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Taroko Gorge and Taiwan's Spectacular Northeast Coast

on 2022.02.03

5 Places

Taroko Gorge, a cavernous 12-mile canyon on Taiwan’s northeast coast, is the island’s most spectacular natural feature. The gorge’s smooth marble walls rise nearly vertically—for hundreds of feet in some sections—from the blue-green Liwu River. The journey from Taiwan's capital to Taroko Gorge along the jagged cliff-lined coast is also breathtaking, so the national park’s trails, hotels, and natural hot springs are almost always swarming with tourists. Credit: Collected by Matt Gibson, AFAR Local Expert

afar.com/travel-tips/taroko-gorge-and-taiwans-spectacular-northeast-coast

No. 218, Chenggong St, Hualien City

Hualien City

"Cycling The Cisingtan Scenic Area In Hualien Located north of Hualien on Highway 9 right passed the airport, the Cisingan Scenic Area allows you to cycle along the Pacific Ocean. You'll be immersed in palm tree and beach scenery while also riding passed public art and peaceful parks. There is a nice lighthouse worth checking out, as well as a section of beautiful marble pathway. At the trail, you can rent a bike for about $5 to use for the entire day. Some great accommodations on the trail include Sun Rise Inn and Light House Hostel."

No. 18, Zhongbu Cross-island Hwy, Xiulin Township

Hualien

"Wenshan Hot Springs in Taroko Gorge, Taiwan These beautiful hot springs are located several kilometres into the gorge. To get there you must drive or cycle to the parking lot and then walk down a long wooden staircase built into the cliffside. At the bottom you'll find a quaint Japanese-style changing room. From there you cross the river on a suspension bridge and then walk down to an open marble basin filled with flowing hot water. The view from the bottom of the gorge is spectacular, the water is blisteringly hot, and the river is near enough to jump in to cool off. And the best part: it's free."

Rising Sun Surf Inn

Permanently Closed

"Catching Waves in Yilan The excellent swell and proximity to Taipei make Yilan one of the most popular places for surfing on the island. The swell is biggest and most consistent in the winter, but fun all year round."

Changchun Shrine

Memorial park · Hualien

"Find Solace at the Eternal Spring Shrine If you pass through Taroko, the Eternal Spring Shrine is one of the places you have to stop. This unique shrine built into the mountainside over a waterfall can be seen from the highway, and it's a just a short walk through a cave-like trail carved out of the cliffside to visit this small, but picturesque, spot."

Shakadang Trail, Xiulin Township

Hualien

"Walk Along the River on the Shakadang Trail This broad, flat trail meanders along the riverside for several kilometres. With only a slight slope, it's one of the easiest and most scenic hikes in Taroko Gorge. If you follow the trail far enough you will come to some azure swimming holes, perfect for cooling off after a hot, sweaty walk."

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