taiwan tourist shuttle hualien

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Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Service

Timetable & Fares

• Yilan County
• Keelung City
• Taipei City

New Taipei City

• Taoyuan City
• Hsinchu County

Jiaoxi Route A

　　The Jiaoxi Route has Lines A and B. Line A from Jiaoxi Train Station to Yun...

Jiaoxi Route B

　　The Jiaoxi Route has Lines A and B. Line B travels between Jiaoxi Train Sta...

Dongshan River Route

　　The Dongshan River Route goes to Luodong between the Luodong Sports Center ...

Zhuangwei Dune Route

　　Buses of the "Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - Zhuangwei Sand Dunes Route"...

Yilan and Northeast Coast Route

“Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus – Yilan Northeast Coast Route” ...

Coastal Keelung Route

The Coastal Keelung Route connects the most distinctive scenic views in Keelu...

Beitou Zhuzihu Route

Among Taipei's many tourist attractions, Beitou Hot Springs area, a pop...

Gold Fulong Shuttle Bus(Weekday)

　　The Golden Fulong Route has 23 stops:Ruifang Station(Residents' Sq...

Crown Northern Coast Shuttle Bus

The Crown Northern Coast Route links 16 popular attractions: Tamsui MRT ...

Muzha Pingxi Shuttle Bus(to Shifen)

[Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 795] Muzha Pingxi Route has now been transformed into...

Muzha Pingxi Shuttle Bus(to Pingxi)

Daxi Express

The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Daxi Express departs daily from the Taiwan High Sp...

Xiaowulai Route (Holiday Route)

The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Wulai Route connects famous scenic spots in Northe...

Shihmen Reservoir Route (Holiday Route)

The Shimen Reservoir route is a sports and recreation route (running on holid...

Dongyanshan Route

　　Dongyanshan Forest Recreation Area is located in the Fusing District, Taoyu...

Lions Head Mountain Route

　　The Shishan Route welcomes you to Hsinchu! It links Zhubei Train Station to...

Guanwu Route

The "Taiwan Tourist Shuttle -Guanwu Route" makes eight stops, mainl...

• Miaoli County
• Taichung City
• Changhua County
• Yunlin County
• Nantou County

Nanzhuang Route

　　Nanzhuang has the Xiangtianhu Line and Xianshan Line as its network transpo...

Fengyuan-Houli Route

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle's Fengyuan-Houli Route connects key attractions be...

Taichung Midtown Bus Loop

Along the 38 stop route, there are many historical monuments, tourist hotspot...

Lukang Route

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Lukang Route takes you between attractions in Changhua...

Lukang Route A

Douliu Gukeng Shuttle Bus

         The “Shekou Tourist Center”, &l...

Beigang Huwei Shuttle Bus

The Walking with the Gods Route of the Beigang Huwei Line this year includes ...

Yunlin Caoling Route (Operates on every Wednesday ~ Sunday)

Yunlin Caoling Route is the Tourist Shuttle route going mainly from Douliu to...

This route mainly departs from Taichung's key areas (Taiwan Railways and ...

The Jiji Route is operated by the All Day Bus Transport Co., Ltd. and travels...

Sun Moon Lake-Xitou Route

Considering that Sun Moon Lake and Xitou are two of Nantou County's most ...

Ruilong Waterfall Route

The Ruilong Waterfall Route is within the Rulong Waterfall Park in Zhushan. I...

Shuanglong Route

The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Shuanglong Route takes you through the Snake Kiln,...

Tianzhong Zhushan Route

The “Tianzhong Zhushan Route” operates between Tianzhong, Ershui,...

Sun Moon Lake-Alishan Route

"The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Sun Moon Lake - Alishan Route" shuttles...

Douliu Zhushan Route

The "Douliu Zhushan Route" connects Douliu, Linnei, and Zhushan, pa...

Sun Moon Lake Route

　　The Sun Moon Lake Route travels through important transportation hubs: Taic...

Xitou Route-From Taichung

　　The Xitou Route picks up passengers from many major transportation hubs suc...

Xitou Route-From Changhua

　The Xitou Route picks up passengers from many major transportation hubs such...

Checheng Route

Departure is the start of a journey! The “Taiwan Trip Checheng R...

Qingjing Route

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus Qingjing Route is one of the routes to Hehuan Moun...

Dongpu Route

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus Dongpu Route takes visitors from Shueili and Jiji ...

• Chiayi County
• Chiayi City
• Tainan City
• Kaohsiung City
• Pingtung County

Ruili Route (Holiday only)

Alishan Northwest Corridor is a newly popular scenic spot in recent years tha...

Southern Branch of the NPM route

　　The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum Route is a ring linking t...

Alishan Route A

　　The unique nature, terrain, landscape and culture in Alishan National Sceni...

Alishan Route B

Ruote 66 Guanglinwojia Route

　　In attempt to promote Chiayi City tourism, Chiayi City Government applied t...

Guanglinwojia Route

To promote Chiayi City's tourism sector, the Chiayi City Government has s...

88 Tainan Loop Route (Holiday Route)

        The bus stops at the popular attractions in old T...

99 Anping Taijiang Route (Holiday Route)

        The service is focused on transporting tourists t...

Guanzihling route

The Guanziling Route connects attractions such as Guanziling Hot Springs, Jin...

The West Coast Expressway

The West Coast Expressway links Xinying, Yanshui and the famous site of High-...

Mountain Line & Museum Route (Holiday Route)

Possessing relatively abundant and diversified historical heritage, natural l...

Dongshan coffee route

Starting from Lingding Park, the route connects Guan Zih Ling Scenic Area and...

Meiling route (available on weekends)

Starting from Yujing, the route connects Yujing, Tainan with scenic attractio...

Ling Po-Guantian Line

The Lingpo Guantian Line connects attractions such as Liuying Jianshanpi Reso...

Shoushan National Nature Park Route

The Shoushan National Nature Park Route is the only fast and direct bus route...

Kenting Express Line

　　During the consecutive holidays, there are often traffic jams on each road ...

Shen-Shan Route (Book for Tour)

This route is the 508 Shen-Shan Route tour bus, stopping at Guchuan Bridge, S...

Dapeng Bay Liuqiu Route

    Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area has two designated scenic areas...

Mountain Coffee & Cocoa Route(Book for tour)

This 603C Mountain Line Lovely Bus route first takes visitors to the Shanchua...

• Hualien County
• Taitung County

Hualien East Coast Route

Let's break away from the traditional stop-and-go model of conventional b...

Yuchang Fengbin Line

Yuchang Fengbin Line is a “Cruise” tour on a bus and not rail tra...

Taroko Route

Due to the closure of the Taroko National Park, starting from April 1...

Hualien Route 1-Day Tour 303B (Every Tue-Sun)

This route is characterized by crisp and clean air, fertile land, delicious f...

Hualien Route 1-Day Tour 303C (every Monday)

Hualien Route Half-Day Tour 303D (runs daily)

East Rift Valley Line

　　The shuttle on the Rift Valley Luye Route runs six times daily. It takes pa...

East Coast Line Day Trip

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle East Coast Line 8101A is a cruise bus travelling a tot...

East Coast Line Day Tour (Morning Half Day Tour)

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle East Coast Line 8101B is a cruise bus travelling a tot...

East Coast Line Day Tour (Afternoon Half Day Tour)

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle East Coast Line 8101C is a cruise bus travelling ...

• Lienchiang County
• Kinmen County
• Penghu County

Nangan to Giant Matsu Statue Route(morning)

"Taiwan Trip @ Matsu" laid back island tour bus provides you with t...

Nangan to Giant Matsu Statue Route(afternoon)

Beigan to Peace Memorial Park Route (Morning)

Beigan to Peace Memorial Park Route (Afternoon)

Juguang to Dongquan Lighthouse Route (Open in odd months)

Juguang to Dongquan Lighthouse Route (Open in even months)

Dongyin to Northernmost Frontier Route (Morning)

Dongyin to Northernmost Frontier Route (afternoon)

A Route - Shuitou Zaishan

　　In Kinmen, the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle has 7 routes starting at Jinchen...

B Route - Guningtou Battlefield

C Route - Shishan Folk Culture Village

C Route - Shishan Folk Culture Village (Hop-on/hop-off bus, operates from Tuesday to Sunday)

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle offers 7 routes in Kinmen County. These routes st...

D Route - Banyan Park & Taihu Lake

E Route - Wind Lion God morning route

　　Wind Lion God is a guardian figurine believed to protect people from evil. ...

E Route - Wind Lion God afternoon route

Route F - Urban Cultural Trip (Sunday)

One bus will depart from 8:30 and 13:30 every Sunday from the Jincheng Statio...

Kinmen Bridge Lieyu Line

The Kinmen Bridge Lieyu route includes the main scenic attractions in Lieyu T...

Magong Shuttle Bus North Ring Line

1. There are 3 routes of Tourist Shuttle Penghu: ""Magong Shuttle B...

Magong Huxi Route

Magong Pengnan Line

• Attractions

Longdong Bay

Jiufen (Jioufen)

• Nearby Stop

Ticket information

• Special Ticket Offers
• Low-floor Bus

Wonderful Travel

• Itineraries

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Hopping on the Hualien East Coast Shuttle bus: A review 洄瀾東海岸線

By: Author Jaclynn Seah

Posted on Published: April 24, 2023  - Last updated: January 14, 2024

Categories Review , Taiwan

Hualien on the east coast of Taiwan is a lovely place with lots of mountain and sea views, but it’s also not the easiest place for a solo traveller to visit as it is more of a self-driving destination and the public bus service here is fairly sparse. Still it’s not impossible to explore Hualien’s coast – I took a day tour on the Hualien East Coast Shuttle Bus 304 or 花蓮台灣好行304 , a tourist bus line organised by Taiwan Tourism that takes you to several main sights in Fengbin Township 豐濱鄉 along Hualien’s coast for those who don’t want to drive in Taiwan. Here’s my review of the Hualien East Coast Bus and what to expect.

You can check out my Instagram stories highlights about my Hualien East Coast Shuttle Bus experience.

A note that this review is not sponsored – I paid for and experienced this tour on my own and thought it would be useful things for fellow travellers trying to navigating the eastern Taiwan without driving!

What is the Hualien East Coast Bus?

First we have to talk about the geography of Hualien: most of Hualien is mostly made out of mountains – there are 2 mountain ranges that run between Hualien and Taitung known as the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range. This geology created 2 natural routes to explore the area:

• East Rift Valley: The stretch of valley between the mountain ranges is the East Rift Valley or Huadong Valley 花東縱谷. Highway 9 runs through it.
• Hualien Coast: The stretch between the Coastal Mountain Range and the coastline is where Highway 11 runs, and where the Hualien East Coast Bus travels along.

The Hualien East Coast Bus (also known as the Huilan East Coast Line 洄瀾東海岸線 or Hualien Bus Route 304) runs from Hualien City all the way through Fengbin township ) and covers 9 scenic sights along the coast. It’s a pretty affordable and easy way to see all these sights without having to drive yourself around the narrow mountain roads.

While there is a whole price list for the various locations on the website, those aren’t relevant anymore. This shuttle bus is run like a day tour where you meet in the morning and spend the entire day travelling on the same bus with the same group. The driver is also the tour guide who provides some explanations along the way and keeps an eye on guests, ensuring the tour runs on schedule.

Hualien East Coast Bus Route

Here’s what you can see on this tour. I took this tour in February 2023 which had nice cool weather, but was unfortunately a bit on the dreary side and we did get rained out at the end. But Hualien’s weather because of both the mountains and coast can be a bit unpredictable, so just make sure you’re prepared with an umbrella or raincoat.

The bus tour starts from Hualien City – scroll to the bottom for tour and booking details.

1. Fanshuliao Rest Stop 蕃薯寮遊憩區

The first stop is a bit of a drive – about 50 mins away from Hualien City. Fanshuliao Rest Stop is located up in the hills of Shoufeng town next to Bridge No. 18. What makes Bridge No. 18 so special is that it you can see a scenic valley view and steep gorge sight all from one spot.

The current highway is actually the new Bridge 18 – the original Bridge 18 which was too narrow for cars to bypass each other has been pedestrianised and where visitors can now take a stroll and enjoy the views from.

Looking towards the west, there are lovely rolling green mountains and a village in the distance. you can also see under the main bridge where there are sometimes a lot of swallows flying around because they nest there.

But looking towards the east is a very steep gorge that’s 70m deep and 45m wide, quite an unusual sight for this area. A river snakes along the bottom of the gorge, and there is a particularly dangerous tradition where the tribal Ami people who settled in this area had to use bamboo poles and catapult themselves across the gorge to establish themselves as the tribe leader.

Thankfully they don’t do it anymore but you can still see a tiny staircase along the gorge which is one of the paths they used to get down to the river.

Also at this rest stop is a small pavillion that you can sit at to enjoy the view, as well as a shop to pick up some local food. I treated myself to a tea egg for breakfast here.

Fanshuliao Rest Stop 蕃薯寮遊憩區 [ Google Maps ]. No entrance fees. The bus stops here for 30 minutes.

2. Dashibishan 大石鼻山

You can’t really see the sea from Fanshuliao, but this next stop Dashibishan is right next to the seain a little town called Jiqi 磯崎. The trail is just under 1km and takes you up a 150m tall hill that overlooks Jiqi Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

There are some stairs to climb but I thought it was quite manageable and the stairs are well built overall. There are also little pavilions along the way so you can stop and take a break if you need to. The entrance is at the carpark and you descend by another staircase that takes you closer to Jiqi Beach, and it’s a short walk along the road back to the carpark.

If you have the time, one snack to pick up here is fried flying fish! The local tribespeople sell them as skewers.

Dashibishan 大石鼻山 [ Google Maps ]. No entrance fees. The bus stops here for 40 minutes.

3. Qinbuzhizi Ancient Trail親不知子海上古道

Qinbuzhizi Ancient Trail is also known as the Fengbin Skywalk 豐濱天空步道 is a glass boardwalk with a see-through floor built along the side of the cliff where you can enjoy the sea view and look down and see the waves pounding the cliffs below you.

This cliff-hugging boardwalk is somewhat related to how the place got its name – apparently this was a route that the Ami tribespeople used to go between the village and the story goes that a mother was carrying her child on her back and had to hug the vines on the cliffside and boulder across. It was so precarious that she never realise her child disappeared until she got to the other side.

Honestly it’s not that scary these days because the glass boardwalk is pretty short, unless you’re deathly afraid of heights I guess. I see it as a fun novelty for those with kids These days you have to wear a helmet as you walk the path, possibly because there are some jutting bits of rock that are at head level or maybe they are concerned about falling rocks.

The skywalk is 1-way – at the end of the path, you walk back to the entrance via Xinji Tunnel 新機隧道 which was once where cars passed through on Highway 11 until it was rerouted. They’ve turned this tunnel into a little gallery of sorts where they also sell snacks and jade (which is a fairly popular thing to buy in Hualien).

Qinbuzhizi 親不知子海上古道 [ Google Maps ]. 40 NTD entrance fee to pay at door (not included in bus ticket). The bus stops here for 40 minutes.

4. Shitiping 石梯坪遊憩風景區

The furthest point of this bus route is at Shitiping Scenic Area which is very close to the Fengbin town (also the end point for anyone going white water rafting in Ruisui). Shitiping translates into ‘Stone steps’ which is a description of the layered rock formations you’ll find in this area. It’s a lovely scenic geological spot and also a popular camping ground.

There is a nice long wooden boardwalk so you can enjoy walking along the coastline and looking at the rock features, and you can climb up the stepped rocks as well. The water around here is also very clear so you can see all the corals and fish in the water. It was pretty overcast when we reached and unfortunately started raining right at the end and we had to dash back to the bus – luckily I was all geared up for the rain!

Shitiping 石梯坪遊憩風景區 [ Google Maps ]. 40 NTD entrance fee to pay at door (not included in bus ticket). The bus stops here for 40 minutes.

5. Shitiping FIshing Harbour 石梯漁港

It was about time for lunch when it started raining so we popped by our lunch spot at Shitiping Fishing Harbour. I think on a normal day they would close because of the rain but they have an arrangement with the tour bus as one of the stops. I made friends with two other Singaporean ladies on the trip and we decided to share some dishes.

The staff recommended this fried fish fingers sort of dish and it was so good! The hot fish soup was also so comforting with all the rain. We also ordered some spicy prawns and a dish which translates to ‘sea mushroom’ but is not actually fungi but some sort of seafood lol.

Shitiping Fishing Harbour Canteen 石梯坪漁港食堂 [ Google Maps ] Open 10am-7pm.

6. Shimen Banshaojiao 石門班哨角

Heading back up north again, Shimen Banshaojiao is another rest stop area that’s also supposed to offer some lovely coastal views, though things were starting to get foggy by this time. It’s usually a popular photo spot because of the double heart sculpture that used to be found here, but it kept getting damaged by earthquakes so they replaced it with something a little more sturdy.

Shimen Banshaojiao 石門班哨角 [ Google Maps ]

7. Shimen Cave 石門洞

A short distance up the road is Shimen Recreation Area, which has even more bathrooms for those who need a break, but more interestingly, it has some wooden boardwalks that bring you down to the coastline where you can admire the views and check out the intertidal zone in the right weather.

There is a particularly interesting cave here known as the March Cave, which has nothing to do with the month but instead, it’s named after the Nissan March car because of the unusual shape of the cave opening. Also, this was apparently where they filmed some scenes from the 2016 Martin Scorcese movie Silence featuring Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver.

Shimen Cave 石門洞 [ Google Maps ]

8. Xinshe Rice Terraces 新社梯田

Our second last stop brought us close to Qinbuzhizi again, but what a stark difference the weather makes! This was one of the places I was really looking foward to seeing but unfortunately the rain just bucketed down even more. Some people opted to just stay on the bus, but since I was here already, me and another intrepid couple got off to poke around for awhile.

Xinshe Rice Terraces are a rare sight where you see terrace rice paddy fields right next to the sea – usually rice is found in more inland areas like the East Rift Valley, so these coastal rice terraces are not only pretty, but apparently have a different taste from normal rice.

They’ve set up sculptures and artworks here to transform it into a photo spot for tourists, but as you can see from the photos you could barely even see the sea at this point >_< I definitely need to come back here again in better weather!

Xinshe Rice Terraces 新社梯田 [ Google maps ]. Free entrance.

9. Baqi Gazebo 芭崎瞭望台

Last but not least, this rest stop at the hair-pin bend on the mountain road was supposed to be a beautiful parting shot of the Hualien coast that…. we never did get to see much of that evening unfortunately! It’s not far from Fanshuliao Rest Stop.

Baqi Gazebo 芭崎瞭望台 [ Google maps ]

Hualien East Coast Bus Tour Details

The Hualien East Coast Bus is one of several shuttle bus lines to boost tourism to different parts of Taiwan – see the full list on Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus website .

Language: The driver spoke in Chinese/Mandarin throughout the tour and everyone on my tour could understand Chinese. Unfortunately I think it will be quite hard to understand anything if you don’t know any Chinese or are accompanied by someone who can translate for you.

That said, there are signboards at the various attractions that do have English translations that cover what the location is about, and you can use Google Translate on your phone as well.

Timing: There are 2 buses everyday.

• Bus #1 leaves at 830pm and finishes at 5pm
• Bus #2 leaves at 930am and finishes at 6pm

Location: Buses start and leave from Hualien Bus Station 花蓮轉運站 (Hualien zhuanyun zhan) [ Location on Google Maps ] which is right next to Hualien Train Station. Look out for the signature white and yellow Taiwan Haoxing 台灣好行 bus.

How to book Hualien East Coast Bus Tickets

Hopeland Bus: The company that runs this tour is Hopeland bus website – you can buy tickets from there directly though most of the site and instructions are in Chinese and you need to book tickets 48 hours in advance.

Klook: An easier method for English readers or those with Klook points is to book Hualien East Coast Bus via Klook [ affiliate link ].

Hualien Bus Station: You can buy tickets directly at Hualien Bus Station itself which is what I did as I decided on doing this tour only the night before, but you run the risk of the bus being full. I took the tour on a random weekday so the bus wasn’t full, but if you plan to do this on the weekend or public holiday, advance bookings would be a better idea.

You will need to provide your passport details as there is insurance coverage provided.

Cost: A standard adult ticket costs 680 NTD, which is just about S$30. Elderly above 65 years old and children under 12 pay half price. Check out the sites for more details.

Have you explored Hualien’s Coastal sights? Tell me what I missed so I can see it in future! I hope to see more of Taitung’s coastal sights in future. In the meantime, check out more of my Taiwan posts here:

Penghu fireworks festival guide: My experience and what to expect 澎湖花火節

Taiwan Penghu Islands guide: How to get there, getting around and where to stay 澎湖

Xiaoliuqiu guide for the solo traveller 小琉球

TAROKO GORGE TRAVEL GUIDE: Bus Passes, Tours, Things to Do

The site owes its name to the Pacific. And to one tribesman.

A long time ago, when a native Truku tribesman came out of a gorge and saw the blue splendor of the world’s biggest ocean, he admiringly shouted, “Taroko!” It means “magnificent and beautiful.”

What he did not know then was that his word would be the name of this complicated marble maze. Taroko Gorge, as it is presently called, is a treacherous territory, crumpled with deep ravines and steep crags. But like the ocean that rumbles next to it, it too is magnificent and beautiful in its own right.

Officially named Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園), Taroko Gorge is a 19-km-long canyon along the northeastern coast of Taiwan. The area is fully loaded with marble, a product of the tectonic clash between the Eurasian and Philippine plates. The limestone metamorphosed into marble as the plates forced the site to rise half-a-centimeter a year over 100 million years. One of the eight national parks in Taiwan, it offers visitors magnificent views of its rugged landscapes.

You can tour Taroko Gorge by taking the bus (DIY-style) or by joining a group tour. Here are the details of each, along with their pros and cons.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Taroko Gorge Group Tour

What’s great about joining a group tour is, you don’t need to worry about anything else. Just show up and a service vehicle will take you to the key spots. You don’t need to worry about memorizing bus schedules or missing the last bus.

One thing that I appreciate about tours is that Qingshui Cliff Scenic Area is often included in the itinerary. Qingshui Cliff is not easy to reach by public transportation on your own, so having a ride to get there skips the hard part. Some tours also make a stop at a few attractions along the way that are outside of Taroko Gorge.

The downside, of course, is you don’t have control of your time and because most tour itineraries are usually packed, you spend limited time per stop.

Still, this is a great choice for those traveling with kids or seniors because it eliminates standing in line waiting for the next bus.

Klook’s Taroko Gorge tour itinerary includes the following sites:

• Qingshui Cliff Scenic Area
• Buluowan Plateau
• Swallows’ Grotto (Yanzikou Trail)
• Changchun Shrine (Eternal Spring Shrine)
• Qixingtan Scenic Area

Taroko Gorge By Bus

The cheapest way of sightseeing in Taroko Gorge is by taking the bus. The beauty of taking the bus is, you have total control of your time. Unlike with group tours, you may choose to stay longer at a certain stop if you feel like it. You may skip a site if it doesn’t interest you. And in case you missed it, it’s cheaper.

Two bus companies operate around Taroko National Park, each with their own lines. Hualien Bus Company controls Buses 1133A, 1133, 1126, and 1141, which all start at Hualien Station. Taroko Bus Company operates Bus 302, which departs from Xincheng Station. Both companies offer day passes that tourists may use to enjoy unlimited rides, but the pass issued by one bus line can’t be used to board the other. For example, if you purchase a Bus 1133A day pass, you can’t use it for Bus 302 because it’s by another company. Buses from each line are also around 1 hour apart. Meaning, if you’re holding a 1133A pass and you miss the 1133A bus by a minute, you’ll have to wait for an hour for the next one.

Hence, the best way to take advantage of BOTH these bus companies isn’t to purchase a day pass from either but to just get an EasyCard , which is Taiwan’s IC card, similar to Hong Kong’s Octopus card, Singapore’s EZ card, or Japan’s ICOCA, PASMO, or SUICA. Both the Hualien buses and Bus 302 accept the Easycard. This way, if you miss a bus, you don’t have to wait for an hour. You just wait for the next bus, whichever comes first, regardless of which company operates it.

You can purchase an Easycard at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Family Mart and MRT stations. Cost of the card is NT$100. You will have to load it with credits first before you use it.

Bus 1133A, 1133, 1126, 1141

Hualien Bus Company operates the public passenger buses (Buses 1126, 1141, 1133) and Tour Taiwan Taroko shuttle buses (Bus 1133 A ) from Hualien. All these buses depart from Hualien Station . Here are the departure times of the public buses:

• Bus 1126. Departs at 06:30am
• Bus 1141. Departs at 08:40am
• Bus 1133. Departs at 10:50am and 01:50pm

Aside from these, there’s also Bus 1133A , which has multiple trips a day (one almost every hour) from 7am until early afternoon. This serves those who hold bus passes.

Notice the A. Bus 1133, which is a public passenger bus, is different from Bus 1133 A , which is a shuttle bus.

The stops vary depending on the Bus number.

Most tourists choose to purchase a 1-day or 2-day pass, which will entitle them unlimited rides on all buses above including shuttle bus 1133A and public buses 1126, 1141, and 1133. Here are the rates of the bus passes:

• 1-day pass: NT$ 250
• 2-day pass: NT$ 400

Last trip from Hualien: 03:10pm (Bus 1133A) Last trip from Tianxiang: 05:00pm (Bus 1133A)

The tickets can be purchased at the bright orange building adjacent Hualien train station. It’s hard to miss.

Taroko Bus Company operates Bus 302, which departs from Xincheng Station for Tianxiang almost hourly from 07:10am until 05:10pm.

• First trip from Xincheng: 07:10am
• Last trip from Xincheng: 05:10pm
• Last trip from Tianxiang: 06:00pm-06:50pm
• 1-Day Pass: NT$ 150

You can download the full schedule here: Bus 302 Timetable .

A Bus 302 day pass is available at NT$150 . Again, it’s only accepted at Bus 302 and won’t work at the buses coming from Hualien.

Bus 302 is often generally less crowded than Bus 1133A. There are also more 302 buses than 1133A buses, which makes it a better option when getting around within the Taroko National Park. The problem is, it starts and terminates at Xincheng Station. If your hotel is in Hualien, you will have to take a separete trip to or from Xincheng.

Important Reminders

• Get brochures upon ticket purchase so you have the latest timetable and more info about each site.
• Make sure you catch the last bus back to the city. Some seasons see additional buses so please double check the official website for the updated timetable.
• The route going out isn’t exactly the same as going in. There are a couple of deviations. For example, buses stop at the iconic Changchun Shrine only on the way back.
• Delays are common. Don’t expect buses to arrive or depart on the dot.

Plan ahead. It’s impossible to see everything Taroko Gorge has to offer in a day. Decide which stops you want to see and prioritize them.

• The best way to get around Taroko Gorge area is to buy an Easycard instead of the day passes so you get to use buses coming from both Hualien and Xincheng.

Places to Visit in Taroko Gorge

Here are some of the best spots in Taroko Gorge. For more details about each stop, we have a dedicated post. Read: Taroko Gorge Tourist Spots .

• Changchun Shrine (Eternal Spring Shrine). A cliffside structure, which features spring water gushing down a cliff, forming a spectacular waterfall.
• Shakadang Trail. Often called the Mysterious Valley Trail, this 4.5km path is etched on a cliffside beside a shallow, rocky stream. We followed the trail and feasted our eyes with the countless rock folds along the way.
• Jiuqudong (Tunnel of Nine Turns). Widely regarded as the most marvelous spot in Taroko Gorge, it is where marble cliffs stand so close to each other with only a narrow 10-meter gap between them.
• Yanzikou Trail (Swallow Grotto). A 1.4km walking trail so called for the countless Pacific Swallows and House Swifts that have nested at the site. Here, visitors can view spring-showered cliff sides and rock formations including the “Chieftain’s profile rock.”
• Tianxiang. A usual “lunch stop,” it is a river terrace recreational area set at the confluence of the tributaries to Liwu River, the Taci Jili and the Dasha. It is surrounded by wondrously challenging topography — mountaintops and river dales, tunnels and bridges.
• Xiangde Temple. On the northwest plateau of the opposite Jiangkou Mountain at 457m stands the Xiangde Temple, the centerpiece of a Buddhist Linzizong complex.

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Thanks very much for taking time to publish this very useful information. It is very helpful to travellers.

Thanks, Maria!

Hi, can I ask how much the fare is in between stops when you use the easycard?

Informative article! But there is one important note that I’m not seeing here.

If I decide not to get a 1 or 2 day pass from either company, and just do single rides with my Easycard so I can utilize both bus companies, how much are the single rides going to cost?

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What To Do In Hualien – Discover The 8 Best Spots To Visit

Completely laid-back and even paced, full of natural wonders and delicious food – that’s how the locals would describe Hualien. If you’re traveling to Taiwan for the first time and want to do some exploring outside of the main tourist city of Taipei , Hualien, which is located only 2-hours away by train, is the perfect accompaniment for your trip.

Where as Taipei is all about high-rise buildings, enormous shopping districts, and the hustle bustle of a city that never really sleeps, Hualien’s rolling mountains and quiet streams will make you view Taiwan in a different light.

We’ve got a soft spot for Hualien, as it completely blew us away with how much more stunning you first imagine the county to be. Below we’ve listed some activities that you simply cannot miss if you’re planning to skip the main tourist hub and head straight for the coast.

How To Get To Hualien?

The most convenient way to get from Taipei to Hualien would be to catch a train. You can book it online , or else head into any of the convenience stores such as 7-11 or FamilyMart to book them also. Please note that with online bookings, you will need to most likely provide a passport number.   The train ride will take just over 120 minutes, and will cost $440NT (14 USD) for an adult.  

You can also book a private car transfer from Taipei . It can be cheaper and more convenient with a private transfer, specially if you are a family or a group of friends traveling together.

Where to Stay In Hualien?

Hualien guesthouse – light stay b&b.

Light Stay B&B is exactly as the name suggests – a no-frills stay for those who aren’t after grandeur and lux, but don’t want to compromise on quality and comfort. Unlike most B&Bs, this place does provide private bathrooms. It’s located in an amazing area, only 3-minutes walk from Hualien Railway Station, and 35-minutes drive away from Taroko National Park.

As expected, there is an expansive kitchen if you want to cook and a gorgeous shared lounge that fosters an atmosphere of relaxation after a day of exploring and exchanging stories with fellow stayers, however, there are many unexpected touches that make this guesthouse a clear winner amongst others: it’s combined with a British Bar, all rooms come with air-conditioning, TV, and separate seating area, and the private bathroom also comes with free toiletries.

For those who are after the absolute bare minimum, there are dormitories available here also.

Why Guests Love It : “Very easy and fast to walk from train station, homely feel, the bed and pillow are soft and very comfortable, room deco was soothing, clean and airy.”, “Awesome place, clean, very comfortable beds, nice crew members, very good location.”, “Cute B&B, clean and spacious, and the owners were super helpful and kind. Breakfast vouchers are given to a café around the corner with a variety of options.”

Book It Now : Light Stay B&B

Hualien Hotel – Best Hotel

With a name like that, you really shouldn’t look any further if you’re after a comfortable stay on the coast. As the name suggests, Best Hotel provides quality amenities and facilities throughout its accommodation.

From its modern-styled rooms complete with air-con, flat-screen TV, and tea and coffee, bike rental and free parking, on-site restaurant and gym, and free Wi-Fi throughout, you’d be hard-pressed to find another hotel quite as complete as this one.

Why Guests Love It : “Polite service, quick check-out, clean and big room, comfortable stay, nothing to complain. It is THE BEST hotel we have stayed in Taiwan.”, “Everything was perfect! Big, clean and spacious room with a great view!”, “Everything is very good. Location, facilities, breakfast are satisfied”.  

Book It Now : Best Hotel  

What to Eat In Hualien

Hualien is constantly full of surprises, and the food variety here is no exception. If you’re a bit of a foodie, then there are a few things we highly recommend seeking whilst visiting this area, because they don’t quite do it as good elsewhere.

Scallion Pancake with Deep-Fried Egg

This is a street snack food that defines the entire street food scene of Hualien. Difficult to find elsewhere in Taiwan (and even if you do, chances are they don’t even come close in quality, taste, or texture), this deep-fried concoction consists of a chewy batter mixed with spices and green onion, fried with an egg inside.

The first bite will send you straight to heaven, but it’s when you reach the middle that you really encounter an otherworldly experience. The egg yolk’s perfectly placed so that it doesn’t cook, and a bit into the centre makes the yolk explode in your mouth (and possibly clothes and anyone else standing beside you). Be careful because it comes straight from the fryer and will be quite hot!

Spicy Wonton

This classic Asian dish is found in all corners of the world, and all recipes are deemed ‘the original one’ but Hualien’s version is undeniably special. In Taiwan, they call it ‘bian-shi’, and it is basically lightly seasoned pork mince wrapped in egg pastry and steamed. The spicy wonton here as quite the rep, so we recommend you go for it!

The 8 Best Things To Do In Hualien

• View the Taroko Gorges at Swallow Grotto within Taroko Gorge National Park
• Qingshui Cliffs
• Shakadong Trail
• Zhuilu Old Trail
• Qixing Beach
• Dongdaemun Night Market
• Coastal Highway 11

1. View the Taroko Gorges at Swallow Grotto within Taroko Gorge National Park

It’s pretty much absolute – the number one reason why people visit Hualien is because they want to catch a glimpse of the famous gorges which line the mountains and cliffs within Taroko Gorge National Park.

The beauty of the gorges precedes them – imagine stunning whorls and swirls of rocks and cliffs moulded by thousands of years of erosion, viewable from multiple suspension bridges, that go on and on (and on and on) for miles and miles. That’s probably why Taroko Gorge is part of our 9 best things to do in Taiwan !

It’s relatively touristy, but it’s an activity you definitely don’t want to miss out on. From our experience, the best way to experience this beauty is through a tour, and trust us, there are plenty to choose from. However, we highly recommend to book this one , you won’t be disappointed.

The guides are knowledgeable local experts who know the ins and outs of the area, and can even show you some secret locations that only they seem to know about. Otherwise, if you are going to go at it on your own, you may need to need to hire a rental car, and depending on where you go, you may need to pay extra fees.  

There are plenty of trails to take that will really immerse you in the beauty of the gorges, so be prepared to spend much more time there than you originally thought!

Address : 972, Taiwan, Hualien County, Xiulin Township, 富世291號

Access : If you’re not going to book a tour, you can easily get into Taroko Gorge from Hualien via multiple transport methods, such as public buses from Hualien (but be wary of their departure times – we recommend heading there a few days earlier to check and confirm), taxis (this is an expensive but flexible way of entering the park), and scooters (daredevils, this may be the option for you! There are plenty of scooter hire places around Hualien Station if you’re interested).  

2. Qingshui Cliffs  

Visiting Qingshui Cliffs is a must if you’re heading towards Taroko Gorge National Park; it’s along the same highway. What makes Qingshui Cliffs stand out is its position overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean: there are many areas where you can stop and marvel at the view, but at certain viewing platforms, the azure blue of the sea against the looming grey marbled cliffs and rich green of vegetation growing along the cliffs edge is just breathtaking.

There are many routes around the cliffs so you can pretty much stop at any of the many car parks along the area and walk a bit to get to a vantage point for photos. This activity won’t take up too much of your time, and you’ll honestly appreciate stopping for the view the moment you lay eyes on it.  For your information, this tour is also covering the Qingshui Cliffs.

On another note, if you’re after a full-blown adventure, then you can certainly participate in activities such as ATV-riding right up to the cliffs base! This will allow you to experience the cliffs from a different perspective.

Address : 972, Taiwan, Hualien County, Xiulin Township

Access : From Hualien Railway Station, catch a train to Heren or Chongde Station. Otherwise, from the HRS, take a Hualien Bus bound for Chongde and alight at Chongde. The cliffs are accessible from there. We highly recommend renting a car and/or booking through a tour so that you have the flexibility to driving to different vantage points (or get taken to secret locations by the guides!).

3. Shakadong Trail

The famous Shakadong Trail (aka. ‘Mysterious Valley Trail’), is known for its stunning trail through marbled rocks and boulders along a pristine clean river. The trail itself is extremely well-kept and easy to traverse, so anyone from a toddler to an elderly will be able to go from the beginning until the end and back again with a little bit of time.

The greenery along the way is absolutely stunning – in winter, it contrasts with the icy blue of the water and swirling greys and browns of the rocks to create an epic scenery to walk along, and in summer, it provides some much needed shade from the sun.  

At the end, the trail opens up to a larger body of the river and the beauty of the stunning colour of the water really shines here. Remember to take a moment to absorb it all in.  

• Address : Shakadang Trail, Xiulin Township  
• Access : From Hualien Station, you can hop on any of the Bus 1126, 1141, or 1133 to the entrance of Shakadang Trail at Shakadang Bridge. However, make sure you are aware of their departure times, as some only leave once a day.  

4. Zhuilu Old Trail

Zhuilu Old Trail is arguably one of the most challenging hikes across all of Taiwan, but it’s also a contender for one of the most rewarding. If steep step inclines and dense vegetation is your kind of thing, then make sure you book yourself on this hike. It’s an extremely popular one amongst locals and domestic tourists, and for good reason.

It’s quite scenic along the way, with plenty of places for you to stop and marvel at the beauty of the views, and there are plenty of rest stops on the way up (you’ll definitely need it). However, it’s crown jewel has got to be the view at the top when you arrive.  

Instead of one big viewing platform, you’re taken to a cliffs edge that stretches for 500m along the side before you actually reach the end. The cliff’s edge is a mere 90cm wide, meaning only one person should be traversing on the path at the time, and, get this, there are absolutely no rails to handles to hand onto, so there’s pretty much nothing between you and the 700m drop to the bottom of the mountain.

You’re literally between a rock and figuratively a hard place. Don’t let that deter you from this hike though, because as long as you stick to the rules and play it safe, you’re guaranteed a view and experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. The fog around the surrounding mountains adds a layer of mystique to the trail, and there’s something quite surreal about peeping over the 700m cliff edge without a single barrier to hinder your vision.  

Along the way, you’ll see anyone from children to the elderly doing this hike – it’s challenge doesn’t discriminate. There are strict regulations to adhere to, however, and so we highly recommend doing this through a tour ( EyeTravel Taiwan are a big player in the game, and they know their stuff).

Otherwise, there are permits that you need to apply for, and for environmental sustainability reasons, only a limit of 96 people are allowed to enter a day, so for the peak seasons, you should book in advance!

• Address : 972, Taiwan, Hualien County, Xiulin Township, 燕子口隧道
• Website (to apply for permit): https://npm.cpami.gov.tw/en/
• More Info : https://www.taroko.gov.tw/en/Announcements/Fees

5. Qixing Beach  

A stop along the way of traveling through Taroko National Park is Qixing Beach, a gorgeous body of water that opens up to the Pacific Ocean. It’s not a place where people go swimming, per se, as the waves are always extraordinarily rough and dangerous. It’s a rocky beach, with black pebbles littering the ground all the way out to the ocean, which is a unique experience for some.

Many locals and visitors pack picnics here, as the view is quite serene and relaxing, with waves crashing and not too much sand being blown around as with most beaches.  

Many people make this a stop along their exploration of the coast, but for those are after a leisurely day, you can easily rent a bike from the rental store at Qixingtan, and ride along the Two Lakes Bikeway.

• Address : 971, Taiwan, Hualien County, Xincheng Township
• Access : From Hualien Railway Station, you can take a Taiwan Tourist Shuttle towards Qixingtan. Otherwise, you can rent it directly from outside Hualien Railway Station and ride it towards Qixing Beach.  

6. Dongdaemun Night Market

What is Taiwan without night markets? Without further ado, let us introduce to you one of Hualien’s most famous (and rightfully so) night markets: the Dongdaemun Night Market.

For those of you who have visited Taiwan before and are well-versed in the usual settings of Taiwan’s night markets, you’ll really appreciate the cleanliness of this one; and for those of you who are yet to experience them, let’s just say, this one will really set the standard for you.  

Dongdaemun Night Market is well and truly a foodies dream. All the typical Taiwanese street foods will be present here: hundreds of skewers on display, ready to be prepared and eaten on the spot, candied strawberries sold by the dozen, fresh shucked oysters and fried chicken – all the perfect accompaniment after a long day of exploring.

You’ll find stalls of Taiwanese bubble tea to wash everything down, or maybe it’s fresh watermelon juice you’re after? That’ll literally be a few stalls down. Toys, electronics, a stage with entertainment – Dongdaemun Night Market has it all.

• Address : No. 50號, Zhongshan Road, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970
• Access : The easiest way to get to Dongdaemun Night Market is via a short 5-minute taxi ride. Otherwise, there are plenty of buses from the Hualien Railway Station that will take you there.  
• Hours : 5:30pm – 11:30pm  

7. Hehuanshan  

For the adrenalin junkies who want nothing more than to exert all their energy into exploring the wilderness and going to where the air is freshest, Hehuanshans is where the party’s at. Instead of being one singular mountain peak, Hehuanshan consists of a series of condensed, well-known mountains, all perfectly acceptable for hiking and thus making this an outdoor junkie’s paradise.

There are many trails to choose from, From Hehuan Main Peak, to the North Peak, and even West Peak. However, we’ll note down the easiest trail here so that you understand what the standard is and make your decision on which trail to take from there.

Mt. Shimen is a popular hike of Hehuanshan. To get to the beginning, you’ll need to drive to the car park at Wuling, and from there, ascend only 800m in altitude before reaching the top.

Depending on how fit you are, this may take roughly 60minutes or so. It’s not too strenuous, and there are plenty of elderly hikers and young children who can also take this route. If you’re prone to stopping and taking pictures every couple of metres, then be prepared: the views and flora here are quite stunning, so you’ll need to take into consideration all the time you’ll spend capturing beauty before you even get to the top.  

• Address : 972, Taiwan, Nantou County, Ren’ai Township
• Access : No public transport will be able to take you here. You will need to hire a car, a taxi, a scooter, or (for the extremely brave and fit) a bicycle. You will need to park here.

8. Coastal Highway 11  (Hualien <-> Taitung)

Between Hualien and Taitung county is the famous East Coast Highway 11, a spectacular road trip that takes you along some of Taiwan’s best beaches and nature sceneries. Along the way, you’ll pass some rural villages and fisherman towns that have still retained their old-school charm, and untouched soils that will make you feel like there’s a piece on earth still undiscovered by the masses.

The air is cleaner, the time is slower, and the freedom to do whatever you want will permeate through your senses all day, every day, until you’re left a laid-back, carefree nomad who’s living for the moment (if you weren’t already). If you’re a big fan of any of the following, you’re in a good time: gorgeous beaches, rolling mountains, surfing, swimming or snorkelling (or any water sports really), intimate guesthouses, hiking, and sun sun sun.

Some of the standouts of locations along the highway include: Qixingtan Beach (mentioned before), Baqi Lookout , Jici Beach  (one of the best beaches in Taiwan ), Tropic of Cancer , and many more. It’s also important to note that the drive can be done in a full day (depending on your itinerary, so you’ll be back in Hualien before you know it. Otherwise, stay at one of the coastal accommodations for a relaxed drive and lazy morning the next day.  

Access : The beginning of the highway starts at Ji’an Township in Hualien, and runs along the eastern coast of Taiwan.  

Hualien can easily surprise even the most well-travelled individual. As much as people believe they’ve seen Taiwan through the eyes of Taipei, Hualien, only 2 hours away by train, can shed light on another side of Taiwan that you can only dream of.

Whilst we’re definitely not trying to take away from the allure of Taipei City’s extraordinary nightlife, Hualien adds another layer of welcomed intricacy to Taiwan’s already mysterious and exciting appeal. Nature buffs, this one’s for you.

PS : If you are looking for more travel destinations in Taiwan, feel free to check out these blog posts too: Taiwan Travel Blog .

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge here.

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Asia , City Guides , Taiwan · September 10, 2019

15 Incredible Things to do in Hualien Taiwan

Planning a trip to Taiwan’s gorgeous East Coast and looking for things to do in Hualien? 

Hualien is a beautiful city nestled on Taiwan’s East Coast that rivals some of the best cities in Taiwan. While the city of Hualien is best known as the main gateway to Taiwan’s incredible  Taroko Gorge , the town itself and its surrounding areas are equally stunning. 

With glistening lakes, beautiful beaches, epic hiking trails, rice terraces, bustling night markets, and so much more, Hualien has plenty to entice travelers and definitely deserves a spot on any Taiwan itinerary . 

In this guide, I will share the very best things to do in Hualien, Taiwan. I’ve also included tons of tips (gathered from years and years of living in Taiwan) so that you can plan the perfect Hualien trip.

Read along to find the best things to do in Hualien and discover the best attractions to add to your Hualien travel itinerary .

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Before you go to Hualien

Before we dive into what to do in Hualien, here are a few Hualien travel tips to help you plan the perfect trip. 

• Hualien is one of the busiest travel destinations in Taiwan. Make sure to book accommodation and train tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Check the weather before your trip, as the East Coast is prone to typhoons and landslides. 
• Read my detailed Taiwan packing list for tips on what to wear and what to bring along on your trip.
• Download the Uber app , Google Translate , and Google Maps on your phone for a stress-free trip. 
• Don’t forget your Easy Card if you’re planning on using the bus or local train while in Hualien. 
• Taiwan’s East Coast is famous for its incredible cycling routes. If that’s on your list of things to do in Hualien this guide on Taiwan bike rental shops will come in handy.

When to visit Hualien

Hualien is a great city to visit year-round. And if you want to get acquainted with Hualien’s best bits, plan to spend at least a couple of days here. With 3-4 full days in Hualien, you’ll be able to get a real feel of the city and experience all of the city’s best attractions.

So when is the best time to visit Hualien?

Well, that’s somewhat of a tricky question. You see, Taiwan’s east coast is prone to unpredictable weather patterns, and typhoons and earthquakes are quite common in this part of the island. With that said, the best time to visit Hualien is during spring or winter (IMO).

Spring (Mar -May) , especially the month of March, is a great time to visit Hualien. During the season of spring, you’re likely to experience good weather with average temperatures in the mid-twenties (°C).

Winter (Dec-Feb) is another great season to go to Hualien as there’s less rain and less humidity. During these months, you can expect average temperatures between 20-25 °C.

If you must visit in autumn (Sept – Nov) , try to avoid the month of October. It is the wettest month with roughly 367mm of rainfall.

Summer (Jun-Aug) is not a bad time to visit Hualien, but you should Hualien is hot and muggy during this season. July is the hottest month, and temperatures easily go above 30°C. Typhoon season also runs through summer in Taiwan, so remember to check the weather forecast before your trip.

How to get to Hualien

Hualien is one of the most popular travel destinations in Taiwan. And as a result, it’s quite easy to access the city. I’ve written a complete guide on how to get from Taipei to Hualien , but if you’re in a rush, here are the basics:

By train:  Many trains go to Hualien daily, but book a seat on either the  Taroko Express  or  Puyuma Express  trains for the fastest and most convenient journey. Tickets cost NTD 440, and the ride takes about 2.5 hours. Make sure to book a ticket 14 days in advance when traveling during peak season, special events, or weekends. 

By direct bus:  Thanks to the recent improvements on Taiwan’s Suhua Highway, it is now possible to bus directly from Taipei to Hualien. Both  Taipei Bus  and  Ubus  offer direct routes between Nangang Station in Taipei and Hualien Station. The ride takes roughly 200 minutes and costs NTD 320. 

By bus & train combo:  If you’ve missed the direct bus or are too late for one of the fast trains, it is possible to take a local bus from Taipei to Loudong and then catch a local train to Hualien. But just a heads up, this option isn’t much cheaper, and travel times are often much longer.

By air:  If you want to maximize your time in Hualien, flying there is your best bet. Several flights depart to Hualien from Songshan Airport in Taipei and Kaohsiung Airport each week. Tickets start at around NTD 3000 for a return trip.

By shuttle bus:  If your Taiwan itinerary is flexible, you could also join this  shared sightseeing carpool . The shuttle runs from Taipei to Hualien via Jiufen – an iconic small mountain village and one of the best  day trips from Taipei . 

Join a tour: If you only have one day in Hualien, this  Taroko Gorge Day Tour with Round-trip Flight from Taipei  will allow you to drop by some of the stunning trails in Taroko, visit Qingshui cliff, and snack your way through the night market – all in less than 15 hours.

Getting around Hualien

Hualien City has a wealth of transport methods to transport you to all corners of the city. However, the best way to experience all of Hualien’s amazing attractions is at your own pace. And the easiest way to do so is by car or scooter. 

If you have  a valid driver’s license  (international or local), renting a scooter or a car in Hualien is pretty easy. You can rent a scooter right in front of the train station, where you’ll find several scooter rental shops. Prices generally start at NTD 500 a day. However, it is often possible to get a cheaper rate through your hotel. If you’re traveling in a group or just not comfortable navigating Hualien by scooter, another option is to rent a car. Book a  car rental  for pick up near the train station here. 

If none of the options above are for you, then you’ll be glad to learn that it’s relatively easy to get around Hualien City by taxi, Uber or by public bus. 

Like elsewhere in Taiwan, you can flag down a cab on the street, ask your hotel to call one for you, or book one through an Ibon machine in any 7-Eleven. Just make sure always to have your destination’s address written down (or screenshot thereof) in Chinese .

Getting around Hualien is pretty easy if you are relying on public transport too. There is no subway (MRT) in Hualien like in Taipei , Kaohsiung or Taichung , but Hualien City has an extensive bus network that can easily transport you around the city and surrounding areas. It’s a good idea to download Google Map s before your trip to access info on the go and invest in an  Easy Card  so that you can tap and go on the bus. If you’re planning on making good use of the bus in Hualien, it’s wise to buy a bus pass. You can buy a 1-day or 2-day Tourist Pass at the Hualien Bus Station (the orange building near the train station). 

Where to stay in Hualien

There are oodles of  accommodation options  in Hualien catering to all types of budgets and traveling styles. 

With that said, the best place to stay in Hualien is near the train station. From here, you’ll have easy access to buses and trains, as well as loads of shops and restaurants around you. 

Here are my top recommendations on where to stay in Hualien.

Hualien Wow Hostel  practically sits opposite the train station and is a great option for backpackers or those traveling on a tight budget. The hostel offers everything from dorm-style rooms to private rooms for those who value their privacy.

Another great budget option is  Bayhouse Comfortel Hualien Hostel . The same owners as Bayhouse Hostel in  Penghu  run this hostel, so expect an awesome atmosphere, helpful staff, and clean rooms. 

Meci Hotel is only 500m from the train station and ideal for mid-range travelers. Although the building looks a bit outdated from the outside, the interior is beautiful! In the lobby, you’ll find loads of maps and info, as well as free snacks and drinks. The rooms are clean and comfy, and the staff speaks English.

The  Lakeshore Hotel  is a 4-star hotel with beautiful clean rooms and ocean views. It is a bit further away from the train station, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for an upscale stay at surprisingly affordable rates.

Best Things to do in Hualien, Taiwan

Hualien is one of Taiwan’s most scenic areas to explore and a huge must while in Taiwan. Below you’ll find the best things to do in Hualien and lots of tips to help you plan the perfect Hualien trip.

Hike Taroko Gorge

If there is one thing you must do in Hualien it is visit Taroko Gorge.

Taroko Gorge is one of the nine National Parks in Taiwan and a must on any Taiwan travel itinerary . Here, you’ll be able to trek through beautiful trails following along marble walls, spot unique fauna and flora, see some of Taiwan’s best waterfalls , and pop into cute temples. 

Hiking is one of the main draws of this park, with  the Eternal Spring Shrine trail ,  Shakadang trail , and the  Swallow Grotto trail  being among the most popular. If you want to attempt something a bit more challenging, the  Zhuilu Old Hiking Trai l is the toughest trek in Taroko. The hike requires a permit and since only 96 permits are issued a day, make sure to plan well ahead. You can apply for permits online or book this  Zhuilu Old Road Trail hike  to make things a bit easier.

Be sure also to read my super detailed  Taroko Gorge  guide, which highlights the best trails (plus tons of tips) to help you plan your trip. Taroko can easily be visited independently, but this  Taroko day trip from Hualien is a great option if you prefer to join a guided tour. Alternatively, book a  private car charter   to explore the area at your own pace.

Visit Qingshui Cliffs

The Qingshui Cliffs are one of Taiwan’s most iconic sights and arguably one of the top Hualien attractions!

If you are driving, be careful not to miss the parking lot. The sign is often obscured by large tour buses, and since the parking lot lies on a bend (just after a tunnel exit), it is quite easy to drive by. Make sure to download Google Maps beforehand so that you can find it easily.

Once you’ve parked, it’s a short 5 – minute walk to the viewing platforms. From here, you can take a stroll around, snap some pics or simply admire the magnificent views.

More adventurous travelers won’t be disappointed visiting here either. With activities such as sea kayaking or   SUP nearby, you can enjoy the natural beauty and get your adrenaline fix in one go!

Relax at Qixingtan Beach

One of the best things to do in Hualien is to visit Qixingtan Beach. In fact, no visit to Hualien would be complete without visiting this spectacular Taiwan beach !

Unlike the white sandy beaches that you’ll find in Kenting , Qixingtan is not your typical beach. Here instead of sand, you’ll find pebbles – in all shapes, sizes, and colors imaginable! It’s also one of the best spots on the island to catch the sunrise (besides Alishan and Hehuanshan, near Cingjing ) or do some stargazing.

Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed here due to the strong currents on this side of the island, but it’s still a great place to hang out. If you’re visiting in summer, pop into the tiny ice cream store (near the visitors center) where you can enjoy a refreshing (and cheap) treat.

Spend at least a few hours here hunting for pebbles, building zen towers, strolling on the beach or simply enjoying the stunning scenery. 

Wander around Liyu Lake

Liyu Lake is only a 20-minute scooter drive from downtown Hualien and a huge must on your list of things to do in Hualien.

While Liyu Lake is not nearly as impressive as Sun Moon Lake , it is Taiwan’s second – largest natural lake and a great place to immerse yourself in nature while visiting Hualien.

Be sure to pop by the visitors’ center, where you can wander along the wooden skywalk and admire the natural beauty. You can also do all kinds of water sports here, like canoeing, boat paddling, and  standup paddleboarding . 

Drop by Pine Garden

Built in the early 1940s, Pine Garden played an important role in Taiwan’s history and was the Japanese Navy Administration Office for multiple years.

It’s excellent vantage point was the perfect location to spot ships nearing the city. Although Pine Garden has changed many hands since then, it is one of Taiwan’s 100 Historical Buildings today.

Even if you aren’t into history, Pine Garden is a lovely spot to enjoy a walkabout or relax under the towering pine trees.

Stroll around Manor House

Near the city’s hub, you’ll find Manor House – a former Japanese military residence and yet another historical landmark in Hualien.

Today the area is home to quirky art pieces and colorful murals. It’s also the only Japanese community library on the east coast.

Manor House is a great place to stroll around and a cool add-on to your Hualien things to do list!

Snack your way through Hualien

Dongdaemun is the biggest night market in Hualien and a popular go-to spot for foodies. Although it’s a nice place to have a walkabout, there isn’t that much food on offer here. But it’s still a fun place to browse, sample street food or enjoy the game stalls.

Unlike other Taiwanese night markets , Dongdamen has nice broad walkways so it never feels overcrowded. If you’re still feeling peckish, opt for browsing the streets where you’re likely to find tons of local favorites.

Oh, and if you have a sweet tooth, definitely try the taro or sweet potato cakes. They are divine!

Visit Farglory Ocean Park

If visiting Hualien with kids, don’t miss the  Farglory Ocean Park . The park is home to an aquarium, loads of water rides, and even a cable car that offers a panoramic views over the coastline.

You can also book a room in the onsite hotel to really enjoy all of the park’s attractions. But if you simply want to visit for the day, make sure to come early. That way, you can browse the aquarium and try some of the rides without the crowds.

Duck into temples

Like other cities in Taiwan, the city of Hualien is jam-packed with beautiful temples and religious sites.

The Hualien Martyr’s Shrine, Hualien Ji-an Shrine, and Tzu Chi Buddhist Grounds are just a few of the temples to visit during your Hualien itinerary. If you only have time to visit one, I highly recommend visiting Ji-an Shrine — a small Japanese Shinto Shrine.

Soak in a hot spring

If you’re looking for one of the most relaxing things to do in Hualien, then don’t miss Hualien’s hot springs!

There are three large hot springs near Hualien; Ruisui Hot Springs, Hongye Hot Springs, and Antong Hot Springs.

While they all offer beautiful scenery and steamy thermal pools, Ruisui Hot Springs is one of the most popular resorts in the greater Hualien area. The resort dates back to the early 1900s and features beautiful traditional Japanese wooden architecture.

The resort has a stunning open-air pool with the most incredible mountain views. But you can also book a private tub if crowds aren’t for you.

What really makes Ruisui hot spring so special is that it’s also Taiwan’s only carbonate hot spring. The water (which reaches up to 48°C) is rich in minerals such as iron. When the iron comes into contact with air it oxidizes giving the water a slightly yellowish tint. It’s also not uncommon to see a layer of salt crystals (aka hot spring flowers) float on its surface.

Get your adrenaline fix

There are loads of fun things to do in Hualien for thrill seekers – from hiking and paragliding to river tracing, rafting, SUP, and even ATV tours! If you have a bit of free time to spare on your Hualien to do list, why not squeeze in a few heart-thumping activities? 

Here are some of the most adventurous things to do in Hualien:

• Paragliding:  The  paragliding experience  is only 15 minutes long, but the breathtaking views from above over the rolling hills and epic coastline will be more than enough reward. 
• River rafting:  Experience one of Taiwan’s best rafting spots on this  river rafting tour  as you navigate the rapids of the Hsiukuluan River while being fully surrounded by lush jungle scenery. 
• River tracing:  Ever wanted to trek, climb and swim your way through the gorgeous forests of Taiwan? Check out this fun  river tracing experience .
• Sea kayaking:  Join this  Qingshui Cliffs sea kayaking tour  for one of the most magical sunrises in the world!
• Ziplining:  Hualien County is blessed with an abundance of beautiful subtropical forests. if you want to get a close-up look at the area’s natural gems join this  treetop adventure ! 

Join a cooking class

Taiwanese aboriginal food is one of the most unique cuisines in the world. And what better way to get acquainted with Hualien’s local specialties than by joining an  aboriginal cooking class .

The cooking class lasts about 3 hours, and it’s a great add-on to any list of things to do in Hualien. Not only will you learn how to prepare some incredibly delicious dishes, but you’ll also learn a little more about the unique cooking methods used in aboriginal cuisine. 

Enjoy a Cuppa at the Starbucks Shipping Container Store

If you love coffee and taking Instagrammable photos, you have to add the Starbucks Shipping Container Store (see  map ) to your list of things to do in Hualien! 

The store is only about 15 minutes drive south of downtown and is hands-down one of the coolest Starbucks stores in Taiwan. 

Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, it’s still a great place to take photos. The architecture is really impressive The 2-story tall store consists of a whopping 29 recycled containers and offers stunning views over the Pacific Ocean. It is also the first store in the Asia Pacific region built from recycled shipping containers. 

Admire the views at Baqi Observatory  

Roughly 45 minutes drive south of Hualien is one of the most beautiful coastal views of Taiwan, the Baqi Observatory (see  map ). The lookout point sits along Provincial Highway 11 and offers sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean and mountains covered in lush vegetation.

While the observation deck is not very big, it’s still a cool pitstop to snap some pictures. You’ll also find a couple of vendors here selling drinks and local favorites like  luwei  (braised snacks) and sticky rice bamboo tubes. 

Take a day tour

Still wondering what to do in Hualien? Well, then you’re in luck because Taiwan’s east coast is a mecca for nature lovers! 

And one of the easiest ways to get a close-up look at Hualien’s attractions is with a day tour. Here are some of the most popular day tours to add to your Hualien itinerary: 

• Whale Watching  – If you want to catch a glimpse of dolphins or whales, Taiwan’s east coast is the best spot to do so! Especially since these waters are home to 29 of the world’s 60 species of whales and dolphins. Apart from spotting whales or dolphins frolicking in the water, you’ll also be rewarded with beautiful views.
• East Rift Valley Day Tour  – A scenic drive through Taiwan’s East Rift Valley should be high on your list of things to do in Hualien, Taiwan. On this day trip, you’ll drop by Lintian Mountain (an old logging village), Butterfly Valley, and the Hualien Sugar Factory.
• Orange Day-Lily Day Tour  – Take in the magnificent views from the top of Sixty Stone Mountain, also known as Lioushidan. Sitting at an elevation of about 800 meters, Sixty Stone Mountain is an incredibly scenic mountain area best known for its vast fields of daylilies. Every year from August to September, a sea of golden lily fields blanket the mountain slopes, making it one of the prettiest places to visit in Taiwan. If you’re an adventurous foodie, don’t miss the deep-fried daylilies that many vendors sell her along the road. 

What’s your favorite thing to do in Hualien?

There you have it – the absolute best things to do in Hualien! Did your favorite Hualien activities make the list? If not, let me know in the comments below so that I can check them out when I visit Hualien again.

Liked these Hualien Attractions? Maybe your friends will too. Share  The   Best Things to do in Hualien, Taiwan  with them here.

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Hualien Starts Here

Any discussion of a Hualien itinerary invariably shifts to the topic of a Taroko Gorge hike. (Don’t worry: That beautiful place will feature heavily in this article.)

Before we get there, however, I want to take some time to spotlight city-center Hualien attractions, which I feel don’t get enough attention. To say nothing of Hualien’s relaxing and laid-back vibe, which all by itself is a vacation from the hustle-bustle of Taipei .

Whether you’re searching for a Hualien travel gide you can use right out-of-the-box, or need inspiration for your own trip plan, I hope you’ll continue reading.

Where to Stay in Hualien

Before I begin talking about things to do in Hualien, let’s talk about where you should stay. Generally speaking, I recommend staying in the city center (as opposed to spending a night in or near Taroko), since this beautiful destination is best seen on a day trip. This is particularly advisable if you rent a car (and I imagine you will) since you can easily travel between the city and the park.

As far as specific Hualien hotels, I have a personal recommendation— Fupin Hotel , where I stayed during my most recent trip to the city, and is still one of my favorite hotels in Taiwan—but my advice for Hualien is generally similar to my tips in Taiwan more generally. Hotels here leave something to be desired; if you can find a good Airbnb in the city center, this might be your best option.

My Favorite Things to Do in Hualien

Slow it all down.

Is Hualien worth visiting? Yes—and if only for the chill vibes it offers, or the fact that its sidewalks are literally paved with marble from Taroko Gorge. Hualien offers respite from the day-to-day of Taipei, whether you flee it as an expat or a tourist. Certainly, you’ll want to lower your heart rate a bit before heading off to Taroko Gorge, where it’s sure to tick up again. TIP: If you have a rental car, a great place to chill out is Qixingtian Beach , which is just north of the city center.

Eat Taiwan’s Tastiest Scallion Pancake

Eating is one of the best things to do in Hualien, and in a couple of different contexts. The first meal I ever had in the city remains the best: A cong you bing scallion pancake at Lao Pai , a few minutes’ walk north of Hualien Station. What makes this one so special? Rather than the pancake being grilled and the egg being scrambled, as is the case in most of the rest of Taiwan, both are deep-fried (together—the egg is wrapped inside the dough!) in Hualien.

Explore Dongdamen Night Market

A walk through the Hualien night market offers you a wider diversity of food experiences than a trip to Lao Pai, but it’s not just what you eat here that makes it memorable. Dongdamen Night Market is one of the largest such markets I’ve ever visited in Taiwan. The square footage of the market, which is just south of the city center, certainly belies the relatively small size of Hualien itself.

Spend a Day (or Two) in Taroko Gorge

There are other things to do in Hualien’s city center, but by this point you’ll understandably be eager to get to Taroko Gorge National Park . Whether you travel by bus or your own rented car, Taroko Gorge is simple to navigate and has finite points of interests. Some of my favorites include Swallow Grotto and the Shrine of the Eternal Spring , a temple from which a waterfall (i.e. eternal spring) seems to pour.

Admire the Qingshui Cliffs

While it’s possible to get to Taroko via public transportation, the only realistic way to get from Hualien to Qingshui Cliffs is via private car. That’s the bad news. The good news? Most travelers to Hualien (certainly, foreigners who aren’t currently residing in Taipei or another Taiwanese city will have their own wheels, and will be in the middle of a road trip I’ll describe in a few paragraphs.

How Long Should You Spend in Hualien?

Inevitably, the question of how many days in Hualien you should spend curves back around to two secondary concerns. First, how long do you plan to spend in Taroko Gorge National Park? Secondly, are you traveling to Hualien as an excursion from Taipei , or en route down Taiwan’s east coast as part of a road trip? (I’ll have more to say about Taiwan road trips in a second!)

If it’s simply a matter of things to do in Hualien, plus a day in Taroko Gorge and/or at Qingshui Cliffs, most travelers can get by spending two nights in Hualien. If, on the other hand, Hualien serves more as connective tissue than an actual meat-and-potatoes destination, you can probably spend just a night there, although this will involve heavy-duty sightseeing on either side of your sleep.

Driving Taiwan’s East Coast

For many travelers—myself included, at least on my first swing through the city—Hualien is a stop on a Taiwan road trip , its own merit notwithstanding. Assuming you rent your car within Taipei’s city limits (most do), you’ll drive eastward from the capital, optionally stopping at Jiufen Old Street en route to your first overnight stopover. This may or may not be Hualien: Many decide to first visit Yilan , a popular weekend destination for Taipei residents.

On the other side, the most popular way forward is to drive from Hualien to Taitung , stopping amid the rice fields of Yuli County and the Bridge of the Three Immortals (aka Sanxiantai ) en route to the hub of Taiwan’s southeast . From here, you’ll continue southward, stopping (among other places) at Taimali Beach before ending up in popular Kenting National Park , where you’ll sleep for at least one night.

Other FAQ About Visiting Hualien

Is hualien worth visiting.

Hualien is absolutely worth visiting, to the extent that I often cite it as my favorite city in Taiwan. Whether you’re traipsing through the city streets (which are literally paved with marble) or making a trip to Qingshui Cliffs or into Taroko Gorge, Hualien is a seriously underrated city that punches way about its weight.

How do you get around in Hualien?

Although Hualien does have a modest bus network (and is walkable, within its immediate core), it’s really best to have your own set of wheels when you’re in the city. I recommend riding the train here from Taipei, and then renting a car at least for the day or days you plan to visit Taroko Gorge.

How do I get from Taipei to Hualien?

Limited express trains travel several times per day from Taipei Main Station to Hualien, and take about two hours each way. Unfortunately, the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) doesn’t currently go to Hualien, and I’m not sure if it ever will.

The Bottom Line

Hualien far exceed excursions to Taroko Gorge or the Qingshui Cliffs, although I can understand people’s desires to reduce the city to its environs. Likewise, for many unsuspecting travelers, Hualien is simply a stopping-off point on a road trip down Taiwan’s East Coast Scenic Route. Which is not to say that, through this article, I’m attempting to paint Hualien as more than it is: A medium-sized Taiwanese city that gains a great deal of appeal from its natural setting. I do hope, however, that you will take time to appreciate Hualien itself, apart from the places you go before and after it. Loved my Hualien travel guide? Consider hiring me to plan your entire Taiwan trip!

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A 2024 Guide to Taroko Gorge and Taroko National Park

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Taroko Gorge, named after the Truku or Taroko aboriginal tribe, is arguably Taiwan’s top scenic attractions. Few people visit without being blown away by its sheer magnificence and raw natural beauty. It is the star attraction of Hualien, Taiwan’s largest county (see my Hualien guide and other places to visit in Hualien ), on the wild and visually stunning east coast.

Taroko Gorge can be reached in a mere 2-3 hours from the capital, Taipei, yet it feels world’s apart.

I wrote this guide to Taroko Gorge based on many visits I’ve made over the last 15 years. In it, I’m going to cover all the main things to do in Taroko Gorge, how to get there, where to stay, how to do Taroko Gorge as a day trip from Taipei, and why I think Island Life Taiwan offers the best Taroko Gorge tours .

For more general information about traveling in Taiwan, also be sure to see my introduction to Taiwan travel .

2024 Update: On April 3, 2024, a massive earthquake struck the Hualien region. Taroko Gorge is heavily damaged and all of Taroko National Park (including Taroko Gorge and Hehuanshan) is totally closed to visitors. It is expected that the gorge will be closed for a full year. Trains are now running again from Taipei to Hualien and onward to Taitung. Damage in Hualien city is less serious, but some hotels have closed for repairs. See my newest guide: things to do in Hualien which are still currently open .

Table of Contents

Welcome to Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is the country’s premier scenic attraction, along with Alishan and Sun Moon Lake . It is featured on my list of best places to visit in Taiwan and it is an essential stop on any Taiwan itinerary .

The area referred to as Taroko Gorge is a steep, dramatic valley created by the Liwu River (立霧溪), which flows from Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range east to the Pacific Ocean. The blue-green waters of the Liwu River have carved out immense, vertical cliffs of marble and gneiss.

The Japanese first made the area a national park, called Tsugitaka-Taroko National Park , during their colonial rule of Taiwan from 1895 to 1945. This was the first national park ever in Taiwan. After the Japanese left, the KMT government later abolished the national park, and it wasn’t reestablished again as Taroko National Park until 1986 (later than others, such as Kenting National Park ).

Many people don’t realize this, but Taroko National Park is much larger than just the famous tourist section called Taroko Gorge. In fact, the park extends all the way up to the Central Mountain range, including the famous mountain Hehuanshan , one of the best places in Taiwan to see snow .

Super-narrow Provincial Highway 8 runs up Taroko Gorge. The highway was first built in the late 1950s, and the 212 veterans who died while building it are today commemorated at Eternal Spring Shrine .

Highway 8 is actually the start of the Central Cross-Island Highway as it follows the Liwu River upstream and then continues over the high mountains all the way to Taichung City on the west coast. The first 19 kilometers or so of the highway are what we typically consider Taroko Gorge .

In the Central Mountain Range, Highway 8 also connects to Highway 14, which continues to famous attractions like Hehuanshan , Wuling Pass (Taiwan’s highest), Cingjing Farm , and Puli (access point for Sun Moon Lake).

2024 Taroko Gorge Closures

Taiwan’s high mountain roads are subject to frequent closures due to damage from typhoons and landslides. Several storms in 2022 and 2023 have caused multiple road closures on Highway 8, including one right in Taroko Gorge .

As of early 2024, there are five areas of construction on Highway 8, and two of these are inside Taroko Gorge.

For several months in 2023 and early 2024, one spot was only open to let cars pass five times per day. Because of this, bus 310 from Hualien city to Taroko Gorge and bus 302 from Xincheng to Taroko Gorge were reduced to only a few per day.

In March 2024, this was updated to 8 opening times per day (10 minutes every hour on the hour from 9 AM to 4 PM, then open all night from 5 PM to 8 AM and open on weekends and holidays). Bus 310 and 302 are back to normal schedule.

New updates about these road closures are released on the first day of every month on the Taroko NP park website (click small arrow beside Highway 8). However, this information can be difficult to understand. For interpretations of their information, including maps I made, please join my Taiwan Travel Planning group and see my most recent posts about Taroko Gorge.

These closures will also slow down anyone planning to drive from Taroko Gorge to Hehuanshan (or vice versa). The drive is still doable, but I suggest starting your day as early as possible because there are likely to be delays.

How Many Days for Visiting Taroko?

Most people spend one entire day visiting Taroko Gorge, whether they self drive, take a day tour , or hire a private driver for the day.

One option is to arrive in Hualien very early, do your day tour, spend the night, then continue to your next destination the next day. However, if you’re coming by train, note that even the first train of the day won’t get you there early enough to catch most tours .

Another option is to arrive and check in to your hotel on Day 1, do your Taroko day tour on Day 2, then head on to your next destination in the evening. To make your visit more relaxed, spend two nights or more there , so you don’t have to do any traveling on the same day as your Taroko tour.

With a full day, you’ll be able to visit most of the places I describe in this article, including at least one or two short hikes. You’ll also most likely be able to visit Qingshui Cliffs and Qixingtan Beach, two attractions outside of the gorge that are included on most Taroko day tours. I’ll further introduce both of these places below.

Taroko can even be done as a day trip from Taipei , but it makes for a very long day. You can book this day trip with transportation from Taipei , but it makes for a very long day, with 8-10 hours of driving. A better option is to go to Xincheng on your own by train and hire a driver from there.

If you have even more time in the area, you’ll want to check out more things to do in Hualien here , my recommended Hualien itinerary , my two guides to the east coast of Taiwan, covering Yilan to Hualien and Hualien to Taitung and Kenting National Park , as well what to do in Taitung , the county below Hualien.

If you visit Taroko Gorge during a long weekend or especially the latter half of the Lunar New Year holiday in Taiwan , be prepared for some serious crowds! You can see more information on the best times to visit Taroko Gorge in my guide to when to visit Taiwan .

Also note that, like most of Taiwan, Taroko Gorge are very safe for solo or female travelers, as this female traveler reports in her Hualien guide .

Best Taroko Gorge Tours

The most convenient way to see Taroko Gorge, especially if you want to cover the main sights in one day, is by taking a tour from Hualien city. There are several cheaper options available on Klook, but I personally recommend Island Life Taiwan Tours .

The reason I recommend them is because they specifically design their tours to avoid the crowds everywhere they go, including starting a little earlier than other tours. Also, their groups are small and their tours are conducted in English. They are also highly reviewed and have a five star rating on Tripadvisor .

To cover the main sights described in this article, choose the Better Taroko Gorge Tour . The tour also includes some off-the-beaten-track spots that other tours don’t, such as the Changuang Bell Tower Trail, the Baiyang Waterfall Trail, and the Water Curtain Cave, which you will read about below. They even provide flashlights and raincoats for entering the Water Curtain Cave. Because the tour starts at 7:30 AM, you’ll need to sleep in Hualien City or Xincheng the night before.

They also offer fully customized tours and can arrange permits and guide you through the thrilling Zhuilu Old Trail (which I’ll introduce below).

Getting to Hualien

Hualien city is the capital of Hualien county and the main access point for Taroko Gorge.

Most people take the regular (TRA) train to Hualien city, but there’s also the option to fly from Taipei’s Songshan Airport. Going from Taipei to Hualien by bus is not easy, fast, or practical. Driving is slower than taking the train, but the drive is quite scenic.

If you’re starting your trip in Taipei, be sure to check out my Taipei 4-day itinerary , list of 50 things to do in Taipei , and guide to the best hotels in Taipei .

Flying from Taipei to Hualien

This flight from Taipei Songshan Airport to Hualien only takes 50 minutes. This is quite convenient because Songshan Airport is right in the Taipei City center and you can even get there by MRT.

However, this option is not necessarily faster than taking the train. If you factor in the time needed to get to Songshan Airport, check in for your flight, then get from Hualien airport to Hualien city center, flying would actually take a little longer than the fastest train to Hualien.

The fastest express train to Hualien can get you from Taipei Main Station to Hualien Station in a mere 2 hours 6 minutes (the last time I checked), or 2 hours 1 minute to Xincheng Station (the station closest to Taroko Gorge).

However, these express trains often sell out, and there are only a few per day. So if that happens, and you don’t want to take a slower train, you might consider flying.

Train from Taipei to Hualien

Taking the train is by far the most common and preferred method for getting from Taipei to Hualien. However, demand for these trains is very high, especially the express ones (called Puyuma Express or Taroko Express), and they often sell out, especially on weekends, long weekends, and holidays.

Therefore, it’s crucial to book your train in advance (up to 28 days) on the official TRA website . Note that these trains are not High Speed Rails ( the HSR only goes down the west coast of Taiwan). After you book and pay online, you can pick up your physical ticket from a convenience store iBon machine or at the ticket window at the station in Taiwan.

There are two train stops that are relevant for getting from Taipei to Taroko Gorge. Tiny Xincheng (Taroko Gorge) station is much closer to the gorge, but has few facilities and accommodations. The next stop, Hualien station in Hualien City, the county capital, is further away from Taroko Gorge, but has way more hotels, hostels, restaurants, night markets, and so on.

The fastest trains from Taipei to Hualien take just over 2 hours (TWD 440). For these trains, you must have a reserved seat. No standing tickets are sold. So once the seats sell out, it is not possible to ride these trains. These trains are called Puyuma, Taroko, or Tze Chiang 3000.

Slower trains take anywhere from 2 hours 15 min to 3 hours 30 min(TWD 340). They are called Chu-Kuang, Tze Chiang (all numbers except 3000), or Fast Local. For these trains, booking a seat is still recommended. But even if the train sells out, you can still buy a standing ticket. Then you’ll need to stand in the aisle or sit on the floor in the space between train cars (it’s not comfortable, but I’ve done it many times).

For more information, see my guide to taking trains in Taiwan .

Driving to Hualien

For total freedom, you can rent a car from various locations in Taipei or across Taiwan. However, driving from Taipei to Hualien is actually quite a bit slower than taking the train, even the slower trains.

The main reason you might consider doing this is because it is a beautiful drive from Taipei to Hualien, especially the coastal section from Su’ao to Hualien. You could easily make a full day of it, passing places like Jiaoxi Hot Springs , Su’ao Cold Springs, Nanfangao Seafood Harbor, and (just before reaching Taroko Gorge) the beautiful Qingshui Cliffs.

Another plus is that once you get to Hualien, you don’t have to figure out how to get to Taroko Gorge, because you can just drive through the gorge by yourself.

If you do drive, take care on the coastal highway, as it is narrow in parts, with steep cliffs down the sea. Once in a while (though not commonly), landslides destroy this highway and he can take a few days to reopen again, as happened most recently in early 2023.

See my guide to road tripping from Yilan to Hualien for more details.

Getting to Taroko Gorge on Your Own

Once you arrive in Hualien city, it’s a 30 to 40-minute drive back to Taroko Gorge, and most Taroko day tours start with pick-up in Hualien city.

Some people get off the train in Xincheng, a small town that is closer to Taroko Gorge (5-10 minutes), but has fewer services. If you have arranged a private driver, it makes sense to have them pick you up at Xincheng.

Private Driver

Getting a private driver is not a bad or expensive way to explore Taroko Gorge, especially if you have a few people to share the cost. Most drivers have a proposed itinerary for Taroko Gorge, but you can also make your own customized schedule. The drivers will even wait for your if you want to do one of the hikes in Taroko Gorge.

Most taxis drivers in Hualien can do this, or you can book a private driver online .

If you want to get to Taroko Gorge by scooter, there are scooter rental stations outside of Xincheng and Hualien train stations. Helmet and rain jacket are provided, and you’ll need a local Taiwanese scooter license or IDP (international driver’s license). Your home country’s license won’t be good enough.

Riding a scooter in Taroko Gorge gives you the freedom and flexibility to stop wherever you go. Riding through the tunnels and between the valley walls of Taroko Gorge is an incredible experience. However, it must be noted that there have been multiple scooter accidents in Taroko Gorge in recent years, some tragic, so you should do so at your own risk .

Having said that, we have even visited Taroko Gorge by scooter with our kids.

Taking the Bus to Taroko Gorge

Visiting Taroko Gorge by bus is the slowest and most inconvenient, but cheapest way. The buses are infrequent, so you really need to time it well. Still, the bus isn’t a bad option, and with some planning and an early start, you can still see a few of the main highlights of Taroko Gorge in a day.

Hualien county runs regular buses (NT170 per person, no change given, four per day) and tourist shuttles (NT 250 day pass, 13 per day) from Hualien through Taroko Gorge to Tianxiang, the village at the head of the Gorge, stopping at Xincheng station on the way. The whole drive takes about 1.5 hours one way (but you’ll likely get off sooner). Here are the schedules for route 310 from Hualien and route 302 from Xincheng .

Here’s the most recent Taroko Gorge bus route and schedule . When you land on the page, it might revert to Chinese. So you need to switch the language to English, click on Hualien on the map, then click on “Taroko Route”.

Cycling to Taroko Gorge

Cycling Taroko Gorge is the most adventurous way to take in the dramatic scenery that Taroko Gorge has to offer. You might want to avoid weekends and holidays, when traffic is much heavier.

Be warned that some of the roads in Taroko Gorge are very narrow and don’t provide much space between you and passing tour buses. Also, don’t go cycling in Taroko Gorge during or after heavy rain or a typhoon during summer in Taiwan . In 2017, a Japanese cyclist died from a landslide in Taroko Gorge for this reason.

You can rent bicycles around Hualien and Xincheng stations for about NT250 per day, but I’d suggest not wasting your time riding all the way from Hualien station to the entrance of Taroko. A smart thing to do is to rent a Giant bicycle near Hualien station, take your bike on the local train to Xincheng, the ride on from there.

From Xincheng station, it only takes 15 minutes to cycle to the entrance of Taroko, or you can take the bus to the entrance and rent a bike there.

Cycling into Taroko Gorge, the road is going to be uphill the whole way, but it’s not super steep. If you’re a beginner biker, you may find it tough, but for experienced cyclists, it should be a breeze.

Where to Stay in Taroko Gorge

Choosing where to stay when you visit Taroko Gorge can be a tough decision. Three main options are staying right in Taroko Gorge, staying in Xincheng (the small town near the entrance to Taroko), or staying in Hualien city.

Hotels in Taroko Gorge are limited and pricey. Xinxheng is very convenient and close to Taroko, especially because it has its own train station (Xincheng station, which is one stop before Hualien City). Hualien City is the furthest, but it has the best choice of budget accomodations and many things to do .

Hotels inside Taroko Gorge

For the full Taroko experience, you can stay right inside the gorge. Driving there is best, but the hotels can also arrange pickup from Xincheng or Hualien.

Silks Place Resort ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) at Tianxiang, the small village at the top of Taroko Gorge, is the only 5-star hotel in Taroko Gorge National Park. It’s got a fancy swimming pool and incredible views. See my other recommended 5-star hotels in Taiwan .

Taroko Village Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) offers wooden huts and aboriginal buffet dinners. We stopped here for a lavish feast when we camped at Heliu campground to enjoy the best of both worlds! (If you want to learn how to cook aboriginal cuisine, check out this cooking course in Hualien !)

If you want to spend a night at the head of Taroko Gorge without breaking the bank, try the Tienhsiang Youth Activity Center ( see on Agoda / TripAdvisor ). You’ll need to get there on your own. From the hostel, you can walk to a few (but not all) of Taroko’s attractions.

Hotels in Xincheng

If you want to stay very close to Taroko Gorge, but also have train access, then staying in Xincheng is best. Get off the train at Xincheng (Taroko Gorge) station.

Taroko Liiko Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) is an excellent choice very close to the train station. Most rooms come with beautiful views.

Liwu Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) is the closest you can get to Taroko Gorge without actually being inside the national park. It’s a 6-minute drive (or 45-minute walk) from Xincheng Station.

From a very quiet stay in a beautiful local house, try Crossing the Rainbow B&B ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ). This is a simple local guesthouse. It is slightly closer to Xincheng but further from Taroko. It’s a 30-minute walk out of town in the direction of Qingshui Cliffs.

For an off-the-beaten track experience, try Songyue Guesthouse (see on Booking ). It is located in Sanzhan, a small aboriginal village 10 minutes’ drive from Xincheng. Sanzhan is a great spot for swimming and jumping into the river (see the end of the article for pictures).

Hotels in Hualien City

Hualien City offers by far the largest range of accommodation options, but it is furthest away from Taroko Gorge. Staying in Hualien allows you to enjoy the city’s restaurants and night markets at night. Taroko Gorge is a 30-40 minute drive away.

If going by public transportation, choosing something near Hualien train station is smart.

Two of the best hostels in Hualien are Just Walk Backpacker Hostel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) and View Hostel ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ).  

For a good mid-range option, Happiness is My Home ( see on Booking ) lives up to its name – the owners of this guesthouse are super welcoming and helpful. Another excellent choice near Hualien night market is 1999 B&B (see on Booking / Agoda ).

Hualien Farglory Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) is the best resort option. It features both ocean and mountain views and swimming pool, in a quiet, remote location south of Hualien City.

Camping in Taroko Gorge

16.5km up the valley, Heliu Campground offers 12 wooden platforms for first-come-first-serve camping at NT200 per space. There is also overflow camping at nearby Lushui Campground. There’s are very basic campgrounds with limited amenities, so you need to bring everything you need, including food and water. There’s a self-pay system at Heliu, while the even more basic Lushui is free.

I stayed here with my family several years ago, and while the facilities are lacking, it was an awesome setting. If you need to pick one up before your trip, this guide covers some recommended tents . The campgrounds are close to a few attractions and a hike, which I will cover below.

Things to Do in Taroko Gorge

Taiwan is a geologically active island, and in few places is this more apparent than at Taroko Gorge. Earthquakes, typhoons, and landslides regularly destroy roads and trails in the gorge, continually reshaping its landscape. For this reason, you must keep in mind that one or more of the attractions or trails in Taroko Gorge might be closed when you go.

Every time I’ve ever been to Taroko Gorge, at least one or more of the main sights or trails has been closed. One time when I visited many years ago, the entire highway was closed for set times every day past the Swallow’s Grove, which meant I couldn’t make it to several spots.

You can avoid disappointment by checking what’s open and closed before you go on the Taroko Gorge National Park website . Click “News” then “Roads and Trails”. Under Road Conditions Highway 8, you can find out if any sections of highway are closed. Then, Level 0 to 5 refers to the various hikes in Taroko Gorge by difficulty.

Having said all that, here are the main things to see and do in Taroko Gorge, in the order you would encounter them going in. More places to visit near Taroko Gorge will be covered in the next section below.

Taroko Gorge Entrance Gate

Welcome to Taroko Gorge! Tacky as it may seem, we can never resist stopping here for a photo, and you will probably want to do the same 🙂

The entrance gate (called 東西橫貫公路牌樓 on GoogleMaps) officially marks the entrance to Taroko Gorge . Just past the gate, turn right and cross the bridge over the river to reach Shakandang Trail (see below) or the Taroko National Park Visitor’s Center. You can see the bridge on the right side of the above photo.

For all other sights in Taroko Gorge, keep to the left, passing through the iconic rock arch visible in the photo above.

If you stay at one of the hotels I mentioned in Xincheng, like Liwu Hotel , you would be only five minutes’ walk from here.

Shakadang Trail

Shakadang Trail (砂卡噹步道), or “Mystery Valley Trail”, is an easy trail that follows a creek with crystal clear, sapphire pools of water. You WILL want to jump in, but you aren’t technically allowed to swim or go off the trail since people have died here.

This easy 4km walk takes about 2 hours return if you go the whole way (when the whole trail is open – check the national park site for current opening situation). This trail is a great one for visitors with kids , as it is mostly flat and you only need to walk as far as you want then turn back.

The trail passes through a Truku aboriginal village, where locals sometimes sell crafts or snacks along the trail.

To get there, cross the bridge that goes over the river at the Taroko Gorge Entrance Gate. Just turn right after the entrance gate from the previous entry. Turn left after crossing the bridge, and drive about five minutes past the Taroko National Park information center .

Buses also stop at the start of Shakadang Trail. If you come here with a private driver, they will be willing to park and wait for you while you do the hike. Note that the trail is sometimes closed for maintenance, so it’s best to find out before you come.

If you’ve walked into Taroko Gorge, you can walk from the Visitor’s Center to the start of Shakadang Trail on a trail along the river (also called Shakadang Trail on GoogleMaps), which is nicer than walking along the road.

Eternal Spring Shrine

The Eternal Spring Shrine (長春祠) is probably the most recognizable sight in Taroko Gorge and often crowded with tour groups. A picturesque waterfall streams out from the mountain, with a large colorful shrine built up around it to honor the many who died when the highway was first carved out by the Japanese in the 1910s.

From the large parking lot, the walking trail to the shrine goes through a tunnel that contains some smaller shrines. However, these tunnels and access to the shrine are sometimes closed due to damage by landslides.

When accessible, you can walk right up to the stream that runs through the shrine before it spills down to the valley floor below. If that part is closed, you can simply admire the shrine from the viewpoint next to the large parking lot.

Changuang Temple

A lesser known stop right next to the famous Eternal Spring Shrine is Chuanguang Temple (禪光寺). Although it looks very large in the above photo (shot by a drone), you won’t actually notice it when you drive through Taroko Gorge or visit Eternal Spring Shrine. That’s because it is uphill from the main road and hidden by the trees.

The easiest way to get to Changuang Temple is by walking up the car road to it. Going this way, it only takes about 15 minutes to walk from Eternal Spring Shrine to Changuang Temple . It is also possible to take a longer but more scenic hiking route there via Eternal Spring Bell Tower (see below), but the trail is partially closed as of 2024 (see link in next entry for latest info).

Eternal Spring Bell Tower

Although you can’t actually see Changuang Temple from below, you can see the beautiful Eternal Spring Bell Tower (長春鐘樓), also sometimes called Changuang Bell Tower (禪光鐘樓) from the Eternal Spring Shrine area, as in the above photo. On GoogleMaps , the bell town might look very close to the main highway, but it’s actually far, far above the highway on top of a cliff.

The Bell Tower is on a hiking trail called Eternal Shrine Trail (Changchun Shrine Trail) that starts at Eternal Spring Shrine and ends at Changchun Temple, so you can normally get to the Bell Tower from either. However, both ends of the trail appear to be closed due to landslide damage as of early 2024.

If you walk to the Bell Tower from Changuang Temple, the steep trail takes approximately 20 minute . This trail crosses a suspension bridge before getting there. If you start from Eternal Spring Shrine, the trail is longer (approximate 1 hour) but more scenic. The trail passes Guanyin Cave (觀音洞), which seems to be currently closed, and Taroko Tower before reaching the Bell Tower.

This guide to Eternal Spring (Changchun) Bell Tower Trail on the official Taroko website has a map of the trail and information about current closed sections (although the information is a little confusing). If you manage to reach the Bell Tower from either side, please let me know in the comments!

For temples lovers, be sure to check out my guide to the top 30 temples in northern Taiwan .

Buluowan is a grassy terrace sitting above the highway. It used to be the site of a real Truku (Taroko) aboriginal village . Today, the Buluowan Service Station (布洛灣遊憩區) has some small exhibits on Truku culture and handicrafts, sculptures, and simple lunchboxes and other snacks.

From the service center, you can follow a walking trail to Buluowan Terrace and Buluowan Suspension Bridge (布洛灣吊橋). At 152 meters above the Liwu River and 196 meters in length, it is the tallest and longest suspension bridge in Taroko National Park . The trail there is flat and easy to walk.

Taiwan tourist shuttle 310 (when running) makes a stop at Buluowan Service Center as it drives through Taroko Gorge.

Taroko Village Hotel sits on another plateau a little higher up from the service center. This is the only place where you can stay in cabins with aboriginal design in Taroko Gorge.

During one of our trips to Taroko Gorge, we visited here to enjoy an aboriginal buffet meal for dinner, which was excellent.

Swallow Grotto

Swallow Grotto/Swallow’s Grove (燕子口 or Yanzikou) is a stretch of road that veers off from the main highway and through multiple tunnels . You can park at the side then walk along the road, peering over sheer vertical drops to the river far below—classic Taroko Gorge scenery.

The vantage points and short walking trail here get their name from the swallows who build nests in the cliff face. You can also cross Zhuilu Suspension Bridge nearby, which is the start of the Zhuilu Old Trail (see next entry).

You’ll want to take caution here, as most of the walking path shares the road with vehicles, including a series of dark tunnels. If driving though, do so very slowly and watch for pedestrians.

The road that goes through these tunnels continues for one kilometer (one way direction for vehicles) before joining up again with the main highway. Because the road is prone to landslides, don’t be surprised if it is closed when you visit.

There’s a cliff that looks like a Native American chief , small cafe named “The Chief” after it, and a spot where if you look up, the rock cliffs make a Taiwan shape in the sky.

Taroko National Park headquarters suggest wearing helmets when visiting Swallow’s Grotto, which are available for free at the visitor’s center and at the spot marked “Free Helmet Rental” (太魯閣峽谷安全帽發放處) on GoogleMaps, on the main road about 1 km before Swallow Grotto.

Zhuilu Old Trail

Taroko Park’s most exhilarating hike, Zhuilu Old Trail or Zhuilu Old Road (錐麓古道), features narrow trails along sheer 500m+ cliffs and expansive, bird’s eye views over Taroko Gorge. This fairly tough 6-km hike takes 2-6 hours (depending on how much of it is open) and officially requires a permit and guide . Also, you must begin before 10am.

To arrange a guide and permit, simply book the tour online with Island Life Taiwan Tours and they will arrange it for you. This hike is still on my Taiwan bucket list, so I’ve used a friend’s photo above.

At the time of writing, only the first 3.1km were open, so definitely check the status on the national park website or with the tour company before you go. Sometimes, even though it says “open”, only a small part of the trail is open.

The trail starts by crossing Zhuilu Suspension Bridge (錐麓吊橋) across the Liwu River just before Swallow Grotto. If you don’t have a permit, you can still cross this bridge, but you can’t go any further up the trail.

Liufang Bridge Observation Deck

Stop at this small parking lot and observation deck, called Liufang Observation Deck (流芳橋觀景台), for a unique and impressive view.

Climb the wooden stairs up to the observation deck and you can look down on the highway as it emerges from two tunnels through the mountain, one for traffic in each direction, and then crosses Liufang Bridge (流芳橋).

Unfortunately, there is no bus stop here.

Tunnel of Nine Turns

The Tunnel of Nine Turns (九曲洞隧道 or Jiuqudong ) is a dramatic stretch of walking-only tunnels that was closed for six years due to major damage from a landslide. Fortunately, the tunnel was finally reopened to the public in 2019 , after being fully renovated and made safe.

The 700-meter pedestrian-only road features several tunnels and used to be a part of the original highway through Taroko Gorge. It features some of Taroko Gorge’s most epic views and definitely should not be missed. Watch for the beautiful waterfall between the cliffs on the other side.

The trail is about 700 meters and most visitors spend around 30 minutes here. Unfortunately there’s no parking lot here. If you have a driver, the driver will drop you off and pick you up. There’s also a bus stop nearby. If you’re driving and really want to see it, you could park around Lushui and walk there, about 30 minutes each way.

Cimuting, Lanting, Heliuting, and Lushui Trail

There is a small collection of sights around Cimu Bridge (慈母橋). I don’t really consider these essential stops in Taroko Gorge, but if you have more time, or are staying at one of the campgrounds nearby, you may want to visit them.

Cimuting (Cimu Pavilion or 慈母亭) and Lanting (蘭亭) are two small pavilions next to the bridge, but they are a little old and not easy to stop at, as there is very little parking. Further down the road, Yuewangting (岳王亭) is another one, which most people stop at for walking across yet another suspension bridge there.

A little further down the highway, Heliu Campground and the overflow Lushui Campground are the two main campgrounds in Taroko Gorge (see the “where to stay in Taroko Gorge section above”).

Heliu Campground is the start of the Lushui Trail (綠水步道), a pleasant trail that includes sections of forest, a 30-meter cave, a spirit tablet, and river views. It’s an easy trail that takes about an hour.

Tianxiang (Tienhsiang) Recreation Area

Tienhsiang (Tianxiang) is the only “town” in Taroko Gorge, if we could even call it that. It is the terminal bus stop of buses running up the gorge, beside which you can find a few aboriginal and Taiwanese food stalls and the only 7-Eleven in Taroko Gorge (often low on supplies).

The view from the grassy area marked Tianxiang Recreation Area (天祥遊憩區) on GoogleMaps is good. A short walk from town, can cross Taroko Pudu Bridge (太魯閣菩渡橋, pictured above) and walk up many stairs to the Buddhist Xiangde Temple (祥德寺) and the towering Tianfeng Pagoda (天峯塔, visible at the top of the above photo). There’s a small vegetarian restaurant (素食義賣) on the way up – opening hours may be limited.

Tianxiang is also the location of Silks Place , the fanciest hotel in Taroko Gorge by a long shot, as well as the budget friendly Tienhsiang Youth Activity Center . You can walk to the following trail from this town.

Baiyang Trail and Water Curtain Cave

Baiyang Trail (白楊步道) is another easy trail starting 900 meters past Tianxiang , taking you to gorgeous Baiyang Waterfall (白楊瀑布). Past the falls and requiring a little more uphill of a hike is Water Curtain Cave (水濂洞), a tunnel in which water spills down on top of your head as you walk through.

The trail takes less than an hour each way. Parts or all of the trail are sometimes closed for maintenance, so do check on the official site before you go. For most of 2023 and going into 2024, the trail has been open up to Baiyang Waterfall only .

On this tour , you can get flashlights and raincoats for entering Water Curtain Cave, so you don’t get too wet. If you visit on your own and want to walk through the tunnel, it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella or raincoat like we did (see image below).

Wenshan Hot Spring

Wenshan Hot Spring (文山溫泉) was once the most famous wild hot springs in Taiwan , being located right inside Taroko Gorge. Destroyed by a typhoon in 2005, it is now technically closed and not recommended to visit by the offiicial Taroko National Park headquarters.

However, by sneaking around a few fences, you can still visit what’s left of it. You can still bathe here, but the conditions are not ideal. To find out exactly how to do so, see my guide to visiting Wenshan Hot Spring .

The hot spring is located 2.5 kilometers past Tianxiang, and is probably the furthest point that you will consider going in Taroko Gorge unless you are planning to on traveling up the long, winding, and often closed road to Hehuanshan (see below).

If you’re looking for a longer hike in Taroko Gorge with virtually no people on it , check out the Lushui Wenshan Trail , which starts around the same point as the trailhead for Wenshan hot spring.

Things to Do around Taroko Gorge

Besides all the sights mentioned above inside Taroko Gorge, there are several other attractions near the gorge that can be combined with your day trip to Taroko Gorge.

You can find more information about these sights, plus many more things to do, in my guide to Hualien and recommended Hualien itinerary .

Qingshui Cliffs

The dramatic Qingshui Cliffs are on the Suhua Highway, which leads from Hualien to Su’ao in Yilan County . The cliffs are located on a stretch of the coast just 10 minutes’ drive north of the entrance to Taroko Gorge, with a few different spots along the coast where you can pull over to see them.

If you’re driving through Taroko Gorge on your own, it would make sense to see them in at the end of your visit. You could also walk to them in about an hour if you’re staying in Xincheng.

Most tours to Taroko Gorge, such as this one , this one , and this one , include a visit to Qingshui Cliffs, but sometimes only if there’s enough time at the end of day.

You can also go whale watching off the coast of Hualien!

Qixingtan Beach

Gorgeous Qixingtan is a beautiful pebble beach between Hualien and Taroko Gorge, so it’s easy to stop there where traveling between the city and the gorge. Most day tours to Taroko Gorge stop at the beach on the way to or from the gorge. You can’t swim there because the tide and waves are very strong, but the views are unbeatable.

There are usually some stalls selling food and drinks at Qixingtan. At busy times you can also rent bikes there to ride along the coast or all the way back to Hualien City, where you can arrange for them to meet you and pick up the bike (some Mandarin skills may be necessary to arrange this).

Qixingtan is included on this tour and this tour .

Hehuanshan and Cingjing Farm

It is even possible to continue further up Provincial Highway 8, the highway that runs through Taroko Gorge, to the Central Mountain Range of Taiwan.

Eventually the highway splits, with Highway 8 continuing across the Central Mountains to Taichung (called the Central Cross Island Highway). Highway 14 goes south and then also traverses Taiwan via Wuling Pass (the highest navigable pass in Taiwan, at 3275 m) and Hehuanshan (Hehuan Mountain). This 3416-meter mountain is considered one of the best places to see snow in Taiwan.

People don’t often realize this, but Hehuanshan is actually in Taroko National Park. Learn all about visiting it in my Hehuanshan guide .

A lot of visitors to Taiwan want to visit Hehuanshan, but it’s not easy to get to. There is no public transportation going from Taroko Gorge to there (there used to be a private shuttle bus from Hualien and Taroko Gorge to Hehuanshan, but it’s no longer running). What’s more, the highway above Taroko Gorge is often closed due to damage by landslides/typhoons (see the section about this at the top of the article).

Therefore, it is much easier and safer to visit Hehuanshan from Taichung on the west side of Taiwan. You can do so by joining this  Hehuanshan tour. There’s only one hotel at Hehuanshan and its hard to book – read about it in my guide to staying at Songsyue Lodge .

After Hehuanshan (if you are able to get there from Taroko Gorge), the highway continues on to the popular Cingjing Farm , a gorgeous high-mountain, European-style farm. Again, it is best to get to Cingjing from Taichung , not from Taroko Gorge.

If you keep going, you can continue all the way to Sun Moon Lake and Alishan and then descend to the west coast of Taiwan.

Find all the information about this area in my guide to Cingjing Farm and how to get from Taichung to Cingjing and Hehuanshan .

The small aboriginal village of Sanzhan (三棧) is only about 10 minute’s drive from Xincheng Train Station and the entrance to Taroko Gorge. The Sanzhan River, which runs past the village, has several great spots for jumping into the water. This is a real treat after a long day of hiking in Taroko Gorge, especially in summer.

To find the jumping spots, search “Sanzhan River Playing Area ( 三棧溪戲水區 )” on GoogleMaps. You can also jump in from the rocks below the bridge just before town, which is where I shot the above photo. There are even more spots around here and a little further up on the Sanzhan River, which is the start of the route to Golden Grotto (see below).

Sanzhan is the starting point for the infamous river trace to Golden Grotto (黃金峽谷), a long, difficult, and at times unsafe river trace that is considered one of the best in Taiwan.

If you want to stay in Sanzhan, perhaps as a very quiet and off-the-beaten-track alternative to Xincheng and Hualien, or because you plan to do river tracing or enjoy jumping in the water, you can spend the night at Songyue Guesthouse . There are a few very basic restaurants in town.

Well, I hope you’ve found all the information you needed for planning your trip to Taroko National Park. Let me know how your trip goes, and be sure to check out my other articles below on the area!

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32 thoughts on “A 2024 Guide to Taroko Gorge and Taroko National Park”

This is an awesome guide! Wish we would have had this before we visited Taroko Gorge last year. We’d love to go back and camp inside the park, and to do more hiking!

Wow! Grand Canyon indeed. What a magical place. I’d enjoy doing it by scooter. A simple rental than off I’d go, with wife in tow. Amazing experience because it mixes such lush greens with dramatic mountain and canyon scenery. Taiwan has much to offer. I feel the place is still well off the tourist beaten path in many regards. Rocking post dude!

Your post makes me SUPER excited about my upcoming trip to Hualien! I’ll be there for five days and will be exploring the area. Never heard of Shakadang Trail before your blog post but it’s now on my to-do list!

Do you need a license to rent a scooter and are there a lot of bugs? I ask because I just came from NZ and they had crazy, crazy sandflies at gorges!

Great post avout Taroko Gorge! Just wondering if the places you’ve mentioned here are the exact order from the start of the Gorge until Tianxiang? If not can you give me a rundown of places to see starting from the start until the end? And if you rent bicycles, do they also give you a helmet and a lock for the bike? Hoping for your response!!!

Yes, the order of sights above is pretty much exactly as you would encounter them. Only Shakadang trail is off the main road. Right after the Taroko Gorge entrance gate, the main road continues on the same side up Taroko Gorge. But for Shakadang trail, you have to cross a bridge right after the entrance gate to the other side of the gorge, where you’ll find the visitor’s center, and a little further down, the Shakadang trail. Everything else after that is in order, on the main side of the road. As for bicycles, I haven’t personally rented from those shops myself, so I can’t say for sure. I would hope they offer helmets. In Taiwan, it’s fairly common, outside of cities especially, for people to not bother using locks though. It’s really quite safe. Please let me know when you find out though, so I can know in the future!

Hello Nick,

Thanks for the awesome post about Taroko Gorge. I’m planning to visit Taiwan in August and would like to spend a weekend in Taroko Gorge. I’ve been researching on the NP and find your website super useful. I’d like to bring my camping gear from US to camp at the Heliu Campground. There’re 2 things I’m trying to figure out:

1/ As I read about the Heliu Campground, it is on 1st-come 1st-served basis. So what times would the campground be opened for walk-up and how would I pay the fees (in cash)?

2/ Is it safe to claim a campsite, set up my tent, and hop on the shuttle bus for day hikes in the Gorge, leaving my camping gears at the campsite to come back later at night? This is quite normal in the US but I’ve never had a chance to camp anywhere else so I’m a little bit worried about the safety.

Hoping for your response!!!

Hi Huy, Sounds like you’ve got an awesome trip planned. I’ve only stayed at the campground once, but it was way back in 2008, so I can’t guarantee nothing has changed. When I stayed there, I remember we just walked in, chose a platform, and set up our tent. There was nobody even working there. I don’t even remember paying the fee, but maybe somebody came around later to collect it. For best luck to get a spot, you should try to come early, especially on weekends. Taiwan is extremely safe, and I think you can leave your things and not worry about them. Taiwan is the kind of place where people leave their laptops unattended for half an hour in a cafe. It’s probably smart to keep your most important valuables on you though, because you never know.

Hi, I am drawing an itinerary for Taiwan trip (Oct 14th morning – 19th afternoon) with my family – twin (26), my parents (55 & 65) who are not the most active adults. Thinking of sightseeing Taipei on 14,15 and spend 16 at Taroko Gorge. Should I arrive from Taipei in the evening of 15th, stay overnight at Taroko and start early 17th oct at the national park and take train back or stay at Hualien. Take train back to taipei 18th morning/afternoon. Or take a train in the morning 17th and leave bags at hotel, continue to Taroko during midday and rest overnight at Taroko. Take train back to taipei 18th morning/afternoon. (Is there much to see at Hualien or worth skipping?) I wish to continue to Sunmoon lake next morning… but realise there are no trains connecting Hualien/Taroko to Sunmoon Lake. I realise driving from Taroko would take 5-6 hours and it would be too much for elderys their age. Do you think it’s worth doing another one-day trip down there from Taipei-Taichung-(bust) Sun Moon Lake? If so how long would it take? Please kindly advise. Many thanks

Hi Nick, do you know by chance if Island Life tours in Hualien/Taroko are still operating? I tried to contact them via multiple channels to arrange a private tour or two, but no luck. It’s weird that most recent reviews they have on FB and Google maps are from 2020 :-/

Hey Ivan, Island Life Tours, like most tour companies in Taiwan, relied on foreign tourists. Their business has been devastated by the lack of tourists coming to the island, so it’s not at all surprising that they aren’t running tours right now. We can only hope that they will manage to get their business back up and running again after Taiwan starts allowing tourists to come.

Hey Nick! Thank you for the comprehensive guide to a Taroko tour. I’m hoping to do it by bike and so far research hasn’t shown us a giant station next to xincheng. Have you had any experience with this?

Greetings from a Belgian traveller!

Hi Elise, sorry for my belated reply, I just saw this! At Xincheng Station you can rent bikes at “TR9-Xinchengzu Station” or “太魯閣車頭前機車腳踏車出租”, both right outside the station. I’m not sure whether the have Giant brand, but they definitely rent bikes. Best of luck!

Hi Elise, Happy New Year 2023. I plan to go to Taiwan this Feb. Did you have great time in Taiwan? Stefan – also from Belgium [email protected]

Hi Nick, where do you think is a good base to visit Taroko Gorge when travelling with a 3 year old and a 1 year old? My kids do not do great on long car rides. I am planning to drive through from Hualien to Cingjing, visiting Taroko Gorge in between. Obviously with kids, I am not going to be able to visit Taroko in single day. I do not mind too not visiting all of it. If you have any suggestions on how to make this visit to Taroko the most workable and ‘pain-free’ for parents with little kids, I’ll be most grateful. Thank you!

Hi Mel, and sorry about my slow reply. Please also see the Taroko Gorge section of my article “Taiwan with kids”, in which I describe our visit with kids and some kid-friendly hotels in the area. Hualien City has the best selection of rooms, but it also the furthest away. You said obviously you can’t visit taroko in a single day, but I feel you actually can. Simply driving through, you get to see a lot of the scenery. Stop at a few of the main stops, like Eternal Spring Shrine, Tunnel of Nine Turns, and Swallow’s Grotto, each which require a very short or almost no walk, and you’ve essentially seen the best of Taroko Gorge. As for your drive to Cingjing with kids, I would say that if you’re kids are prone to car sickness like mine, expect an extremely winding road. Let me know if you have any more questions!

Hi Nick Thanks for all the info you provide on your various blogs ! it has been super helpful in planning our taiwan trip. We need to travel from Sunmoon lake to taroko gorge- and we were considering renting a car and driving between the 2 locations and stopping at cinqing farm for 1 night. I am a bit concerned after reading your comment about the road being closed due to land slides? What would your back up options be ? is this not recommended? we are planning to visit in Late sep- oct. Thanks

Highway 8 above Taroko Gorge was badly damaged in three different spots several months ago in 2022. Right now the construction crews are still fixing the road, but they let cars pass through at some specific times every day. The exact times and locations are listed on the Taroko Gorge National Park website (click news, roads and trails, small arrow beside Highway 8 for updated details). It could be totally fixed before your trip, but also possible it’s not. It’s also possible that another typhoon could strike this year and cause more damage again (typhoon seasons is July to October). So this part is impossible to predict. So I suggest you plan to do it, but also have a backup plan in case it’s not possible. Maybe book a hotel in Cingjing that has a cancellation policy. And if you can’t go, you can just drive from SML to Taroko via Taipei, which will take longer, but still possible.

Hi Nick, thanks for all the recommendations and info provided! They are so useful! Can I check if any of the following trails at taroko is doable with a baby stroller? Do these trails have stairs such that bringing a stroller along will cause problems? 1）Baiyang Trail 2）Buluowan Suspension Bridge 3）Eternal Spring Shrine 4) Taroko Shakadang trail

All four of these are pretty flat and easy enough with kids. However, the ground is sometimes bumpy, and there could be a few stairs on all of them. So it’s better if you can bring a baby carrier, not stroller, like we did. If you have a small stroller that is easy to push over bumps or carry sometimes, then it would probably be OK.

Hi Nick, good day. grateful for your blog on Taroko gorge. I would like to enquire are there any options to go Taroko from Taichung using public transportation or tours? Instead of the usual route from Hualien to Taroko. I understand the mountain route from Taroko to Hualien is commonly closed due to natural disasters. I would be coming from the south and its quite troublesome to go to taipei and then go to hualien to taroko. Thank you.

There is no faster or easier way to do this. The cross-island highway is damaged and repairs are not finished yet. Even when it’s open, there are no buses or tours going across the mountain range. The faster way from Taichung to Taroko is HSR to Taipei (1 hr) and express train to Hualien (2 hrs). Even if the road is safe to pass, it would take longer to drive across the mountains than going via Taipei.

Hi Nick! Do you know of any taxi services I can book that will take me from Hualien back to Taipei after my day tour?

You can use the Tripool app, contact Steven Hsieh (search “drivers” on my website’s search function to find my article with his contact info), or you can take the train, which is faster than driving.

Outstanding guide. What a legend. Thank you very much for the huge effort!

Good afternoon,

First and foremost, we wanted to express our gratitude for your detailed blog post about Taiwan. It has proven immensely helpful while planning our upcoming trip to Taiwan in November.

While your blog suggests touring Taroko Gorge either with a guided tour or a private vehicle, we’re more inclined towards using public transportation for our travels. We find comfort in buses and the freedom to explore at our own pace. Could you please advise if it’s possible to visit Taroko Gorge in a day using public transportation? If so, we would greatly appreciate guidance on where we can find information such as timetables, station details, and other relevant transport-related details.

Additionally, for context, we’ll be arriving in Hualien and plan to depart for Yuli on the same day after our visit to Taroko Gorge.

Thank you very much for your assistance. We’ll wait for your answer. Have a nice day!

I almost always feel the same, but this is one case when I would personally go for the driver. The thing about bussing to Taroko is that it’s slower, and you’re coming to spend your whole day watching the bus schedule, trying to visit places fast or slow enough to catch the next bus, and waiting for the bus. There are at least half a dozen spots you’ll want to see in Taroko, so to heave to catch a bus to and between each of those will be tedious. By hiring a driver, you can create a customized tour, and not worry about how much or how little time you spend at each stop. If you decide to go by bus, it’s surely still doable, but I think you just have to accept that you’ll be able to see as many spots as if you have a driver. Having a driver also allows you to tack on Qingshui Cliffs, Qixingtan Beach, and if you want to swim in a lovely river, the Sanzhan swimming spot. By bus, you’ll probably have to leave these three spots out, too.

Thank you for the great blog post! My friend and I were planning on getting the train then bus to get to takoro gorge on a DIY day trip from Taipei. Once we get off the bus at the Takoro stop, is it going to be easy to see the main sights on foot or are there busses or taxis available to take us around? Thank you!

Seeing the gorge by bus is not ideal. There are around half a dozen main stops/hikes in the gorge (and many smaller ones) spanning a distance of about 20 kilometers. So definitely you can’t walk to all of them, or even a few, and there will definitely be no taxis there. You will be at the mercy of the bus to get between stops. The bus is infrequent, so you’ll need to figure out the schedule, then try to always be at the bus stop for catching it to your next stop. It means you’ll probably only be able to see 2-3 stops in the gorge, and miss out on some of them. This is why I usually recommend splurging on a tour or private driver for Taroko Gorge, even though I normally always prefer to do things DIY or just drive there myself. Having a driver or joining a tour means you’ll be able to see all the main stops with ease.

Hi Nick, Thank you so much for an incredible post. It is very helpful and detailed. I’d like to ask if it’s safe to drive to taroko by ourselves from Hualien. We’re thinking of driving from Taipei to Hualien for the view and since the car will be there anyway I figured we could do a chill tour at Taroko by ourselves but I’ve heard from other travelers that it might not be the easiest road. Also we usually drive on the right side so if the road is too difficult that could be a problem?

I think under normal times the road in Taroko is fine. It’s a little narrow and winding in some places, but as long as you drive carefully, it’s OK. However, the biggest problem now is that the road in Taroko is damaged from landslides and under construction around Xipan Dam, in the middle of the tourist visiting part of the gorge. The road is only open 5 times per day for cars to pass. So you must know those times and plan accordingly. Please join my Facebook group “Taiwan Travel Planning” where we have many posts and updated information about this.

hmm, is there any food in taroko?

Yes, there are some snacks and lunchboxes for sale at Buluowan Terrace and an aboriginal restaurant in the hotel there. Option two is the 7-11 and some simple restaurants at Tianxiang.

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A Taroko Gorge Itinerary Guide

Here’s a complete Taroko Gorge itinerary guide to make the most of this beautiful place.

When I first sat down to research where to go in Taiwan, I stumbled across a few photos and blog posts about Taroko Gorge. Within less than half an hour of reading, it quickly moved to the top of my list. I’m a sucker for gorgeous scenery, and every photo or video I saw was stunning. I only went for a day since the weather was pretty cold and rainy while I was in Hualien, but I thought I’d put together a total Taroko Gorge itinerary guide to help you plan your own trip!

A Little About Taroko Gorge

Taroko (or more specifically Taroko National Park) is a marble gorge along the east coast of Taiwan and was formed by the Liwu river. It’s mostly mountainous, with around 27 peaks throughout the 1,200 square kilometers of land.

Within maybe 10 minutes of leaving Hualien, I was already craning my neck to look out the bus windows at the scenery around me. Photos really don’t do this place justice!

Taroko Gorge Must See Places + Trails

Here are some of the places in Taroko Gorge that you may want to see! They’re all stops on the shuttle bus except for Wenshan Springs.

All the way on the opposite end of the shuttle route from Hualien is Tianxiang. It’s a recreational area with a few notable landmarks, and you can stay here if you’d prefer not to stay in a city.

Baiyang Falls + the Baiyang Trail

From Tianxiang, you can follow the Baiyang trail to see the various waterfalls nearby. The whole trail is about a 2-hour walk round trip (2.1 km) and you’ll pass through 7 tunnels in all. Don’t forget a helmet and a flashlight!

The most famous one is the water curtain towards the end of the trail. This is one of the trails I wanted to do but was closed due to the weather! My friends went, though, and had quite an adventure:

Lushui-Wenshan Trail

Another option near the Tianxiang bus stop is the more intense Lushui-Wenshan Trail. It’s considered a mountaineering trail, so you need to apply for a permit beforehand. It was actually used by soldiers during the Japanese occupation! Overall, it’s 5 hours and 5.5km and one of the more advanced trails in Taroko.

Wenshan Springs

Wenshan Springs is quite literally off the beaten path, and it’s no longer listed as one of the official spots for Taroko National Park because of the falling rock hazards. Since I was by myself and I wasn’t in the mood to accidentally trip trying to find them, I decided not to even attempt to go. However, the same friends from above went after they finished the Baiyang trail as it’s about 20-minutes away, so you can read their post for more information if you want to try going yourself!

Lushui Trail

Different from the Lushui-Wenshen trail, this one leaves from the Lushui bus stop and is about a 1-hr walk. It’s one of the smoother trails and was even open when all the other ones weren’t. If you’re interested in Taroko’s geological history, you can visit the Lushui Geology Exhibition before the trail starts.

Swallow’s Grotto (Yanzikou)

This is as far as I personally got when I went. Swallow’s Grotto was named so because of all the swallows that used to come and nest or rest in the little holes along the cliffs. Apparently, they don’t come around anymore because of all the noise.

It’s a  really easy trail from the bus stop and pretty much goes along the road until you hit a café and souvenir area. I’d say it took me 15-minutes to get there and was so short that I thought I hadn’t actually started yet.

Zhuilu Old Trail

If I get a chance to go back to Taroko, I’m signing up for the permit and hiking this trail or booking a tour . My friend went, and her photos are absolutely incredible. It’s an all day kind of hike at about 10 steep kilometers, so if you do plan on going, make sure to bring plenty of water and food. You actually have to go with a guide, but it’s in the same spot as the Swallow’s Grotto stop.

** If you want to hike either of the permit trails, this is the site you need to register with .

Bulowan Terraces

The next stop is Bulowan, and here you can stop for lunch and learn more about Taroko’s tribal history. If you go in the spring, don’t miss the lilies!

The Eternal Shrine (Changchun Shrine)

This is by far the most popular area in Taroko. You can hop off the bus and see the shrine area with its mini-waterfall right away. If it’s open, there’s a trail nearby that goes along the cliff and is about 1-1 1/2 hours round trip.

The Shakadang Trail

The Shakadang trails, sometimes known as the “Mysterious Valley Trail,” is a 3-4 hour round trip trail that’ll take you along the river.

The Xiao Zhuilu Trail

The Little Zhuilu trail is near the Shakadang trail and is only about a 20-minute walk one way. If you want, you can get off at the Taroko Visitor Center stop and hike the Xiao Zhuilu trail to the entrance to the Shakadang Trail.

Qixingtan Beach

One stop before Hualien is Qixingtan Beach. It’s a pretty area where you can enjoy bay views and even rent a bike a check out the Qilaibi Lighthouse.

Taroko Gorge Itinerary Ideas

Taroko gorge day trip.

If you’re thinking of visiting Taroko Gorge for only a day, then I’d recommend the following course.

• Bus from Hualien to Tianxiang: 1 1/2 hrs
• Tianxiang (Baiyang Trail): 2-3 hrs
• Yanzikou (Swallow’s Grotto): 30-minutes
• Changchun Shrine: 20-minutes or, if you want to do the hike, 1 1/2 – 2 hrs
• Qixingtan Beach: 1 hr to relax, enjoy the views, and grab something to eat
• Bus back to Hualien: 10-15 minutes

** You could also add in Wenshen Springs between the Baiyang Trail and Yanzikou.

Taroko Gorge in 2 Days

If you want to take your time, you can always spread everything out over two or even three days. My original plan was to give myself two days to explore Taroko Gorge, but since the weather was so crap and I got off at the wrong stop once, I only really did one day’s worth of exploring.

I organized these based on how easy it was to get to each stop on the shuttle bus, so, of course, you can mix and match depending on how you travel around.

• Bus from Hualien to Tianxiang : 1 1/2 hours
• Baiyang Trail: 2- 2 1/2 hours
• Lushui Trail: 1- 1/2 hours
• Qixingtan Beach: 1 hr
• Bus from Qixingtan: 10-15 minutes
• Head to Taroko Visitor Center from Hualien: 40 minutes – 1 hr
• Taroko Terrace Trail: 30-45 minutes
• Shakadang Trail directly from Taroko Terrace Trail: 3-4 hours
• Yanzikou: 30-minutes
• Changchun Shrine : 30-minutes or you can do the trail and give yourself about 1 1/2 hours
• Back to Hualien from Changchun: 50-60 minutes

If you do 3 days, I’d reserve one of the days for one of the bigger trails, either Lushui-Wenshen or Zhuliu Old.

Taroko Gorge Travel Tips

How to get to taroko gorge.

Of course, the easiest way to get to and around Taroko Gorge is through a private charter or renting your own car .

However, there’s also a much cheaper option that’s still pretty convenient.

Taroko Gorge from Hualien

The best way to get to Taroko Gorge from Hualien is via the Tourist Shuttle Bus (Bus 1133A) . It leaves from the Bus Station (which is a bright orange building next to the train station). I grabbed a taxi from my hostel area but if you can figure out the local bus system, my hostel owner told me all the buses go to the train and bus station.

At the bus station, ask for Taroko Gorge, and they’ll give you the day pass and a little brochure guide. A 1-day pass is $250 NTD (~$8.50 USD) and a 2-day pass is $400 NTD (~$13.60 USD).

Here are the times:

The stops include:

Hualien Station -> Qixingtan -> Xincheng Station -> Taroko -> Taroko Visitor Center -> Shakadang Trail -> Bulowan -> Yanzikou -> Lushui -> Tianxiang

Taroko Gorge from Tianxiang

Another option is to stay in Tianxiang. If you do, then the Shuttle Bus times are:

The stops are:

Tianxiang -> Lushui -> Yanzikou -> Changchun Shrine -> Taroko Visitor Center -> Taroko -> Xincheng Station -> Qixingtan -> Hualien Station

Note : The shuttle bus stops are slightly different from Hualien – Tianxiang and Tianxiang – Hualien.

How to Get Around Taroko Gorge

Again you’ll want to use the shuttle bus. I learned from my friend, Nicole’s post to not trying walking between different points of interest. You’ll just be walking long distances on roads, and it won’t be very pretty or worth your while.

Besides the bus, you can get around a few different ways:

Option #1: Cycling

If you want to really commit to cycling around the gorge, then you can stop at Xincheng Station to rent a bike or book this cycling tour . All in all, it’ll be a 25km ride to Tianxiang and the route is pretty flat from what I remember. Of course, that doesn’t include any of the trails if you want to do those.

Option #2: Tour Guides

Going on a tour would be the easiest option if you want to pay a little more and have a little more freedom beyond the shuttle bus times. You can check out the different day tour options here.

Option #3: Motorbike or Car Hire/Rental

The most convenient way, of course, is to rent a car or motorbike or hire a driver for the day. A car might be a good idea if you’re going in a bigger group or want to see as many spots as you can.

Taroko Gorge Accommodation Options

There are a few options on where to stay near Taroko Gorge. You can stay quite close to Taroko or find a place to stay in Tianxiang or Hualien .

I chose to stay in Hualien because I was planning on staying in the area for a few nights and wanted to check out the cafe and restaurant scene. I stayed Hualien Dropby Backpacker’s Hostel , which I  loved . It’s pretty central to the city, my room was super nice, and it’s only about a $150 NTD ride to the train station.

If you’re  only visiting Taroko while you’re here, then you may want to find a place closer to the train station so you can just walk over to get the shuttle bus.

And there you have it! A complete Taroko Gorge guide to help you plan your own trip! Let me know if you have anything to add.

Taiwan Travel Guide

• Taiwan Trip Planner: All the Logistics
• Taiwan Bucket List
• 33 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Taiwan
• How to Spend 2 Weeks in Taiwan
• 24 Fun + Unique Things to Do in Taipei
• Hualien Food Guide
• How to Spend 2 Days in Jiufen
• How to Visit Shifen Waterfall

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How much are the tours? Such as shuttle from Hualien, the hike etc. Is it relatively easy to just do it on your own?

Not sure on tours or any hiking, but I did this all on my own without speaking or reading Mandarin, so I’d say pretty easy!

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Hi, I have a few questions about the bus fare.

Are we able to purchase the day pass @NTD250 at Xincheng Railway Station or is it only available at Hualien Railway Station?

If we are unable to purchase the day pass at Xincheng Railway Station, do we have to pay the exact fare for each ride on the bus and can we pay the fare for 3 persons together? Example the cost for each person is NTD23, can we drop NTD70 for the 3 of us? Because we're worried that we will not have enough small change for hopping on and off the bus.

One day pass available on the Taroko tourist shuttle bus.

Of course you can pay the bus fare for each ride for 3 persons together. Pay exact amount as no change will be given.

1.One day pass is only sold at Hualine station.

2.Officially, Taroko bus line is suspended since 1 Jan 2014. But traditionally the service will be expended. There will be a new bus line to Taroko.

http://www.taiwantrip.com.tw/News/Content/?news_id=211

Please check with the Hualine Bus before you go to Taroko.

I've checked the website for the new bus line but don't really get it. May I confirm whether it is this line:

(花蓮火車站-鯉魚潭遊客中心-潭南休憩區-壽豐火車站-林榮休憩區-新光兆豐農場-鳳林火車站-光復火車站-光復糖廠-瑞穗火車站-瑞穗牧場-235北回歸線標誌公園-新鶴茶園-舞鶴臺地(公主咖啡))

I have also downloaded the hualien bus schedule from http://www.taroko.gov.tw/English/?mm=5&sm=3&page=4 and saw that there is also a local bus to taroko. Do you know whether the local bus has a bus number? Sorry for asking so many questions and thanks again.

Btw Sullivan, I planned our taroko trip based on your blog post about the combo ticket. It's really helpful, thank you.

There are still shuttle but the frequency is fewer

Please check the time table of 1126,1141,1133.

http://www.yati.url.tw/1011217/hualtb.htm

http://hualiendaytripper.blogspot.nl/2012/12/touring-taroko-gorge-using-tourist.html

i found this blog really helpfull

but which stop do i need for cimu bridge

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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How Taiwanese authorities pieced together the moments before disaster in their search for two missing Australians

The grainy CCTV footage shows a couple dressed for a day wandering Taiwan's so-called Mysterious Valley Trail.

Sim Hwee Kok is wearing hiking boots and cargo shorts, while his wife Neo Siew Choo has a cross-body bag slung over her shoulder.

The security video taken from a sightseeing bus on April 3 suggests the Singaporean-Australian couple got off for a hike through Taroko National Park in eastern Taiwan.

Home to the Shakadang Trail — known to some as Mysterious Valley Trail — it's a place of unimaginable natural beauty.

Hikers squeeze themselves along imposing marble cliffs to marvel at the clear blue river below.

But 38 minutes after Sim Hwee Kok and Neo Siew Choo got off the bus, another, harsher force of nature took hold of Taiwan.

The island's east coast sits on top of two converging tectonic plates, and at 7:58am these two gargantuan slabs of rock slid against each other.

It produced the largest quake to strike Taiwan in a quarter of a century, leaving 13 people dead and more than 1,100 injured.

Built to withstand the angry rumblings of the tectonic plates below, Taipei fared relatively well through the seismic shock.

But out in the wilderness, chaos reigned.

Massive landslides of boulders and dirt toppled down Taroko National Park's famously rugged mountain terrain.

The disaster trapped hundreds of people inside the park, with roads and tunnels sealed off by huge piles of rubble.

Rescuers are now in a race against time to free those stranded in the park.

But two hikers, Sim Hwee Kok and Neo Siew Choo, appear to have vanished without a trace.

The desperate search for those missing in the quake

A 10-storey red brick building left leaning precariously after last week's earthquake has become a global symbol of the damage wrought by the tremor.

The Ministry of Agriculture said Taiwan has recorded 779 aftershocks , including two above magnitude-6, in the period between when the quake first struck and April 9.

The partially collapsed tower loomed large over a street in Hualien City, which is widely considered to be the epicentre of the quake.

But it was the image of men and women dressed in yellow and red jumpsuits along with their canine coworkers that came to define the aftermath of the tragedy and the desperate search for survivors.

Roger the Labrador made headlines as part of the city-wide endeavour  after locating the body of the quake's 13th victim.

The dog detective had failed in his first career as a drug sniffer due to his playful temperament but helped to lift the mood of a nation as he tore apart a soft toy at a press conference on the quake this week.

When the quake struck during morning rush hour, it sent schoolchildren, commuters and families scrambling for shelter.

Others who were travelling at the time weren't so lucky and soon found themselves trapped within Hualien's road tunnels.

A group of about 50 hotel employees from Silks Place Taroko Hotel were making their way through one of these routes on four minibuses when the quake hit.

An employee recounted anxiously waiting for help to arrive after giant rocks had crashed down and blocked their entry and exit points.

"We didn't have any food, but some of our employees had brought their own breakfast, and we had some bottled water in the bus," David Chen  told The Associated Press.

"I handed it out and told them to be sparing, you can't die from hunger, but you can die from thirst."

They were eventually freed from the blocked passage thanks to the help of workers using heavy machinery.

Taiwan's rescue efforts initially focused on people trapped under rubble and collapsed buildings in the city.

But the search area was soon broadened out to include surrounding regions and popular tourist hiking spots, where earthquakes triggered landslides.

At first, authorities hoped to zero in on missing travellers by using phone signals but were largely cut off from accessing the area due to road blockages.

The bodies of five hikers who were on the Shakadang trail were recovered on April 10, but Sim Hwee Kok and Neo Siew Choo are still unaccounted-for.

With little more than the CCTV footage of their last moments to go off, rescue teams have pieced together a picture of where the couple might be trapped .

What do we know about the place they were last seen?

Taiwan is situated in one of the most seismically active regions in the world. In Eastern Taiwan, the earth is lifting upwards as the Philippine Sea plate and the Eurasian plate come together.

While this region has a history of strong earthquakes, the most recent rupture is believed to have occurred on what's called a "reverse fault".

"This is where the quake lifts up one side of the Earth's crust relative to the other," Dee Ninis wrote in The Conversation .

The United States Geological Survey said the Philippine Sea plate was moving north-west and "subducting below the Eurasian plate".

The April 3 rupture was the strongest Taiwan has felt in 25 years — a period of time that becomes insignificant when considering the geological history of the region.

For millions of years, seismic activity has pushed marble and rock upwards while the Liwu River has carved a path between them. What can be seen today are the steep walls of the Taroko Gorge — a location considered one of the main attractions inside the national park.

But the seismic activity that created the picturesque landscape tourists come to see also puts them at risk of disaster.

The bus to Taroko National Park is believed to have dropped Sim Hwee Kok and Neo Siew Choo off at the Shakadang — or Mysterious Valley — Trail.

The time stamp on the vision of them arriving puts them on the ground at 7:20am.

A popular option for tourists is the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Service, which stops just near the Shakadang trail head about 1.3 kilometres inside the national park.

The track is a flat walk considered appropriate for even novice hikers, but it's not a loop circuit.

Hikers travel 4.1 kilometres one way before turning around and heading back and it's estimated the full return trip would take 3 to 4 hours.

A video taken by a German tourist and shared with the Guardian appears to have shed further light on their whereabouts, showing the couple beginning their hike on the Shakadang trail a mere 25 minutes before the quake hit.

It's believed that for those 25 minutes, Sim Hwee Kok and Neo Siew Choo were making their way along the Mysterious Valley Track, moving further into Taroko National Park.

The 'golden period' has passed

Rescuers refer to the 72 hours after a natural disaster as "the golden period".

If someone is trapped with limited access to food, water and medical attention, their best chance of survival is being found within three days.

It has now been 10 days since the quake triggered landslides in the Mysterious Valley Track.

Search and rescue personnel believe that Sim Hwee Kok and Neo Siew Choo were last seen near a large water pipe about 1.8km from the trail's entrance.

Local media reported six rescue workers and three dogs were dispatched to search the area on April 10 , but no trace of the pair was discovered.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the couple's families.

"The Australian office in Taipei is liaising with local authorities, whose search for the missing Australians is ongoing," a spokesperson said in a statement to the ABC.

Search operations have been hindered by aftershocks, rockfalls and bad weather, which has forced excavation attempts to be delayed or called off.

"It’s like the entire mountains of Taroko collapsed, trapping so many people inside the mountain," firefighter Wen Zong Hao told Al Jazeera.

"This is very different and much more challenging than an ordinary urban search and rescue mission."

While the search continues for the missing Australian hikers, there has been some good news for rescuers digging in the dirt and rubble.

A family of five who were hiking along the Shakadang Trails when the quake hit were found alive by members of Taiwan’s Red Cross after four days.

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The Taiwan Earthquake’s Aftermath

A road in Taroko National Park was closed because of a landslide in Hualien, Taiwan, on Thursday. Credit... Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times

Supported by

By The New York Times

• Published April 3, 2024 Updated April 7, 2024

A powerful earthquake of at least 7.4 magnitude struck Taiwan shortly before 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

The quake, the strongest to strike Taiwan in a quarter century, caused buildings in Taipei, the capital, to shake for a minute or more. In Hualien County , on the east coast and close to the epicenter, dozens of buildings were damaged, officials said. At least nine deaths and more than 1,000 injuries were reported. As of Thursday, 93 people were stranded in Hualien County, including dozens of cement factory workers in two rock quarries, according to officials.

Tremors were reported in mainland China, as far away as Hangzhou, Xiamen and Shanghai, and officials warned of more potentially strong aftershocks in the coming days.

Here are photos from the aftermath of the earthquake.

A rescue team preparing a search-and-rescue operation in Taroko National Park.

A crying woman hugs a relative who was rescued after being stranded in Taroko National Park.

A school track was used for tents for people evacuated from the earthquake area.

A road that was damaged in a landslide.

Evacuees in temporary shelters in an elementary school gymnasium.

A rescue team preparing to search Taroko National Park.

A search and rescue team in front of a building in the city of Hualien.

A search-and-rescue team trying to help a trapped person.

A search-and-rescue team moving a body.

A landslide caused by the earthquake on Wednesday.

Emergency workers assisting a survivor after he was rescued from a damaged building on Wednesday.

Students evacuated to a school courtyard after the earthquake.

New Taipei City

A damaged apartment after the earthquake on Wednesday.

Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan

People on a hotel rooftop watched the horizon as a tsunami warning was in effect from the earthquake in Taiwan on Wednesday.

Xindian district, New Taipei City

Damaged buildings on Wednesday.

A search and rescue team preparing to enter a damaged building.

A man surveying damage to collapsed brick wall in a house after the earthquake.

Residents rescuing a child from a partially collapsed building on Tuesday.

Passengers in line to board a train. Some train services were suspended in the aftermath of the earthquake.

People on rooftops watched the news as a tsunami warning was in effect from the earthquake in Taiwan on Wednesday.

Xiulin, Hualien

A landslide after an earthquake hit just off the eastern coast of Taiwan.

A barricade erected around debris in the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall compound.

An earlier version of this article inaccurately described the level of destruction caused to buildings by the earthquake. Dozens of buildings were damaged, but dozens did not collapse.

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Hualien is the meeting point of the Central Cross-Island Highway, Suao-Hualien Highway, and highways leading south to Taitung.

Hualien County is home to several world-class scenic attractions. In 1590, Portuguese sailors passed by the eastern coast of Taiwan and were so moved by the grandeur of what they saw that they named this land "Formosa," the beautiful island. Since that time, the majestic views of Hualien have come to represent Taiwan.

Formerly known as Qilai, Hualien's current name derives from the phrase "huilan" (eddying water), a reference to the swirling currents of the Hualien River where it meets the sea.

Hualien is Taiwan's biggest county, with an area of about 4,628 square kilometers and a population of 350,000. The county borders the Pacific Ocean to the east and is hemmed in by the Central Range to the west. With its towering peaks, azure skies, vast seas, scenic valleys, cultural diversity, and friendly kindhearted people, Hualien has become one of Taiwan's first-choice travel destinations for local and international visitors alike.

With all of its natural beauty, most of Hualien is a national scenic area. Visitors to the county can enjoy the impressive gorges at Taroko National Park, the magnificence of Yushan National Park, the stunning natural landscapes of the East Coast National Scenic Area, and the rustic charms of the East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area. Wherever you go in Hualien, nature is there to greet you.

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Estimate to fix hualien damage tops nt$3 billion, road plans: plans to extend freeway no. 6 to reach hualien directly are being worked on, but the 90km project poses many challenges, including many tunnels.

• By Shelley Shan / Staff reporter

About NT$3 billion (US$92.37 million) would be needed to revitalize tourism in Hualien County after it was devastated on April 3 by a quake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-tsai (王國材) said yesterday.

The quake, the largest to hit Taiwan in 25 years, caused severe damage to facilities and infrastructure in Hualien, including in Taroko National Park.

The Chateau de Chine in Hualien (花蓮翰品酒店) was forced to lay off 86 employees, as the hotel needs to be torn down and rebuilt due to damage.

Fallen rocks and debris block a tunnel near Taroko National Park in Hualien County on April 5 following an earthquake that hit Taiwan two days earlier.

Photo: Daniel Ceng, EPA-EFE

Many domestic travelers have canceled trips to the east coast due to aftershocks, which as of yesterday totaled 906.

The Ministry of the Interior on Monday said that the cost of rebuilding in Taroko National Park could reach NT$1 billion.

The Tourism Administration is planning three rounds of stimulus initiatives to reboot the tourism industry in the county, Wang told reporters before attending a Transportation Committee meeting at the legislature in Taipei.

The first round would consist mainly of disaster relief, while the second round would focus on funding for people whose homes were damaged or destroyed, he said.

The third round would be to subsidize individuals and group tours to Hualien after facilities are rebuilt, he said.

The initiatives have been estimated to exceed NT$3 billion, Wang said, adding that details would be finalized by the Executive Yuan and could be implemented next month.

The ministry is scouting for a potential corridor to build an extension of the Shuishalian Freeway — Freeway No. 6, which runs from Taichung’s Wufong District (霧峰) to Puli Township (埔里) in Nantou County and connects to Hualien County via provincial highways 14, 14A and 8 — to connect directly to Hualien, he said, adding that the study is to be completed by 2026.

The committee also reviewed a special bill proposed by Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Fu Kun-chi (傅?萁) that would mandate an extension of the freeway to Hualien.

“We began scouting for a potential route last year and a feasibility study will be conducted once one has been identified,” Wang said.

The Freeway Bureau said in a report that the extension would be 90km and have 18 tunnels, with the longest being 17.4km.

Experts believe the cost to build the extension would be high, as construction could take years due to the unpredictable geological conditions in the Central Mountain Range, the report said.

The road would also affect the environment, which could compromise road safety, it said.

Democratic Progressive Party legislators Lee Kun-tse (李昆澤) and Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌) said they oppose a mandate to build the extension.

“Geological surveys, feasibility studies, environment impact assessments and financial planning must be conducted for such a project,” Lee said. “The Suhua Highway Improvement Project has proven its value given how it came through during the earthquake, showing that safety and sustainability should be the top priority for such projects.”

“I understand every legislator’s need to seek funding from the central government for projects in their districts, but making construction a mandate contradicts the constitutional principle of separation of powers,” Tsai said. “If this precedent were set, it could potentially be followed by hundreds of mandates.”

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