Discover Taroko Gorge: A Complete Adventure Guide

What to Know Before You Visit Taroko Gorge?

• Do Not Expect to Walk: Do not expect to walk from one attraction to another in Taroko National Park. The place is larger and more mountainous than it looks on the map. Prepare how you want to navigate the park before you travel to Taroko Gorge.
• Prepare Water, Snacks, and Light Lunch: There are a few restaurants and convenience stores at resting stops like Tianxiang and Taroko Visitor Center in Taroko National Park, and it can be quite pricey, ranging from 150 to 300 NTD. So, if you do not want to waste money, prepare some light snacks or meals for lunch.
• Trail Closure: Be sure to know which trails are closed off due to hazardous conditions before you get off the bus stops and hit the trail so that you do not have to waste 45 minutes waiting for another bus to come to pick you up, as I did. Most accommodations should be able to give you some guidance; otherwise, when you buy a day pass at Hualien Train Station, they should be able to provide you with some information about the condition of each trail.
• Get the Hiking Permit in Advance: If you plan to do the famous Zhuilu Old Trail, make sure to get the hiking permit well in advance before your trip to Taiwan. You can apply for a permit on the Taiwan official tourism website.
• Sturdy Shoes: If you plan to go on a mountaineering hike, make sure to have sturdy shoes, as the trail will likely take you on a narrow gravel trail up the mountain.
• Jackets: Jackets are also required if you plan to do any mountaineering hike that will take you beyond 2000m above sea level.
• Plan your Route Carefully: If you are taking the bus, make sure to carefully plan where you want to go and use the bus timetable as a guide to choose where to stop, as the bus only runs once an hour and some places may not be worth a one-hour wait.

7 Best Things to Do in Taroko Gorge: One-Day Itinerary

1. Walk the Baiyang Trail and Check Out the Water Curtain Cave

There are two options when it comes to where you can start exploring the Taroko Gorge: from the Visitor's Center to Tianxiang or in the opposite direction. With this itinerary, we will take the bus from Hualien Station all the way to Tianxiang and then make our way out of the park, one bus stop at a time.

From the Hualien Station, take the 7 AM bus from the bus stop in front of the orange building. Be sure to go there as early as possible so that you can secure a seat on the bus.

The journey should take about an hour before you arrive at Tianxiang Recreational Area, the terminal bus stop inside Taroko National Park. From there, you can start your journey by doing the Baiyang Scenic Walk which begins from the road just north of Tianxiang.

The Baiyang trail is a very easy hike. It starts from a dark tunnel off the road and mostly consists of flat terrain, with tunnels and canyons. Some sections along the trail are quite prone to rockfalls, so avoid lingering in those areas.

The trail should take about 1 hour before you arrive at Baiyang Suspension Bridge, where you should be able to see the Baiyang Falls. However, that is not the end of the trail. If you continue further on, you will find the highlight of the Baiyang Trail.

The Water Curtain Cave is a long, dark cave where water seeps through cracks, creating a water curtain effect as you can see above. You will get wet from the spray; there is no avoiding it. So, prepare a rain jacket, or you can do like me and wait for someone to donate one for you in front of the cave 😅.

Also, be sure to walk slowly along the walking path on the right-hand side of the cave when you enter to avoid slipping on rocks and make sure to keep your phone and camera covered before you enter the cave.

After you are done, you will have to walk back the same way for about an hour before you arrive back in Tianxiang, which should be right on time for the third bus to depart at 10:40 from the Tianxiang Bus Stop.

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2. Admire the Architectural Wonder of the Tunnel of Nine Turns

A stop you should get off next is the Tunnel of Nine Turns bus stop, where you will be able to admire the architectural wizardry that is the tunnel that was dug through the canyon.

In Chinese, the number nine implies "many", which is why the tunnel is called the Tunnel of Nine Turns. The number 9 describes the twists and turns required to build this tunnel.

At the Tunnel of Nine Turns, there is a walking trail which is considered to be one of the most scenic walks you can do in Taroko Gorge, and I wholeheartedly agree.

The trail will take you along the side of the actual tunnel while overlooking the beautiful gorge and Liwu River from above. The trail is 700 m long and should take about 30 minutes one-way to walk and absorb the beauty of it all.

Spend one hour at the Tunnel of Nine Turns before catching the 11:49 bus to our next destination, the Swallow Grotto.

3. Walk the Scenic Swallow Grotto Trail (Yanzikou Trail) ❤️ Must Visit

From the Tunnel of Nine Turns, it should take less than 5 minutes for the bus to reach the next stop, Yanzikou, where you will be walking the Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) Scenic Walking Trail.

The scenic Swallow Grotto trail is another beautiful and easy trail that anyone can walk. It is a 1,372-meter-long walking trail that will take you through a narrow section of the Liwu River Gorge, allowing you to see some of the features of the gorge up close.

The walk should take from 10 - 30 minutes, depending on how deep you want to walk along the Swallow Grotto Trail. Since the trail goes along the side of a very narrow road shared by cars and buses, you will have to be very watchful when walking this trail. The trail is also exposed to rockfalls, so please proceed carefully.

The trail goes quite deep into the mountain, so make sure you spare some time to walk back and catch the bus at either 13:02 or 14:22. There is a cafe at the beginning of the trail, so you can sit there and have lunch before catching the 14:22 bus to our next destination, Changchun Shrine.

4. Visit the Changchun Shrine (Eternal Spring Shrine)

Depending on the condition of the trail, you can spend from 30 minutes to 2 hours exploring the trails around Changchun Shrine (Eternal Spring Shrine). The shrine is located above a waterfall, and it was built in honor of those who lost their lives building the highway through this mountain.

There is the Changchun Shrine trail that will take you to the shrine and around the area. The hike should take you about 1 - 1.5 hours round trip. The trail is quite easy, but there might be a bit of a steep climb in certain areas, so please prepare accordingly.

You can also go up to Changuang Temple Bell Tower for a stunning view of Changchun Shrine and its surroundings from above. Unfortunately, when I was there, none of the trails here were open, so I was only able to appreciate the Eternal Spring Shrine from afar.

From Changchun Shrine, you can take the bus at 16:12 or 17:22 and go straight back to Hualien. The journey should take about an hour and 15 minutes before arriving in Hualien.

5. Eat Your Way Through Dongdamen Night Market

Your journey isn't over. To reward you for such a productive day, there is no better way to do it than to devour your way through the Dongdamen Night Market in Hualien.

Before ending at Hualien Station, the bus will take you to Dongdamen Night Market. Be sure to get off there so you do not have to make the trip by yourself.

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

Be sure to try Xiao Long Bao at one of the food stalls at Dongdamen Night Market. It was delicious and cost peanuts! You should also try the famous Taiwanese pearl milk tea while you are there as well.

Looking for a complete guide to Taiwan Street Food?Top 12 Street Food To Try In Taiwan

6. Hike Longer Trails in Taroko National Park

If you have another day to explore Taroko National Park, you can spend that day hiking longer trails such as the Shakadang Scenic Trail, which should take about 4-6 hours to complete a round trip, or the Lushui-Wenshan Trail, a 5km mountain trail that will take you around 5 hours to complete.

7. Spend a Day Hiking the Sacred Zhuilu Old Trail

If you want to do an epic one-day trail in Taroko National Park, you can also apply for a permit to hike the Zhuilu Old Trail, one of the best hiking trails that will take you through the ancient trails of the indigenous people.

For more information on how to hike the Zhuilu Old Trail, check out: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Hiking the Zhuilu Old Trail.

When to Visit Taroko Gorge, Taiwan?

The park is open all year round but the best time to visit Taroko Gorge and Hualien is from December - June, when the temperature hovers around 14°C - 27°C at low elevation, which is the case for most places I recommended in this guide.

The temperature is colder the higher you go up, so please pack a light jacket if the hike you want to do goes above 2,000m. Taiwan is also prone to typhoons, and it is common to see many areas closed off due to rockfall and landslides, so be sure to look up that information before you embark on any hike.

Due to the hazardous condition of the typhoon in Taiwan, I would recommend that you avoid visiting Taroko Gorge during the typhoon season (July - September) or right after heavy rainfall at all costs, as landslides can occur at any moment.

How to Get to Taroko Gorge, Taiwan?

In order to get to Taroko Gorge from abroad, you will first have to travel to Taipei, and to do that, you will likely have to fly into Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. Thankfully, there are several airlines you can fly to Taipei.

From the US, there are several direct flights from big cities like New York and LA via United Airlines, or you can also fly directly to Taipei via EVA Airlines, its national carrier.

From within Europe, you can fly directly via EVA Airlines or popular carriers such as KLM or AirFrance to Taipei. You can also fly via Asian Airlines like Singapore Airlines or Thai Airways, but you will have to transit in their respective home countries.

From Asia, traveling to Taiwan becomes a lot easier and cheaper with several low-cost airlines operating this route from hub cities like Bangkok and Singapore. Lion Air, as well as AirAsia, have numerous flights flying from Bangkok/KL to Taipei every day, so you should have no problem finding one if you are planning to fly from Asia.

To find a cheap flight to Taipei, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule, so you can compare and pick the best one.

Looking for a complete guide to Taipei?The Ultimate Backpacking Guide To Taipei

How to Get from Taipei to Hualien?

After arriving in Taipei, you will have to travel to Hualien, a gateway city to Taroko Gorge on the east coast of Taiwan, where you will be basing yourself.

There are several ways you can travel to Hualien, but the easiest, most convenient way is to take the express train (TRA) from Taipei Main Station to Hualien Railway Station.

The journey from Taipei to Hualien should take about 2 hours, and it will cost you around 440 NTD per person. The reason I recommend you take the fast train is that the price between the slow and express train from Taipei to Hualien is only 100 NTD less and takes almost twice the time. So, taking the HSR is preferable on this route.

For the train schedule from Taipei to Hualien or if you want to book online, be sure to check out: The Official TRA Ticket Information and Timetable.

How to Get to and Around Taroko Gorge, Taiwan?

After arriving in Hualien, Taroko Gorge is right at your fingertips, and there are several ways you can travel from Hualien to Taroko Gorge, which will determine how you will be getting around the national park as well.

By Bus

This is the easiest and most affordable way to travel around Taroko Gorge, especially if you are traveling independently. The Taroko buses leave from Hualien Train Station and will travel to all the bus stops inside the National Park, ending in Tianxiang.

The first bus leaves from Hualien Station at 7 AM and will continue to depart every hour until 15:10. The journey from Hualien Station to Tianxiang should take about 1 hour. The bus leaves in front of the orange building by the Hualien Train Station.

I highly recommend that you go as early as possible, even before 7 AM, to queue up at the bus stop, as the bus gets packed quickly and it is unlikely that you will get a seat if you arrive on time. Additionally, by arriving early, you will beat the crowds to the park and have a moment of solitude before the big tour buses arrive.

If you plan to spend an entire day in the park, I would recommend that you buy the Taroko Day Pass from the kiosk inside the orange building before getting on the bus.

The day pass will cost you 250 NTD per person, and you will be able to travel on buses 1132, 1133, and 1142 that travel around the park as many times as you like for that day.

NOTE: Keep in mind that the day passes only works on buses #1132, #1133, and #1142. There is another bus, #302, that goes around the park as well and is not included on the Day Pass ticket. That said, you can still use your EasyCard if the #302 bus schedule works better for you, as I did.

Also, another thing to keep in mind about traveling around Taroko Gorge by bus is that the bus runs through the park only once every hour. So, be sure to plan your stops carefully to avoid wasting an hour waiting for the bus.

One important tip that I wish I had known before I was at Taroko Gorge is that if they say the trail is closed, do not even think about stopping at that stop just to see the view because you will be done in 15 minutes and you will have to wait another 45 minutes for the bus to pick you up. Only get off at stops that have 1 hour's worth of things to do (all recommended in this guide, so you are all set).

By Tour Buses

This is a common option if you are traveling in a group because you will have the flexibility of time and places to visit, but it is not ideal for an independent traveler such as myself.

You should have no trouble finding tour operators in Hualien or through your accommodation who will help you organize the tour for you, considering your group size and budget.

By Rented Car

If you are not on a budget and you like the freedom of choosing the time and places you want to visit, you can also rent a car from one of the many car rental places near Hualien Train Station.

Keep in mind that the roads inside Taroko National Park are narrow and winding, and you will be sharing the road with big buses. So, be sure that you are comfortable driving in those conditions before taking this route.

By Scooter

This is for the extreme enthusiast only, as the road around Taroko Gorge is very narrow and bendy, and having several large buses sharing the narrow road with you is not making it any easier.

By Foot - NO!

Unless you want to go on a hike, DO NOT expect to walk from one attraction to another in Taroko National Park. The attractions in the park are farther than they appear on the map, and since the terrain is extremely mountainous, you will have a hard time reaching places on foot without wasting hours doing so.

How Many Days to Spend in Taroko Gorge, Taiwan?

The minimum amount of time I would recommend is to spend at least one full day exploring the Taroko National Park. If you want to do some mountaineering hikes, you would need an extra day to truly appreciate the beauty of Taroko Gorge. Here is an example itinerary for Taroko Gorge:

Day 1: Visit Taroko National Park in the morning, starting from Tianxiang, and make your way back out of the park, one bus stop at a time, until the last bus at 17:22. Then, spend the evening in Hualien at the Dongdamen Night Market.

Day 2 (optional): If you have an extra day to spend in Hualien, I would recommend that you do some day hikes in Taroko National Park, such as the Zhuilu Old Trail or Lushui-Wenshan Trail, which should take you an entire day.

How Much Money Do I Need for Taroko Gorge, Taiwan?

Given the one-day itinerary above, we can calculate the estimated amount of money you will need to take this trip. Here is how much you will spend in Hualien and Taroko Gorge in one day:

Accommodation: With a total of 2 nights, you will be paying around 26 USD (780 NTD).

Food: You can prepare your own lunch the day before to avoid eating overpriced food in the park, so I would say you should be able to get by with around 400 NTD for 3 meals a day.

Transportation: Assuming you are taking the bus, you will be spending 250 NTD for the day pass, and that should be it for your trip around Taroko Gorge.

Activities: The entry to the park is free, so you won't be paying anything for activities unless you want to do a hike that requires a permit (such as Zhuilu Old Trail), so 0 NTD for activities for this itinerary.

Total Budget for one day in Taroko Gorge: 1,430 NTD (47.62 USD)

Is it Safe in Taroko Gorge?

As mentioned earlier, the east coast of Taiwan, including Hualien and Taroko Gorge, is prone to typhoons and heavy rainfall that can cause rockfalls and landslides. The area you will be exploring in Taroko Gorge is highly exposed to these unexpected elements, so the best way to stay safe is to avoid visiting the national park during the typhoon season or after days of heavy rainfall.

The roads are also curvy and narrow, so if you are planning to drive around the national park, make sure that you are comfortable doing it and go slow.

Other than that, you should have no trouble traveling around Taroko Gorge. Be sure to ask your accommodation in Hualien about trails that are closed and places to avoid before embarking on the journey.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Taroko Gorge And Hualien?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Hualien, Taiwan without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Hualien, Taiwan:

Taiwan has one of the fastest public WIFI out there. You can find WIFI in almost every café and restaurant in Hualien. Most of the hostels I stayed at in Taiwan have fast, reliable WIFI, and you could get by without having a local sim card. However, if you wish to navigate the city by bus, I recommend getting a local sim card at the airport upon your arrival.

I recommend Chungwa Telecom, one of the leading telecommunication carriers in Taiwan, that offers several 4G unlimited unthrottled data packages with a price range from 300 NTD to 1,000 NTD.

You can find their kiosk among other carriers at the arrival hall at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. Simply approach them, and they will show you the list of packages available from which you can pick. They will ask for your passport, pop the SIM card in for you, and within 2 minutes, you will have unlimited 4G data for your Taiwan trip.

I had 15 days in Taiwan, and so I bought their 15-day unlimited data SIM card for 700 NTD (they also accept credit cards). I was able to get a 4G connection everywhere I went in the country. So, if you are looking for a reliable way to stay connected throughout your stay in Taiwan, be sure to get a local SIM card at the airport.

For more information about Taiwan's local SIM card: Taiwan Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Hualien, Taiwan?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Hualien, Taiwan:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with Omio when traveling in Hualien, Taiwan while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Taiwan

Looking for more information for your trip to Taiwan? Here are a collection of articles about Taiwan that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Taiwan? Check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Itinerary for Taiwan.
• In order to engage all your senses in Taipei, the hypermodern capital of Taiwan, be sure to check out: The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Taipei
• Getting a view of mountains and cities? How about taking a break at the beachside town of Kenting? Check out the 9 Best Things to Do in Kenting.
• If Taroko is known for its gorges and rivers, Alishan is known for its forests and gigantic trees as old as Christendom. Here's a complete guide to Alishan: The Ultimate Backpacking Guide To Alishan.
• Spend a day biking around the stunning Sun Moon Lake with The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Sun Moon Lake.
• Taiwan is known for the unmatched deliciousness of its street food. Here are Top 12 Street Food To Try In Taiwan.
• Looking for something more visual to convince you about visiting Taiwan? How about watching a Taiwan travel video? Turbo Taiwan
• Wondering where to go after Taiwan? How about you continue on to Japan and after, visit China?
• For all articles about Taiwan, visit the Taiwan Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to East Asia? Check out all my articles about East Asia here: East Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.