Taroko Gorge: Taiwan’s Most Dramatic Landscape

The gorge that makes you feel small in the best possible way

Taroko Gorge is a 19km marble gorge cut by the Liwu River into the Central Mountain Range of eastern Taiwan. The walls rise 1,000+ meters on either side; the marble is white and pink and veined with grey; the river runs turquoise through the base. It’s one of those landscapes that genuinely exceeds expectations despite having seen dozens of photos.

Getting there

From Taipei: Taiwan High Speed Rail to Taichung then transfer to Hualien (2.5 hours total, ~NT$800) or direct train from Taipei to Hualien (2 hours on the Puyuma Express, NT$340–440). Hualien is the base city for Taroko — accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to nice hotels. The gorge entrance is 15km from Hualien city center.

Transport in the gorge

Rent a scooter in Hualien (NT$600–800/day) or join a day tour ($25–40 through your guesthouse). The highway through the gorge (Route 8/Central Cross-Island Highway) is scenic and manageable on a scooter. Note: some sections are occasionally closed due to rockfall — check conditions at the Taroko National Park headquarters before entering. — book via Klook for the best deal.

Best hikes

Zhuilu Old Trail: the famous one, a walkway carved into the cliff face with dramatic drops below. Requires a permit (apply online at least 2 days ahead, free). Shakadang Trail: easy riverside walk, 4.4km each way, beautiful blue-green water. Baiyang Trail: leads to the Waterfall of Water Curtain inside a tunnel carved through the mountain. All are extraordinary.