Taroko Gorge (Taroko National Park)
"Fog Rolling Down Taroko Gorge. Taken from the Jhuliu Old Trail on a rainy, eerie afternoon hike. Fortunately, the rain kept the crowds away and let me take get some interesting shots" - Chris Wary
Taroko Gorge (Taiwan)
The Taroko National Park is named after the local Truku aboriginal tribe. It’s one of the most beautiful sites in the whole of Taiwan. Taroko Gorge is thought to have been created by the continual rising of the mountains together with the erosive power of River Liwu. It has tall almost flat walls making it a true marvel to behold.
The gorge is traced back to about 4 million years ago. The erosion and Philippine continental plates are said to have collided. The effect was the raising of thick layers of limestone rock from the ocean. These went as high as over 3000 meters. Following this phenomenon were high pressures from the reactions and the erosive power of river LIwu. Working together, these forces formed what’s today known as Taroko Gorge. As the river basin becomes deeper and deeper, the walls of the gorge keep rising by 0.5 cm every year.
The Taroko National Park comprise Taroko Gorge, aboriginal settlements, museums, temples, and numerous hiking trails to the mountains. The size of the park is 920 square kilometers. It covers the whole area of Haulien County, Taichung City, and Nantou County. It was established in 1986 as part of its special significance in the Taiwanese environmental protection movement.
The park is best known because of its amazing relief. It takes you just a single afternoon to move from rugged coastal cliffs, through subtropical forested canyons to elevated subalpine forests. It takes you a mere 60 kilometers to see the landscape rise from sea level to peaks of over 3400 meters. If that’s not steep, just what is?
Things to do in Taroko National Park
Taroko National Park is a vast area that offers a variety of activities any holiday maker would be interested in pursuing. Here are some of the things to do in Taroko National Park:
Swallow Grotto
Swallow Grotto was formed by the erosive effects of River Liwu combined with constant tectonic collisions. Visit this beautiful place to see the surface sedimentation by recognizing its black and white successive layers. This is a clear indication that Swallow Grotto was once under the ocean. It was only elevated to where it is today by constant tectonic collisions over millions of years.
Apart from its history, Swallow Grotto is a spot where visitors can relax by walking effortlessly on the trail. Here, you get an opportunity to walk along a path under cliffs with caves. It’s, therefore necessary that you wear a safety helmet while visiting this section of Taroko National Park. You will, also, be able to see potholes on the surface. These are the natural sites for swallow nests. After the rain, the whole tend to produce some water, too.
You can go to Swallow Grotto no matter your age. The temperatures here are always mild, with a cool breeze. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon and you will see swallows trying to catch insects for their babies.
Water Curtain Cave
If you love water, visit Water Curtain Cave, which is located at the end of Biyang Trail. It’s a 100-meter long cave with natural cracks on the roof from which water spouts. You might want to come into the cave with either a raincoat or umbrella. However, the water is so crystal clear that you would want to become wet. After all, why should waste time by walking all the way to get here from the trailhead? To avoid getting wet, simply stay on the right side of the raised stone pavement. This way, you can complete the trail without having to get wet. Only remember to carry a torch. Water Curtain Cave is pitch dark and you can easily get hurt without something to light your way.
Chingshui Cliff
This is one of the most iconic and popular spots in Taroko National Park. It’s next to the Pacific Ocean. From here, you can see unique formations of cliffs side by side the beautiful color of the ocean. The several spots from which to enjoy this incredible scenery are all accessible by road. There is a confluence of warm and cold ocean currents causing variations in the color of the ocean. Like many people who come here, you will be amazed by this phenomenon. You can access Chingshui Cliff while traveling from Taipei to Hualien. Simply stop by and enjoy the spectacular view.
Ching Xie Suspension Bridge
This is longest suspension bridge in Taroko National Park is a place you should visit. It’s only 10 minutes from Lotus Point trailhead. Stand up there and get an awesome view of the rivers and mountains. If you are looking Lotus Pond, then use Ching Xie Suspension Bridge to access it. You only need some physical stamina and another two hours to get to the pond. So, why not visit Ching Xie Suspension Bridge.
Wenshan Hot Spring
Locate this wild hot spring in the Taroko National Park valley. Wenshan Hot Spring can only be accessed by going through a steep train. So, you must pay attention to the trail’s condition, if your intention is to visit the hot spring. Since the last part of the trail if not that good, don’t bring kids or the elderly. The hot spring comes from a cave before forming a river. Locals build small wrappings in the river using rocks so as to hold hot water. Build your own small wrapping and you can enjoy bathing right there in the valley. This is one of the best attractions Taroko National Park has to offer. Just how will you forget the time spent here?
Best months to visit Taroko National Park
So, when is the best time to visit Taroko National Park? There are a few things you ought to know before you reach a decision. The best weather in Taroko National Park is in January, February, March, April, October, November, and December. The rest of the year consists of the warmest months. These are June, July, August, and September. As such, the rainiest part of the year is also the warmest. Thus June, August, and September experience the most rain.
Taroko Gorge is certainly the biggest attraction in the whole of Taiwan. You will get the excitement of 19 kilometers of steep mountain slopes dropping into deep ravines with crystal clear water.
This should, therefore, be on top of your list if you are planning a Taiwanese visit anytime soon.
Just for the curious, Taiwan is home to many indigenous tribes similar to the Truku Tribe mentioned earlier, living around the taroko national park region.
For a list of the tribes and to find out more about their culture and history do
.