.5-km passing Sanjianwu(3D Cabin), the trail leads to old Datong tribe village, which is the favor of the travelers. After the first curve road, running water from upright river cliff to the lake has astonished many people. In May, it is the season for You Tong flowers and make the trail a pleasant flower hallway.

    Do

    Hiking

    Taroko national park features a lot of different hiking trails. For most of them solid sneakers are enough, if you want to leave the well prepared paths you need to get permission of the park administration. Don't forget to take enough water with you when hiking.

    Annual Taroko International Marathon

    Every Year in early November the Taipei Road Running Association and Taroko National Park closes the winding road through the gorge and host a marathon, half marathon, and 5 kilometer fun run. The event is open to the public and anyone can participate by contacting the CTRRA through their website. [http://www.sportsnet.org.tw/en/]If you plan on attending this event or just visiting the gorge during the marathon weekend, make sure you make your hotel and transportation reservations early and keep in mind that the road through the gorge will be closed for a good portion of the race day.

    Buy

    Various local aboriginal handcrafts are for sale in the gorge as well as some local liquor. On the road from Hualien to the park entrance are lots of roadside stands selling whatever fruit is in season.

    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 cafe 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.

    Just across the parking lot from the Hotel are some cheaper options. A few small restaurants are available here that serve a variety of Chinese dishes. Some of the food is on display so even if you can't speak or read any chinese, you should be able to fill your tummy with something you can palate. The phrase "Woh yeeao maiee Gee guh" (I want to buy that.) will serve you well.

    Sleep

    In the gorge are several options, from the top-end five-star Grand Formosa Hotel and the Leader Village Hotel (more like motel) to budget hostels. However, most tourists nominate to stay in Hualien, where there is an abundance of all kinds of accommodation.

    Budget

  • '''Catholic Hostel''', Tienhsiang: A popular budget hostel, NT$300/bed ___@_p_G__?_V__33_j Tel +886 (03) 869 1122
  • '''Youth Activity Center''', Tienhsiang: NT$400/bed
  • Mid range

    Splurge

  • '''Leader Village''', 231-1 Fu Shih Village, Hsiulin. Tel:''+886 3'' 861-0111. E-mail_Fblw@leaderhotel.com [http://www.leaderhotel.com/blw/leadervillage/e-homepage.html] Located in the Pulowan park and run by charming aboriginals. Three meals available, and dance and music shows on certain nights.
  • '''Grand Formosa Taroko''' (_V_______x_____X), 18 Tienhsiang Rd, Hsiulin. Tel:''+886 3'' 869-1155, Fax: 03-869-1160, [http://www.grandformosa-taroko.com.tw/].
  • Camping

    '''Lyushui Heliu Campground''' - there is a free camping area 17 kilometers into the gorge on the right side of the road. There are about 10 parking spaces ,a restroom ,and drinking water are available there. Reservations are not accepted. The campground is a semi developed terrace with access and good views of the river. It is very close to the road but since there is hardly any traffic at night, that should not be a problem.

    Backcountry

    Backcountry travel in the park is technical and requires a permit.

    Stay safe

  • '''Rock fall'''. In May 2004, the Hualien area experienced a strong earthquake resulting in the mountain-sides becoming unstable in many areas. Therefore, it is strongly advised not enter the gorge during or just after periods of prolonged heavy rainfall.
  • '''River activities'''. The river that passes through the gorge is extremely swift and dangerous. Care is especially required after heavy rainfall.
  • Get out

  • Hualien - The biggest city in East Taiwan.
  • Hualien Ocean Park - Hualien's biggest man-made tourist attraction.