2026 Taroko National Park Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Zhuilu Old Trail is located in Taroko National Park in Hualien. It is the most iconic remaining section of the Hehuan Cross-Ridge Road built during the Japanese colonial period, and is famous for the breathtaking cliffside path along the “Zhuilu Cliff.” It is also the only protected historic site area within the park. The full trail is 10.3 km long, but the section currently open is mostly the round trip from Yanzikou to Duanya Station (about 3.1–3.2 km). Advance application is required through Taiwan’s National Park Entry Application Service website. Key Information about Zhuilu Old Trail Location: Inside Taroko National Park, Hualien County (Zhuilu Old Trail). Open section: Currently, the main section open is “Yanzikou to Duanya Station” (round trip about 3.1–3.2 km). Highlights: A 1.5-meter-wide trail carved into marble cliffs at an elevation of about 700–800 meters, facing the dramatic drop above the Liwu River, and often praised as “Taiwan’s skywalk.” History: Originally a route used by the Truku people for travel and connection, it was later widened by the Japanese military, making it a historic trail where history and natural scenery come together. Application requirements: A park entry permit is mandatory and must be submitted 1 to 60 days before the entry date. Note: The route features many steep cliffs and exposed sections with no shade, so pay close attention to the weather and your personal safety. Walking Tips It is recommended to bring enough drinking water (at least 1500cc) and lunch to enjoy during a break at the station. Prepare a lightweight raincoat, trekking poles, and non-slip hiking shoes. The trail is narrow and exposed, so those with a fear of heights should carefully assess their condition.

The Baiyang Trail is 2 kilometers long, and the one-way walk takes about one hour. The trail was also rebuilt from a construction road used by Taiwan Power Company, with the beautiful stream valley scenery as its main feature. The entrance is located at the 168.8-kilometer mark of the Central Cross-Island Highway, about 500 meters west of Tianxiang. Passing through a 380-meter-long tunnel beneath the ridge of the Huoran Pavilion Trail, you move from the Taosai Creek watershed into the Wahe’er Creek watershed, then continue along the flat construction road beside the stream. After about 1 kilometer, near the third tunnel, the route turns into the Taci Jili Creek watershed, which is also the most spectacular section featuring magnificent canyon scenery. After passing through four tunnels of varying lengths, you will reach Baiyang Bridge, a concrete bridge spanning Taci Jili Creek. The rushing rapids and deep pools below the bridge are thrilling, and the canyon scenery is also बेहद壮丽. Another tunnel on the opposite side of Baiyang Bridge leads to the Water Curtain Cave. However, after multiple earthquakes and typhoons, the area has become a dangerous zone prone to landslides and collapse, and it is currently closed. Visitors can only view Baiyang Waterfall from afar near Baiyang Bridge, or cross the suspension bridge over the tributary stream to the viewing platform, where they can look back at Baiyang Bridge and the canyon scenery of Taci Jili Creek.

Taroko National Park is one of Taiwan's most stunning and grand national parks. Located in Hualien County, it is globally renowned for its breathtaking landscapes featuring towering mountains, marble cliffs, and deep valleys carved by natural erosion over millions of years. This makes it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. The park's main highlight is Taroko Gorge, a massive marble canyon with a crystal-clear blue river running through its center, creating spectacular and awe-inspiring views. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives or explore various nature trails, which offer numerous viewpoints of bridges and cliffs along the way. Another notable attraction is the Eternal Spring Shrine, perched on a cliffside with a small waterfall flowing through it, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. Taroko National Park perfectly blends the grandeur of nature with magnificent mountain views. For anyone visiting Taiwan and seeking to experience nature up close with world-class canyon vistas, this is a landmark not to be missed.

Mother Nature is an incredible thing and nothing shows that more than the Taroko National park in Hualien, Taiwan. It’s one of the most spectacular places I have been been lucky enough to go to, it’s a life changing experience. The national park covers a huge mountain area with stunning gorges, rivers and forests - with many hiking routes, roads and tunnels. Dotted throughout the park are religious shrines, temples and statues - icons of years gone by! The nature in this area is mind blowing with crystal clear water winding through marble rock faces, Forrests and valleys. This area was debated last year in the 2024 hualien earthquake so a lot of the routes are closed and traffic control is in place. The best way to see the area is on a tour or hire a local driver as they know the traffic control times. Also a lot of the shops and restaurants along the route are closed due to the reduced tourist demand, so stock up on drinks and snacks before you start the journey. The toilets along the route however are still open, so that’s helpful. If you’re in the area you have to add this to your list, it’s an experience I will never forget! #travel2026 #travel #trip #china #taiwan #hualien #taroko #nationalpark #nature #naturalwonders #thingstodo #myitinerary #hiking #outdoors

Taroko Charter Tour is a flexible and comfortable way to travel, especially for tourists who want to explore Hualien and Taroko National Park in depth. Taroko is famous for its spectacular canyons, steep mountains and clear streams, and a chartered tour allows you to enjoy these beautiful sights at a flexible schedule. The chartered car driver is experienced and can tailor a dedicated itinerary based on my interests and needs. He is very familiar with the local geography and culture and can provide me with rich explanations. Whether visiting the famous Shakadang Trail or enjoying the spectacular views of the Changguan Bridge, chartering a car allows me to enjoy the journey without having to worry about transportation. This trip covered many of Taroko’s iconic attractions, such as the Taroko Archway, the Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow’s Mouth and Chishingtan, allowing me to appreciate the magnificent natural landscapes and unique topographical features. In addition, the flexibility of the chartered tour allowed me to stop at any time to take pictures of the beautiful scenery or enjoy local food in a suitable place. This degree of freedom is particularly suitable for travelers who love photography or want to deeply experience the local culture. Whether you want to challenge the hiking trails of Taroko or take a leisurely walk along the stream, chartering a car can meet your needs. In short, Taroko Charter Tour is an ideal travel choice, which not only allows you to easily explore this natural wonder, but also allows you to enjoy the good time with your family and friends. Choosing a chartered car made my trip to Taroko even more memorable! #Charter

Just Before the Covid Pandemic , I was fortunate to have spent 2 weeks in Taiwan. It’s also the first time I discovered the Gem of the island. The Taroko Park at Hualien. I took the Train from Kaohsiung and it was about 2 hours ride with splendid scenery along the way. I stayed at Park City Hotel for 2 nights and it was a joyous stay. The services and hospitality of this hotel and town was magnificent. stroll the town with lots of night market as it was famous to savour street food in Taiwan. The Gem of the town is the Taroko Park. I took a one day tour with the local travel agency. The Park is spectacular and mesmerising. One of the best view I have enjoyed for a long long time. Spend the whole day walking the trail and ate some delicious food. I would strongly recommend friends and readers here to give it a try and visit this glorious park. I for sure will be back in no time.

Address: Located opposite to Hualien Lakeshore Hotel Environment/Facilities - Small shop with seating for about 20 people, you can eat in or take out! If there are a lot of people on site, you will have to wait! Features-Chicken soup rolls are the only one! A portion costs NT$100, and the bowl is very big. There are tofu, meatballs, rice noodles, and pumpkin 🎃 in one bowl. The soup is very fresh and sweet. There is a store next to it that pickles the peppers 🌶️. If you are not afraid of spicy food, you can try it! I ate one and I almost spit fire! There are also side dishes to go with it. Average price per person: NT$100-150! Copper plate price Rating: 85 points #Local Tour #Recommended restaurants #Hualien

📍#1F, No. 23, Jianguo Road, Hualien City, Hualien County Dongchang Fixed Fish Farm is run by the third generation and is full of development stories of local fishery heritage🐟 Slightly hipster industrial style✔️ Calm wooden furniture✔️ Greenery and bright light✔️ Seven Star Sashimi Slices✔️ 5 side dishes 🥒 6 types of ramen 🍜 ✨Fish white soup ramen✨By the famous Singaporean chef "WILLIN LOW" who won the "Asia 50 Restaurants" award, he developed a taste suitable for locals through team technology, giving Hualien's traditional fishery a new look✨ #Hualien #gourmet food #Hand-Pulled Noodle #fish #fish #SevenStars #sashimi

Qixingtan Scenic Area is located in Xincheng Township, Hualien There is a beautiful coastline here Here you can feel the beauty of the earth The beach here is rocky. There are a lot of pebbles here where you can stack stones~ If you are tired of playing, there are some small shops nearby where you can eat! #Hualien #Qixingtan

The first thing that comes to mind when visiting a sugar factory is probably eating ice cream. Hualien’s Guangfu Sugar Factory is no exception. That's right! When you come to Hualien with a temperature of 30 degrees, you can't miss the sugar factory to have an ice cream and a full meal at the same time. Today, Monster will briefly introduce the environment and food. Generally speaking, the sugar mill we know is a factory and a place to buy things. However, Hualien Sugar Factory is different in that it has a lot of seats and the surrounding shops are quite diverse, including small shops similar to convenience stores and sausage stands. Of course, the ice-selling area also occupies a large part, and there is a large pond in the middle for people to take pictures. It is quite unique. This park is very big. I happened to meet some students who came on a graduation trip that day, but there was still a lot of space and it didn't feel very crowded. The whole square area is full of small shops, and you can see the pool everywhere, which makes it look very spacious. You can also see small boats moving in the pond. Since we came here on a day trip, it happened to be lunch time at the sugar factory. We went to a restaurant in advance, which was the Grandma Canteen, which was a three-minute walk from the sugar factory. Unfortunately, it was closed today!! The Tangjiachun Canteen in the park was our choice this time. This restaurant is more of a dumpling shop. If you come here in the morning, they also provide breakfast. When you come to the sugar factory, you must try the cheapest ice popsicles at $10. They are sweet and thirst-quenching. Highly recommended!! I also ordered a cup of ice cream black tea which I don't recommend. The CP value is not high Store Information: Hualien Tourism Sugar Factory Address: No. 19, Tangchang Street, Guangfu Township, Hualien County #Where to go in summer

When talking about Starbucks, we have to mention the Container House Starbucks in Huilan. The special and cute appearance is as cool as playing with building blocks. No wonder this is a photo-taking spot for Internet celebrities. Even I can't stop taking photos. The environment, space, tables and chairs are very special and spacious. It is very suitable for sitting for a whole afternoon. It is worth coming here to take photos and rest. #AfternoonTeaRecommendations #Hot summer destination #Starbucks

Phantom food trucks that have opened from small food trucks to large storefronts are famous in the local area The shop menu options only rice with egg fried noodles soup two or three small dishes drinks sold very simple but the most popular popular king is the super sinful rice with half-cooked egg egg sprinkled with pepper that aroma is full of mouth water ah poked egg yolk flowing on the rice #summerfood recommendation #food

Taroko National Park Canyon Landscape Trail There are many more trails for hiking. We invite you to go to Taroko together

Qingshui Cliff is really a very convenient tourist attraction. It is also one of the top ten scenic spots in Taiwan. It is more than 1,000 meters high and is close to the Pacific Ocean at an angle of nearly 90 degrees. There are cliffs on one side and the sea on the other side. It is very spectacular. You can pass by it on the way back to Taipei from Hualien City. You can also stop and take a walk and rest. Fortunately, it was only windy at this time and it didn’t rain, so it felt ok to take pictures. You can still see the gradient ocean🌊. When the weather is good, there are also canoe trips here. You must come to experience it next time🔥 #localtravel #goodoutdoors #goodsummerdestinations #beaches #wintertravel

Traffic tips: Route 1: Take Provincial Highway 9 from Xindian through Yilan and Suao to reach the Taroko National Park Visitor Center. Route 2: Take Provincial Highway 2 from Ruifang, pass Yilan, and then take Provincial Highway 9 (Suhua Highway) to Taroko National Park. Route 3: Take National Highway 5 from Nangang or Muzha to Suao, then take Provincial Highway 9 (Suhua Highway) to the Taroko National Park Visitor Center. (Fastest route) The above is from the official website of Taroko National Park. Since I started from the north, if people from other regions want to go, they can check the Taroko National Park website. A trip to Hualien for a small company employee. The scenery here is breathtaking, and it is very happy to travel with colleagues. I highly recommend everyone to come here to relax. There are also many attractions nearby that can be visited, which is also suitable for taking pictures. #Taroko National Park #Hualien Trip

Qixingtan is located in Hualien, Taiwan, suitable for those who like sunshine and the sea. For transportation, you can take the "Taiwan Haoxing Tailuko Line" from Hualien Taiwan Railway Station to Qixingtan and get off. Since it was summer when we went, it was really very hot, it is highly recommended to bring a fan to go in the summer As soon as you get off the car, you can already see a blue sea, seeing the personal mood is more beautiful 😆 Qixingtan is a rocky beach, the waves will show different levels of blue. Maybe I like blue myself, which makes me like the place of Seven Stars even more. I heard that there is a legend in Seven Stars Pond that the vision can be realized by stacking seven stones without falling😂 Although I don't believe it, I might as well give it a try. However, the stones in Qixingtan are strictly forbidden to be taken away. If you are caught, you will be fined! Another thing that is most famous for watching the sunrise is the sunrise, so if you want to watch the sunrise you can consider staying at a nearby hotel or bed and breakfast for a night. Remember to check online in advance what time the sun will rise and make some time. Walking along the seaside there will be a place called "48 Highland", where you can see the whole Seven Stars Pool, super suitable for taking pictures😂 Finally, I highly recommend that friends who like sunrise and sea must go! #travel #travel inspiration #overseas travel #beaches #summer places #I miss #Taiwan #Taiwan #Taiwan Travel Strategy #Taiwan Tour #Seven Stars Lake

Qingshui Cliff is a coastal cliff located in Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan. It is a famous tourist attraction on the Suhua Highway and the Renzhi Chongde section. After the war in Taiwan, the Taiwan Provincial Government listed it as one of the eight scenic spots in Taiwan! Here You can see the wonders of nature See the amazing scenery~ You can relax and see the power of nature! #Where to go in summer #Hualien #Qingshui Cliff #Wonders of nature

Taroko National Park is the fourth national park established in Taiwan (1937-1945). After World War II, it became a national scenic area. The plan was announced on November 12, 1986, and the management office was established on November 28, 1986. Located in the eastern part of Taiwan, it spans three administrative regions: Hualien County, Taichung City, and Nantou County. The park has Taiwan’s first east-west highway, known as the Central Cross-Island Highway System, passing through it. Taroko National Park is characterized by canyons and cliffs, with steep cliffs and quiet scenery. Therefore, "Taroko Gorge" is listed as one of the eight scenic spots in Taiwan. In addition, the alpine areas of the park have preserved many relicts from the Ice Age, such as the salamander. #Where to go in summer #Island holiday #Family outing #Taroko #NationalPark #BeautifulCanyon #Hualien

Qixingtan, also known as Crescent Bay, is located in Dahan Village, Xincheng Township, Hualien County, Taiwan, in the northern suburbs of Hualien City, and on the east side of the Hualien Air Force Base. Qixingtan is the only county-level scenic area in Hualien County, connecting Taroko National Park, the East Coast and the Hualien-Taitung Valley National Scenic Area. The sea and sky are one color, and the beautiful bay always makes people feel relaxed and happy. #Where to go in summer #Island holiday #Qixingtan

#HualienFlashMob #Taroko #PhotographyTrip #Buluowan On my way to Buluowan, I discovered this beautiful world of red, yellow, and black. Even though it was raining, I was taking photos like a child. Especially the first photo, which combines raindrops, spider webs, and black berries. Frontal shots, backlighting, depth of field effects, realistic effects—I was frantically trying to capture their essence. Luckily, the homeowner came over and didn't mind my photography, letting me do as I pleased. However, phone photos can't truly capture the sheer beauty of the forest! In one selfie, a yellow berry is on my face. I deliberately made it look like I used a special effect, trying to blend myself in. It's funny, but it's an unforgettable experience. The scenery of a trip is different for everyone, but the persistence that resulted in these beautiful photos, even with my clothes and hair soaked, made it all worthwhile!

We set out on our journey at five in the morning on Saturday in the biting cold and dark sky. Along the way, someone kept predicting the weather in Hualien, saying that the weather report showed that the weather would be very bad. I was unwilling to accept this and kept telling him that if you have the right person and the right mood, the sun is in your heart! ha! It was still raining all the way to Hualien, but the weather was much better than in Keelung. But when we arrived at Taroko, it was raining, so we saw small fallen rocks from time to time. I even heard a loud bang when I was using the toilet at the Heliu camping area. Not long after, big rocks really fell... As a result, I mentioned it to him when I got back to the car and decided to turn back immediately! ! ! But there was only one Tianxiang left, so we quickly drove to the Silks Place Hotel and Tianxiang Youth Activity Center, took a few photos and drove on. Then we walked down to the relatively safe Jiuqu Cave Trail. Originally, I had the entire trail to myself and was happily taking photos. But soon, many uncles and aunts from tour buses swarmed in, so I quickly left! But it is really beautiful here. I hope I can have the opportunity to walk the entire trail again next time, to appreciate the beauty of the deformed marble that I love, the carp leaping over the dragon gate caused by the alluvial deposits of the entire riverbed, and a lot of things that I haven’t seen yet… What moves people here is not only the hard work of reclamation, but also the feeling of being shocked by nature while driving along the road. In short, the beauty here is really worth visiting again! #Nature's Wonders #Travel Inspiration

#Taroko National Park #Shakadang Trail 1.5k #WuJianWuCafé150NTD #RockwallCoffeeAllYouCanDrinkFree #Taroko National Park #450m on the Shakadang Trail #Being injured by bee attacks in the rock wall #Originally planned to take him to the park management office for treatment on the way back #No way, I'm going back, it's already stiff, I'm going to heaven Trail Introduction The Shakadang Trail is about 4.1 kilometers long from the entrance to Sanjianwu, running along the Shakadang River. The 16-kilometer course of the Shakadang River forms a majestic canyon, clear streams, beautiful rock folds and lush forests. There used to be many Aboriginal settlements along the trail, giving the Shakadang Trail both landscape ecology and cultural beauty. The bed of Shakadang Creek is covered with stones of various sizes, with marble and gneiss being the most common. The azure and fast-flowing creek flows over the creek bed, playing a clear natural melody with the creek stones, while the creek water also polishes the rocks into a smooth and beautiful shape. The folds form abstract murals on the mountain walls on both sides and the rocks in the stream, which are open to people's appreciation and imagination.

One of the must-do things in Hualien is to join a boat trip to see the dolphins🐬. I got tickets from a travel agent in Hualien, it's much cheaper than you buy from Apps or buy onsite. Every day have morning and afternoon trips. Each trip takes you around 4 hours (including 30 minutes of safety instruction). We were hoping to see dolphins for more than 2 hours and only after we met one group of those nice animals. #seasidephotoguide

Qixingtan Scenic Area is a famous sea-viewing spot in Hualien. When I came here and watched the waves and the sea breeze, I felt that all the stress was released. And I couldn't help singing a song here, "Listening to the Sea" It felt very good The must-do thing when you come here is to stack the seven stones together and take a series of beautiful photos Just a simple pat to commemorate #Seaside photography tips#Where to go in summer

Enjoying the great outdoors of Taroko Gorge, Taiwan. I've been to Taiwan many times, but this was my first time in eastern Taiwan. I took a bus and train from Taipei to Hualien and finally arrived. It's a popular place with both locals and foreign tourists. It's a canyon formed by water flowing over tens of thousands of years carving out the exposed marble rock surface. The cliffs continue, so even the promenade was thrilling enough. I was healed by the negative ions in the great outdoors and was able to relax and forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The starry sky at night was also beautiful. If possible, I recommend staying overnight and relaxing. #breathtakingview #tarokogorge #taroko #greatnature #taiwan #breathtakingview

The Dutch-style wooden houses/accommodation area holiday wooden houses are all single-family duplexes, with different garden landscapes, landscape terraces, bridges and flowing water in front, a leisurely living environment, and a wide and comfortable activity space for sharing family happiness with your family. The cabins are all built with logs, which are warm in winter and cool in summer. They are also moisture-proof and contain phytoncides. #Good places to camp

In the Zhaofeng Farm, which covers a total area of ​​about 726 hectares, there are four artificial lakes, dragon fish fountains and waterfalls, where tourists can stroll along the lakeside trails and enjoy a relaxing and quiet environment through the green curved bridges, large lawns and pavilions. The dairy cow area is located in the center of the farm. The milking operation is open to tourists for viewing and understanding. There are also specialists to explain the ecological habits and feeding methods of dairy cows, and tourists can personally breastfeed the calves. There is also a fishing pond for tourists to fish, and they can barbecue and have a picnic by the pool. There is also a cute animal area, which is mainly poultry and ornamental animals, and allows tourists to get close and touch them directly, which is a popular activity among tourists.

The Starbucks Hualien Ji'an Huilan store is the first and the first in Asia to be built with "containers". The exterior of the building was designed by the architectural master Kengo Kuma. It is based on 29 containers that have been stationed at the docks of major cities around the world such as New York, Baltimore, Marseille, Barcelona, ​​etc. The four-story inverted pyramid-shaped building is stacked to give the containers new life. #Local Tour