Taroko Gorge: Where the sky spreads its blue hue over the rocks...

Do you remember the film that won the Palme d'Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, “Blue is the Warmest Color”? It was filled with the emotional blue of youth, representing warm dreams, reminiscent of the vivid blue skies of adolescence. Taroko Gorge is akin to such a place, where it brings forth those azure dreams.

Exploring Taiwan's Taroko Gorge: Where the sky spreads its blue hue over the rocks...

If you pay attention, you'll notice that Taiwanese people take great pride in their nature, from the MRT maps to tourist guides, there are plenty of references to 'scenic,' introducing places where you can immerse yourself in nature. Many locals say that if you haven't been to Taroko Gorge, you haven't truly experienced the beauty of Taiwan.

We caught an early train to Hualien to embark on our journey to explore Taroko Gorge National Park, touted as the most beautiful area in Taiwan with its glistening jade waterfalls, lush valleys, and colossal marble mountains. Taroko, meaning “magnificent and splendid” in the local indigenous language, captivates anyone with its array of impressive sites like the Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Cave, and the Tunnel of Nine Turns. It's also home to Taiwan's highest peaks, some towering up to 3,700 meters above sea level.

From a distance, Taroko Gorge National Park appears mystical, like a watercolor painting with an area spanning over 120,000 hectares. For nature lovers and adventurers alike, Taroko is a paradise for trekking and hiking along fascinating trails. Traveling to Taiwan, if you only have 1-2 days here, you can opt for the Swallow Grotto Trail, Baiyang Trail, Shakadang Trail, or Zhuiiu Old Trail.

Swallow Grotto Trail, stretching 1,400 meters, is the most popular and easiest route. In contrast, Baiyang Trail demands more perseverance due to its length of 2,200 meters. Built by Taiwan Power Company in the 1970s to harness hydroelectric energy, Baiyang Trail leads you through seven different tunnels. Remember to bring a raincoat as you'll pass through tunnels covered with water curtains, as fascinating as in the movies.

Shakadang Trail, 4.4km long, and Zhuiiu Old Trail, 10.3km long, take more time but also offer entirely new experiences. The most impressive is crossing the 500-meter-long Zhuiliu Cliff Bridge spanning the Liwu River.

Regardless of which path you choose, you'll enjoy one of Taiwan's most unique wonders: the marble rock mountain pass spanning a total length of up to 21km (Cingshuei Cliff), towering majestically, formed over 200 million years ago by sediment layers beneath the ocean floor, below which the Liwu River runs briskly through deep green marble rocks.

Aside from the winding mountain road with panoramic views of the surrounding nature, Taroko is also home to countless species of wildlife such as black bears, macaques, and wildcats... During the transitional days between spring and summer, you'll see flocks of swallows flying lively everywhere. You can return to the city center of Hualian to rest, enjoy Hualien cuisine at the night market, or continue your journey in Taroko Gorge at TienXiang, a small village amidst the national forest. I especially like TienXiang village, although it only has a post office, a police station, a 7-11 convenience store, and a few accommodations, resting amidst the mountains and forests is always an exciting experience.

It's a strange feeling to gaze upon the clear blue of the sky hovering over the cliffs, running along the peculiar veins, pouring down onto the serene blue Liwu River.

Additional Information:

+ Journey: From Taipei to Hualian, you can take a train with a travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. You need to book tickets (around 440NTD per ticket per way) on the Taiwan Railway website. It's advisable to book a week in advance as tickets sell out quickly, especially on weekends or holidays. You can choose between the mountain line or the coastal line.

If you're in Taiwan, you can pay at railway stations or 7-11s. If you can't book tickets, you can opt for a bus + train combo (travel time 4-5 hours): from Taipei to Luodong (by bus) then Luodong to Hualien.

+ Motorcycle Rental: Most places renting motorcycles in Taiwan only accept Taiwan driving licenses. You should go to Hualien Station, where there are quite a few shops accepting rentals for tourists with international driving licenses (Mei Gui Zu Che Hang is one that accepts international licenses). Rental prices range from 700-1000NT per day. If you don't have an international license, you can rent an electric scooter (under 50cc) at a lower price.

Shuttle buses in Takoro have limited time and destinations, so exploring Takoro by bicycle or motorcycle is advisable.

+ Sightseeing: Taroko Gorge National Park is entirely free for visitors to enter the gate, you can find more information at the Tourist Information Center, but you need a permit to enter the wilderness area.

+ Note: If you want to stay overnight in Taroko Gorge, you can choose the area between TianXiang and Swallow Grotto like Silk Place Taroko (luxury), or opt for a homestay with locals. TienXiang Catholic Church, TienXiang Christian Church, and TienXiang Youth Activity Center have more budget-friendly prices.

By Phan Cac Truc/ Travellive/Photo Credits: MoonL8

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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour