Taroko National Park (Taroko Gorge)

Taroko National Park is one of Taiwan’s most spectacular natural attractions; it also ranks among the most popular. Most travelers make their way here on a day trip from Taipei or nearby Hualien City on Taiwan’s east coast. Multi-day tours of the island often include the gorge, as well as sights like Sun Moon Lake, Kaohsiung, Taitung, and the East Coast National Scenic Area.

• The park is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers.

• Due to the distance involved, day trips from Taipei can last upwards of 13 hours.

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces and don’t forget a rain jacket—rainfall is common year-round.

• Bring plenty of water, and remember to stay hydrated during your walks through the park.

• The park is not accessible for wheelchair users.

Given that the national park is tricky to reach on public transport, guided group or private tours are the best and most convenient way to visit. From nearby Hualien, buses depart daily for various points inside the gorge. From Sincheng, the park's closest train station, visitors can take a taxi to the park.

Due to the gorge’s popularity among tourists, it’s a good idea to arrive early in the morning to enjoy the park before the big tour groups begin to arrive. Expect temperatures upwards of 80°F (26°C), high humidity, and rainfall during summer (June to September).

Among the park’s numerous hiking trails, the Zhuilu Old Trail is the most famous. Carved into the cliffside some 2,000 feet (600 meters) above the Swallow Grotto, the narrow hunting path is one for the adventurous—it lacks a guardrail and is a mere three feet (one meter) wide in places. If you're feeling daring and want to tackle this route, book ahead, as a limited number of permits are issued a day.