Taroko Gorge
Eastern Taiwan Region
Taroko Gorge, located within Taroko National Park in Eastern Taiwan, is a spectacular natural landmark carved by the Liwu River through pure marble, creating one of the world's few marble gorges. The park spans over 92,000 hectares across Hualien County, Taichung City, and Nantou County, featuring towering peaks exceeding 3,000 meters, dense forests, and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore famous sites such as the Tunnel of Nine Turns, Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Grotto Trail, and the Qingshui Cliffs. The gorge's dramatic cliffs and narrow canyons showcase the geological forces of tectonic plate collision and erosion over millions of years. The park is also home to the indigenous Truku tribe, whose culture and history are intertwined with the region. Due to a major earthquake in 2024, parts of the park remain closed for safety and restoration. Despite this, Taroko Gorge remains a symbol of Taiwan's natural beauty and a must-visit destination for nature lovers and hikers.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Taroko Gorge is during the cooler months outside the typhoon season to enjoy hiking and sightseeing comfortably. Due to recent earthquake damage, check the official Taroko National Park website or visitor centers for current trail and road closures before planning your visit. Booking guided tours or shuttle buses from Hualien City or Xincheng Station is recommended to access key sites. Discounted tickets or passes may be available for seniors, students, or groups; inquire locally. Always prepare for varying weather conditions and bring appropriate gear for hiking and outdoor activities.
Faits intéressants
- •Taroko Gorge is one of only three river-carved marble gorges in the world, alongside Bhedaghat Gorge in India and Trigrad Gorge in Bulgaria.
- •The park contains 27 peaks over 3,000 meters high, including Nanhu and Qilai Mountains.
- •The name 'Taroko' comes from the Truku indigenous tribe, officially recognized by Taiwan in 2004.
- •The Central Cross-Island Highway traverses the park, offering access from tropical forests to high mountain pine and cedar forests.
- •In 2021, Google celebrated the 35th anniversary of Taroko National Park with a homepage doodle.
- •Taiwan's 2024 earthquake caused landslides that trapped hundreds of visitors and scarred the landscape of Taroko Gorge.
Histoire
Taroko National Park was originally established in 1937 during Japanese rule as Tsugitaka-Taroko National Park but was abolished in 1945 after World War II.
It was reestablished in 1986 by the Republic of China government and has since become one of Taiwan's most important natural reserves.
The park's name derives from the Truku indigenous tribe, historically inhabiting the region.
The geological formation of the gorge is linked to the collision of the Philippine and Eurasian tectonic plates millions of years ago, which uplifted the Central Mountain Range.
The park's infrastructure, including the Central Cross-Island Highway, was developed to connect the east and west of Taiwan, enhancing accessibility.
In 2024, a powerful earthquake caused significant landslides and damage, leading to partial park closures and ongoing restoration efforts.
Guide du lieu
Tunnel of Nine Turns2017
A scenic trail featuring a series of winding tunnels carved into the marble cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the gorge and river below. Opened in 2017, it is one of the park's most iconic spots.
Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchun Shrine)
A picturesque shrine built in traditional Tang dynasty architectural style, nestled against the mountainside with a waterfall flowing beneath it, symbolizing eternal life and remembrance of workers who died building the Central Cross-Island Highway.
Swallow Grotto Trail (Yanzikou)
A trail along marble cliffs featuring numerous small caves and holes where swallows nest, creating a natural spectacle known as the 'Valley of a Hundred Swallows.'
Qingshui Cliffs
Towering cliffs rising over 1,000 meters directly from the Pacific Ocean, offering dramatic coastal views and recognized as one of Taiwan's eight scenic spots.
Zhuilu Cliff Trail
A challenging hiking trail along a narrow ledge on a marble cliff, providing panoramic views of the Taroko Gorge and Liwu River far below.
Contact
Téléphone: 03 862 1100