Taroko National Park — Attraction in Xiulin

Here's an overview of some of the most popular and scenic trails within the park:

Shakadang Trail Length: 4.1 km (one way) Difficulty: Easy Highlights: Crystal-clear river, marble rocks, and cultural insights about the Truku tribe. This is a relatively easy hike that follows the Shakadang River, offering beautiful views of the turquoise waters and unique rock formations. It's a great trail for families and those looking for a leisurely walk.

Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) Trail Length: 1.4 km (round trip) Difficulty: Easy Highlights: Narrow cliffs, swallow holes, and stunning views of the gorge. This trail features dramatic cliffs with numerous swallow holes where birds nest. The path is paved and offers several observation points with breathtaking views of the gorge and the Liwu River below.

Tunnel of Nine Turns (Jiuqudong) Trail Length: 1.9 km (round trip) Difficulty: Easy Highlights: Sheer cliffs, river views, and geological formations. This is one of the most scenic sections of Taroko Gorge. The trail is carved into the cliffside and offers spectacular views of the marble canyon and the river. It's an easy walk, suitable for all ages.

Baiyang Trail Length: 2.1 km (one way) Difficulty: Moderate Highlights: Tunnels, Baiyang Waterfall, and the Water Curtain Cave. Starting near Tianxiang, the Baiyang Trail takes hikers through several tunnels and along the Baiyang River to the impressive Baiyang Waterfall. The trail ends at the Water Curtain Cave, where water cascades from the cave ceiling, creating a natural shower.

Zhuilu Old Trail Length: 10.3 km (round trip) Difficulty: Difficult Highlights: Steep cliffs, panoramic views, and historical significance. This is a challenging hike that offers some of the most breathtaking views in Taroko Gorge. The trail follows an old hunting path used by the indigenous Truku tribe and features a narrow path along a steep cliff. *A permit is required to hike this trail.

Lushui Trail Length: 2 km (one way) Difficulty: Easy Highlights: Forested path, historical sites, and scenic views. This is an easy walk through a forested area with occasional views of the gorge. It passes by a few historical sites, including remnants of old Japanese military structures.

Liwu River Valley Trail Length: 2.5 km (round trip) Difficulty: Moderate Highlights: River views, lush vegetation, and tranquility. This lesser-known trail offers a peaceful hike along the Liwu River. It's less crowded and provides an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area without the hustle of the more popular trails.

Xiaozhuilu Trail Length: 0.9 km (round trip) Difficulty: Moderate Highlights: River views, lush greenery, and a suspension bridge. This short but scenic trail starts near the entrance of Taroko Gorge and crosses a suspension bridge over the Liwu River. It's a great option for those looking for a quick hike with beautiful views.

Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchun Shrine) Trail Length: 0.8 km (round trip) Difficulty: Easy Highlights: Shrine, waterfall, and memorial plaques. This short trail leads to the Eternal Spring Shrine, built to honor the workers who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. The shrine sits above a waterfall, and the trail offers lovely views of the...

The remaining 6 female successors face tattoos

Taiwan has 16 indigenous tribes. One of them is Truku or Taroko. Civilization can be seen in the area of ​​Taroko National Park. Because of its vastness, the national park is divided into three regions, Hualien, Nantou and Taichung.

History records the Taroko tribe during the Japanese invasion of Taiwan. Not going smoothly. Many indigenous people put up a fight. Opposing the imperial mastery of the land of the rising sun to the land of Formosa.

The Taroko tribe is one of the opponents of that power. War for 13 years in a row occurred. Despite losing, the effort to defend the land of ancestors is an honor for them.

One of the famous ones is Harug Nawi. A tribal chief who led the resistance when 20,000 Japanese troops attacked. The figure is now enshrined in a statue, right in front of Taroko Village.

The Taroko tribe was originally part of the Sediq tribe, who inhabited the Nantou area. The growing population forced some of them to go traveling. Looking for forests to get food. Their habit is hunting wild boar.

They arrived at the Hualien mountains. A flat area surrounded by mountains and near a river is suitable. The place was nicknamed Truku which later became the tribe's residence. Now the location is Taroko Village.

Until 1895, 5 years after Japan entered Taiwan. The empire began to target the region. Military posts were established in the area. Because of the Japanese, the pronunciation of the Truku pronunciation changed to Taroko and lasted until now.

One day there was a Taroko woman who was the victim of the harassment of 3 Japanese soldiers. The woman was in shock. Suicide becomes a choice when his honor has been lost.

Not accepting the incident that befell its members, 8 Taroko tribes menatroni Japanese post of funding. Revenge done. Dozens of Japanese troops were slaughtered and beheaded. With their signature weapon, a sharp machete.

The news was received by the Japanese leader. Further attacks carried out again. Continue like that until it continues without stopping. Victims fell from both parties.

The climax was in 1914. 20,000 imperial troops had fallen out with Taroko. Inevitably Taroko people must fight. Although the amount is not balanced. There are only 7,000 people. Even then, only 3,000 were able to fight. The rest are women, children and the elderly. Losing the amount makes Taroko uprooted. The remaining population spread to the Hualien mountains.

Until now the population of the Taroko tribe is no more than 10,000. Spread over the Hualien mountains and mainland Taiwan.

Many traditions belong to the tribe. One of them is facial tattoos as a sign that someone is already an adult. The tattoo was carved from the side of the lips to the temples. With zigzag lines and triangles. Until now, only 6 women and one elderly are still continuing...

5 Stars – Breathtaking and Worth It, Even With Current Restrictions (May 2025)

Taroko National Park is a stunning natural wonder — and even though most trails and side paths are currently closed, the main road is open and still offers plenty of amazing views.

If you’re arriving by Bus 310 from Hualien, you can explore the first few kilometers on foot from the visitor center, including temples, impressive bridges, and scenic cliffside paths. It’s perfect for a short hike or half-day visit.

Important: Vehicle access is only allowed during specific time windows: • 07:00–08:00 • 10:00 • 12:00–13:00 • 15:00 • 17:00–17:30 At all of these times, only vehicles already waiting at the control points are allowed to pass. Once the time window closes, the road is fully blocked again. At 17:30, the gates close completely and there’s no entry in either direction.

How to get there: • Bus 310: Affordable but slow (1.5–2 hours, with many unnecessary stops) • Scooter: Still available for rent. Even without a motorcycle license there are ways to rent a scooter. However, you’re not legally allowed to ride one without the proper license and you won’t be insured — so you’re fully responsible for any accidents or issues. This is similar to renting scooters in Southeast Asia like in Thailand or Bali. Also its a little bit more risky because of the Stones, Rolling down the hills.

Also note: Taiwan has a unique left-turn rule for scooters. You must first move to the right at intersections, wait in a marked box, and then cross when it’s safe. • Rental Car: Available from Chai Lease in Hualien • Private Driver: Bookable via Klook for around 90 USD/day

Hidden Gem Tip: There are hotels beyond the park gates, e.g., in Tianxiang. Staying there gives you early and easy access to the park — especially helpful for catching the first time slot without stress.

Bottom line: Despite limitations, Taroko is absolutely worth the visit. With some planning and awareness of the rules, you’ll experience one of Taiwan’s most dramatic landscapes — whether by foot, car, or scooter.

What else is in Hualien/ should we Go or Not? The Beach Qixingtan is not this cool, okay for one day but no swimming at all There is no swimming in whole Hualien Some Nice ways on the Beach for bicycles As told from other tourists: nice beaches (line 304 with Bus) down the pacific Coast Whale whatching but no...