Shakadang Trail — Attraction in Xiulin

This spot is on the lower reaches of the Shakadang River and is also the starting point of both Shakadang Trail and Xiaozhuilu Trail . Cross Shakadang River Bridge , go down the steps and , on one side , you will find Shakadang Trail following the Shakadang river , and Xiaozhuilu Trail , leading to Taroko Terrace , on the other . Shakadang Trail is on the bank of the Shakadang River and was originally a construction road built in the Japanese Colonial Period for a hydropower station . The trail ' s characteristics are narrow gorge , clear water , rock folds and broadleaf forest ecology . Visitors can enjoy the beauty of rock and water as well as the dense forest and numerous animals that live there . Xiaozhuilu Trail is on the north bank of the Liwu River and part of it is elevated plank path . The trail passes through forest on its entire length , offering visitors beautiful views of the lower reaches of the Liwu River and cliffs , as well as the entrance to Taroko in the distance . A small rustic suspension bridge is passed on the way . Both Shakadang Trail and Xiaozhuilu Trail are scenic trails suited to all . Possessing excellent scenery and rich ecology , they are suitable for strolling while admiring the scenery and for...

This was my first stop, taking the bus from Hualien station. I left Hualien at 7.30 (Bus 310) and arrived at the trail entrance at 8.15. At that time I was the only person getting off the bus and on my whole walk along the trail, I only came across three other people on the way to the trail end (there were more people when I headed back). It took me approximately one hour to reach the end of the trail while stopping and taking pictures along the way. I hopped on the bus to the next stop at 10.24, 2h were a little tight to make it to the trail end and back but I did stop a lot (the sign at the end says it's 4.1km). The bus ran 15 minutes late anyway. Very easy trail, pretty views along the way, even with an overcast sky. Temperatures in mid January were agreeable, I even had to take off my jacket (my tolerance for cold weather isn't very high). Highly recommend to follow the trail all the way to the end, even if it's just to avoid having to rush back half way if you're taking the bus. There's small signs on the side of the trail at every kilometer indicating how far into the trail you are so it's easy to keep track...

I sincerely hope this trail remains closed permanently. Was it beautiful? Yes.

But on April 3rd 2024 at 7:58 AM, I nearly lost my life on this very trail. For those complaining about its continued closure—you should be grateful.

It was only after the nightmare I endured that I learned just how dangerous this trail is during an earthquake, with no earthquake warning provided at the entrance. Before considering reopening it, with makeshift new trails on poles next to the collapsed tunnel system, think about the lives that have already been lost. A family of five, including two children, who were hiking behind me, and a couple ahead of me, tragically lost their lives.

The only truly beautiful thing about this trail was Mr. Wong, his family, and the other indigenous people who selflessly shared their food and drinks with us while we were trapped by rock avalanches. I am deeply saddened that they have lost a significant part of their livelihood due to the closure, and that is the only sorrow I feel about it.

I have deliberately not included any graphic pictures or videos, as they may be too...