The essential stop on Taiwan’s tourist trail, Taroko Gorge splits the east side of the island and is the eastern side of the Central Cross Island Highway. Taroko has survived mining and plans for damming, and now it’s high marble cliffs are left exclusively for visitors to marvel at.
The Taroko Gorge area was originally designated a national park in 1937, but lost it’s status at the end of WWII. In 1986, Taroko was once again given national park status and the gorge was again safe from development.
For the tourist or the outdoor enthusiast there are a wealth of activities available in Taroko and the surrounding area. The gorge is littered with tunnels and interesting structures to explore and photograph, while those seeking further thrills can cycle down from the nearby Hehuanshan mountains, or trace the rivers around Sanzhan or Shapodang. Hiking, both day and overnight trips are popular too, with many famous trails dotting the landscape. From the self explanatory Tunnel of Nine Turns (Jiuqudong), to the vertigo inducing Zhuilu Precipice there’s enough to keep adventurers and day trippers busy and satisfied.
The athletically minded are catered for too, as every November runners head up the gorge in what has been dubbed the “World’s Most Beautiful Marathon”.
Visitors should be aware that Taroko Gorge is a very, very popular attraction. Our advice is to get here as early as possible, and we mean literally as the sun rises. This will give you the best chance to admire this outstanding place in peace and quiet.
Trackbacks For This Post
1 Review
-
-
I’m Really, Really, Really Sick of the Rain « Neil Wade's Photography Blog, 3 months ago
[...] Taroko Gorge is probably Taiwan’s MUST, must-see of all its attractions. [...]
[...] Taroko Gorge is probably Taiwan’s MUST, must-see of all its attractions. [...]