Top 10 Sensational Facts about Taroko Gorge

The Taroko Gorge in Taiwan. Photo by Balon Greyjoy. Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Sensational Facts about Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge, a stunning 18-kilometer-long canyon with the pristine blue Liwu River running through it. It’s one of Taiwan’s most well-known and celebrated tourist attractions, and for good reason. The Taroko Gorge is brimming with extreme nature, impossible architectural wizardry. There are beautiful, scenic hiking trails begging to be explored, and I’m here to help you do just that.

Taroko Gorge’s streams still tell the story of its formation after millions of years. Geological uplifting and erosion by the Liwu River have combined to form walls hundreds of meters high. A rare occurrence in the world. There are also spectacular mountains, such as the pyramid-like Mt. Zhongyangjian and the dramatic Qilai Mountain.

1. Formation of Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge was formed in several stages:

• Limestone formation
• Marble evolved from limestone.
• Marble elevation
• Marble being elevated even more
• River erosion creates valleys
• Taroko Gorge Formation

2. Taroko Gorge is also known as The Marble Gorge

Two bridges extend from the marble cliffs of Taroko gorge. Photo by Alexander Synaptic. Wikimedia Commons

Taroko Gorge, also known as “The Marble Gorge.” This is because of the marble-walled canyon on Taiwan’s east coast, 15 kilometers north of Hualien. It was formed by tectonic forces and then carved by the Liwu River. Taiwanese jade found in the canyon walls is used to make crafts. These are available in Hualien.

3. In the gorge, there is a recreation area

It should take about an hour to get to Tianxiang Recreational Area while using the bus. The terminal bus stop is inside Taroko National Park. You can begin your journey from there by taking the Baiyang Scenic Walk. It begins on the road just north of Tianxiang.

The Baiyang trail is a breeze to hike. The trail begins in a dark tunnel off the road and consists mostly of flat terrain through tunnels and canyons. Some sections of the trail are prone to rockfalls, so avoid lingering in those areas.

The trail should take about an hour to reach the Baiyang Suspension Bridge. From there you should be able to see the Baiyang Falls. However, that is not the end of the road.

4. A Water Curtain Cave exists

Interior view of Water Curtain Cave. Photo by 大雄 汪. Wikimedia Commons

Water seeps through cracks in the Water Curtain Cave, creating the water curtain effect. You will get wet from the spray. There is no way around it, so bring a rain jacket.

When entering the cave, walk slowly along the walking path on the right-hand side to avoid slipping on rocks. Keep your phone and camera covered before entering.

5. Admire the architectural wonder of the tunnel of nine turns

Tunnel of Nine Turns in the Taroko Gorge. Photo by Zairon. Wikimedia Commons

Marvel at the architectural feat that is the tunnel dug through the canyon. There is a walking trail at the Tunnel of Nine Turns. It is considered to be one of the most scenic walks in Taroko Gorge.

The trail will take you along the side of the actual tunnel, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful gorge and Liwu River. The trail is 700 meters long.

The number nine in Chinese means “many,” which is why the tunnel is known as the Tunnel of Nine Turns. The number 9 represents the number of twists and turns required to construct this tunnel.

6. Take a walk along the scenic Swallow Grotto Trail

Another beautiful and easy trail that anyone can walk is the scenic Swallow Grotto trail. It’s a 1,372-meter long walking trail that takes you through a narrow section of the Liwu River Gorge. It allows you to get up close and personal with some of the gorge’s features.

The Swallow Grotto Trail should take between 10 and 30 minutes to walk, depending on how far you want to go. The trail runs alongside a very narrow road shared by cars and buses. You must be extremely cautious when walking this trail. This trail is also prone to rockfalls, so proceed with caution. It goes quite deep into the mountain, so allow enough time to walk back.

7. There is a Shrine at the gorge

Eternal Spring Shrine in the Taroko Gorge. Photo by Zairon. Wikimedia Commons

You can spend 30 minutes to 2 hours exploring the trails surrounding Changchun Shrine, depending on the condition of the trail (Eternal Spring Shrine). The shrine was built above a waterfall in memory of those who died while constructing the Central Cross-Island Highway through the mountain.

The Changchun Shrine trail will lead you to the shrine and around the area. The roundtrip hike should take you about 1 to 1.5 hours. The trail is relatively easy, but there may be a steep climb in some places.

8. Taroko Gorge has a Bell Tower

Climb the Changuang Temple Bell Tower for a bird’s-eye view of Changchun Shrine and its surroundings.

9. Dongdamen Night Market at Taroko Gorge

Dongdamen Night Market. Photo by Rutger van der Maar. Wikimedia Commons

Dongdamen Night Market is a fun, yet not overly crowded (by Taiwanese standards) night market full of street food stalls, street performers, and fun activities for both locals and tourists.

Don’t miss out on trying Xiao Long Bao at one of the food stalls at Dongdamen Night Market. It is delicious and inexpensive! While you’re there, you should also try the famous Taiwanese pearl milk tea.

10. There is a National Park at Taroko Gorge 

Taroko National Park is one of Taiwan’s nine national parks and was named after the Taroko Gorge. The park’s signature gorge carved by the Liwu River. Taroko National Park spans 92,000 hectares (360 square miles). It is located in Hualien County, Taichung City, and Nantou County. It is home to a variety of geological and natural resources, including twenty-seven peaks over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) in and around the Qilai and Nanhu Mountain ranges.

Not only that, but it includes Taroko’s marble gorge, Qingshui Cliff, the Shakadang River trail, and the Baiyang trail’s waterfalls. From Asian tropical deciduous forests to high mountain pine and cedar forests, the Central Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 8) connects them.