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Taroko Gorge

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Taroko Gorge is a 19-km-long marble canyon in eastern Taiwan, carved by the Liwu River within Taroko National Park (established 1986, 920 km²). The gorge reaches depths of up to 1,000 m, with walls composed primarily of metamorphic marble formed during the collision of the Eurasian and Philippine Sea plates. The area is the traditional home of the Truku indigenous people. The Central Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 8) was built through the gorge between 1956 and 1960, a project that claimed over 200 lives. Highlights include the Eternal Spring Shrine (built 1958), the Tunnel of Nine Turns (completed 1970), and the Swallow Grotto. The park hosts over 1,100 plant species and iconic wildlife like the Formosan black bear and macaque. Annual precipitation exceeds 3,000 mm, supporting lush forests. Tourism is a major economic driver, with about 4 million annual visitors, but the park also serves critical watershed and conservation functions.

Location: Taiwan
Top sights: Xiangde Temple · ChangChun Shrine · Jinheng bridge
Nearby: Xiulin (12 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	11	12	14	17	20	21	22	21	20	18	15	12
Rain mm	75	69	99	114	261	295	210	327	287	130	106	73

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Taroko Gorge is a striking marble canyon that is freely accessible as a national park. You can explore hiking trails, bridges, and tunnels; permanent access is along the park roads.

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Typical hours

The park is open 24 hours, but visitor centers typically operate from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Hiking should be done during daylight hours.

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Photography

Photography is allowed everywhere - the sheer marble walls and turquoise river offer great subjects. For the famous 'Marble Arches' view, stop at the Trail of the Dangling Bridges.

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Time needed

Plan at least half a day for a drive through the gorge and short hikes. For longer treks like the Zhuilu Old Trail, you need a full day.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the coastal town of Qixingtan and Chihsingtan Beach. The city of Hualien with its night markets and Dongdamen Temple is also worth a detour.

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Getting there

Taroko Gorge is about a 30-minute drive north of Hualien City via Provincial Highway 8. Public buses run from Hualien train station; renting a car gives more flexibility.

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Insider tip

Come early morning to avoid crowds and experience the mist in the gorge. Bring a helmet if hiking the Zhuilu Old Trail, as there is a risk of falling rocks.

Geography

Coordinates

24.16100, 121.52040

Facts

Gorge length: 19 km along Liwu River.
Taroko National Park established 1986, area 920 km².
Maximum gorge depth: 1,000 m.
Highway construction (1956-1960) caused over 200 fatalities.
Eternal Spring Shrine built in 1958.
Annual visitors: approximately 4 million.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Taroko National Park9 km · SWExplore →

Xiulin12 km · NExplore →

Liyu Lake13 km · EExplore →

Hualien14 km · NEExplore →

Chongde15 km · NExplore →

Nanhushan15 km · SWExplore →

Qingshui Cliff17 km · NExplore →

Farglory Ocean Park18 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Taroko Gorge (11)

Xiangde Temple ⛪ religious

A Buddhist temple gracefully perched on a scenic high plateau overlooking the dramatic Taroko Gorge.

🌐 dizapusa.org.tw

ChangChun Shrine ⛪ religious

A memorial shrine dramatically built directly into the steep cliffside above a scenic cascading waterfall.

Jinheng bridge 📍 landmark

A solid concrete highway bridge that securely spans a deep, rocky chasm carved by the Liwu River.

Cimu Bridge 📍 landmark

A striking red suspension bridge constructed with white Hualien marble that crosses the roaring gorge river.

Liwuzhushan 🌿 nature

A towering mountain peak that overlooks the profoundly deep and winding canyon of the Liwu River.

Wenshan Hotsprings 🌿 nature

Natural thermal spring waters emerging directly from the rugged marble walls of the deep river gorge.

Xinchengshan🌿 nature

A coastal mountain peak offering a sweeping vantage point over the vast Pacific Ocean and nearby eastern plains.

Cliff Outpost 🏺 historical

The weathered stone remnants of this high-altitude outpost cling precariously to the steep cliffside overlooking the gorge.

Taroko Tribe Doyon Village 🏺 historical

These ruins mark the historical settlement of the indigenous Taroko people, showing foundations overgrown by lush mountain flora.

Gold Prospection Hole 🏺 historical

A dark, abandoned excavation tunnel carved into the rock face from an era of mountain gold prospecting.

Water Curtain Cave 📍 landmark

Visitors to this atmospheric cave must pass through underground springs that pour continuously from the tunnel ceiling like a curtain of water.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is hiking in Taroko Gorge dangerous?

Be aware of rockfall hazards and observe trail closures.

Is a permit needed for hiking?

Some remote trails require a permit.

How long is the visit?

One to two days for the main attractions.

Is food available in the national park?

Restaurants are located at the visitor centers.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes, there are many easy, paved trails.

Taroko Gorge: where is it located?

Taroko Gorge is located in Taiwan.

Taroko Gorge: what is there to see?

Highlights include Xiangde Temple, ChangChun Shrine, Jinheng bridge.

Taroko Gorge: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.

Taroko Gorge: why is it worth visiting?

Taroko Gorge is a 19-km-long marble canyon in eastern Taiwan, carved by the Liwu River within Taroko National Park (established 1986, 920 km²).

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Taroko Gorge

Best time to visit & climate