Taroko Gorge — the National Park

Hualien city is on Taiwan’s east coast. Only properly inhabited for the last 150 years, Spanish gold-diggers were here much before then. The real reason for visiting Hualien isn’t its prospecting past, but as the gateway to Taroko National Park and the famous and beautiful Taroko Gorge. Taroko Gorge is a long canyon — 19km of winding cliffs — all aligned beautifully for your viewing pleasure. Undoubtably the top tourist destination in Taiwan, Taroko Gorge was set aside as a national park in the 1930′s — when Japan still ruled the island.

From Taipei to Hualien is about two hours by train. The left side of the carriage should allow you good views of the coastline throughout most of the journey. It’s well worth the extra work to get a place there: the island’s name — Formosa — means “Beautiful Island”. When you reach Taroko Gorge, you’ll find it also reflects that name: wildlife flourish in the verdant national park. You will be sure to find your own little spot amongst the walking paths, with great lookouts showing you the rushing river below green cliffs.

Taroko Gorge hotels are rather limited, but Hualien offers lots of accommodation at good prices. It seldom fills up, so don’t book ahead and find a Hualien hotel within minutes walk of the train station. there are also budget accommodation options including several hostels and budget hotels in Hualien.

From Hualien to the Taroko Gorge, you have three options:

1. Take a coach tour. Most companies do not offer guides in English, so brush up on your Mandarin!

2. Use a scooter. It will take around 1/3 of an hour to make the journey. Have an international, or preferably a Taiwan driving licence.

3. Taxi as tour guide. Hualien taxi drivers will be happy to drive you to the Gorge. In fact, for around twenty US dollars you can probably find an English speaker to be your private Taroko Gorge tour guide for the day.

Learn more about Taroko Gorge. Stop byIndie Travel Podcast where you can find out all about Taroko and independent travel.