Baiyang Trail

The magnificent area around Qingshui Cliff has been designated as one of the Eight Wonders of Taiwan. Qingshui Cliff is the only place in Taroko National Park where you can witness the three distinct color tones that make up the Pacific Ocean. Indeed, the color of the cliffs, together with those of the Pacific coastline and blue sky impress all who visit here. Chongde Beach (崇德礫灘) and its pebble coast complements the natural mosaic of colors that paint Qingshui Cliff above.

We recommend parking on the north side of Chongde Tunnel, where you can enjoy a splendid view of the ocean and cliffs from an observation deck. Following the Chongde Trail for about ten minutes down to the beach, you will see the Suhua Highway seem to disappear into the cliff. The ingenuity of the design will leave you puzzling just how this road section was built.

While most visitors to Taiwan head for Taroko Gorge without stopping by at Qingshui Cliff, a visit to Hualien would not be the same without including this beautiful place.

Swimming is prohibited at Chongde Beach. Beware of falling rocks and strong waves while walking on the beach. You need to check the Daily Trail Conditions and Daily Road Conditions on the Taroko National Park website before visiting Taroko. You can refer to “Chongde Trail”. Also, it is not recommended to ride bikes or scooters here as there are many dangerous trucks that travel between Taipei and Hualien on the Suhua Highway.

Join us on our Taroko tour for a holistic sense of Hualien without the hassle of dealing with complicated and infrequent public transport. Also get in touch if you are interested in arranging to see Qingshui Cliff from canoes in the Pacific Ocean- highly recommended!

The Shakadang Trail (砂卡噹步道), also known as “Mysterious Valley Trail” is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise water strewn with imposing marble boulders. Like Lushui Trail, Shakadang Trail is suitable for all ages and definitely worth a visit if you adore natural landscapes. The entrance to the trail is located at the exit of Shakadang Tunnel and includes a parking lot and bathroom facilities.

In contrast with the wild and violent Liwu River, the Shakadang Stream flows much more gently. Along the path, you may notice local Taiwanese tourists dipping their feet in the water. In these areas, water slows to a crawl and forms small pools shallow enough to wade through. Be ready for a tickle though! If you're lucky, small fish traveling the length of the stream will stop at your bare feet for a nibble. Not to worry, this is more like a free foot exfoliation, as the fish look for dead skin to enjoy.

Back on the path, head further upstream and you'll be treated to something unique: the Shakadang Trail passes through a Truku tribal village. Though entry into their reservation is prohibited, a small market is open to visitors and features local artisans and food vendors welcoming you to sample some indigenous delights.

Though an easy walk (roughly 2 hours round trip, little elevation change), make sure to watch your head when passing under overhanging rock faces.

Notice:

Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty in Taroko National Park. Rocks can be slippery when wet and playing in water is at your own risk.

Due to the destruction caused by Typhoon Saola in 2012, the scenery of Shakadang Trail was severely damaged and most of the crystal-clear turquoise water was filled by landslides. The good news, however, is that the scenery has improved after half a year of self-recovery. The amazing capacity of nature for both creation and destruction can truly be felt while walking this trail.

The adventurous traveler who visits the Taroko region is recommended to explore the Baiyang Trail (白楊步道). This trail takes you through seven tunnels along the stream, where you'll walk through the refreshing mountain spring and pass by the breathtaking Baiyang Waterfall, and seek out the legendary Water Curtain Cave. It's important to bring a flashlight, as the tunnels can be quite dark.

As you continue on to the Baiyang Suspension Bridge, you'll have the opportunity to witness the magnificent Baiyang Waterfall up close and admire the rushing stream and gorge below. After passing through two more tunnels, you'll reach the Water Curtain Cave, where you can experience a natural spa, but don't forget to wear a raincoat to avoid getting soaked. Generally, completing the 2.1-kilometer Baiyang Trail (白楊步道) round trip takes only two to three hours, and the path is relatively flat and easy to walk on.

Please remember to bring bottled water, snacks, a flashlight, and a raincoat. Be mindful of falling rocks while on the trail, and for your safety, the Taroko National Park authorities provide complimentary hard hats.

Before visiting Taroko, please check the trail and road conditions on the Taroko National Park website.

The Eternal Spring Shrine (長春祠) was built in 1958 to commemorate the 212 workers who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. Its unique location recessed into the side of the mountain and Tang Dynasty architectural style makes this shrine one of the most famous scenic spots in Taroko National Park. Natural spring water empties into the Liwu River below through the front of the shrine, giving it a surreal look, as if it were actually pouring forth from the heavens above. This is the Eternal Spring Waterfall and makes for an ideal photo opportunity

In 1987, the cliff by the river collapsed and destroyed the old pavilion next to the Eternal Spring Shrine. It was reconstructed and opened to the public again in 1997.

Typically, it takes 20 minutes to make the walk through mountain tunnels to reach the shrine. However, if you would like to challenge yourself, there is a 2.2km long trail behind the shrine with steep stairs called the “sky ladder”, leading to Guanyin Cave, Taroko Tower, and the Bell Tower. This trail leads to a suspension bridge and eventually to Changuang Temple. The trail and associated scenic spots and temple offer a spectacular canyon view and a chance to appreciate the hard work and sacrifices engineers and construction workers made generations before.

Swallow Grotto (燕子口) is an obvious stopover for visitors to appreciate the marvel of Taroko Gorge. This older portion of the highway diverges from the new thruway that services vehicular traffic and is meant to be walked to fully appreciate this marvel of nature. The Grotto trail is interspersed with tunnels and overlooks the narrowest portion of Taroko Gorge where the river is most rapid. You'll come to appreciate the awesome power of nature that carved its path eons ago.

There are three spots you should make sure to focus on when visiting Swallow Grotto: the pothole on the cliff faces, the Zhuilu Cliff, and Rock of the Indian Chief

. Due to long-term erosion of Taroko by the Liwu River into an extremely narrow and deep valley, the marble cliff faces were scoured into hundreds of potholes, which have become a natural nesting location for swallows. Hence the name Swallow Grotto.

The Zhuilu Cliff is an exposed cliff face along the Zhuilu Old Trail, part of an ancient cross-island highway. Though hard to fully appreciate this cliff from down here, check out our page on the trail itself to understand just how small you seem right now to those hiking above.

While walking on the Swallow Grotto trail, we challenge you to find the Chieftain's Profile Rock that bares an uncanny likeness to that of an Indian Chief. Can't find it? You're not looking hard enough! Many visitors miss this secret, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Notice:

Be cautious of falling rocks when walking on the trail. Park authorities provide hard hats for visitors free of charge.

Please check the Daily Trail Condition and Daily Road Condition from Taroko National Park website before visiting Taroko. Refer to "Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) Trail".

As one of the eight wonders of Hualien, the graceful Cimu Bridge is the only bridge in Taiwan that was built of marble obtained from Hualien. Standing on the bridge, visitors will be able to appreciate the most magnificent views of Taroko Gorge's massive marble walled cliffs.

The pavilions on both ends of Cimu Bridge were built by Chiang Kai-shek and Chiang Ching-kuo as tributes to their mothers. If you are keen to enjoy the generosity of Mother Nature, kick off your journey from Cimu Bridge, pass through the Tunnel of Nine Turns (九曲洞) and go all the way to Swallow Grotto (燕子口), which allows visitors to connect with the marvel of Taroko Gorge.

Free parking is available on the east side of the Cimu Bridge. So, step out of your car, have a nice walk along the bridge and see how this imposing red steel bridge blends in seamlessly with its surroundings. It will definitely make a great photo op for you all.