Taroko gorge trail tour

We have engaged a tour guide for today excursion - Taroko Gorge. Arrangement was done prior to our visit to Taiwan. Recommended from Tripadvisor posts. Chauffeur using Toyota MPV (during then was brand-new car) which can take up to 8 persons. The booking was charged by number of car. So 2-8 persons same price (but more tips). Tour guide was friendly + attentive Mr Huang Jing He 黄景和先生.

We chose a full-day Taroko tour (you can choose half-day) and journey began morning 8am after our magnificent breakfast. 

Arsma Hotel breakfast (below) was delicious! One of the best hotel breakfast. With memorable tuna-tart, characteristic fish, diversified salads, remarkable porridge, colourful steam buns (bao), pleasing breads, fabulous noodles, and many more.

Breakfast accomplished! Turbo engine roared! Here we goes.......



These were most of our day trails itinerary which i have "numbers them" 1 to 8 in map above.

1. First we dropped off at Tourist information centre (near taroko terrace). You be able see details of Taroko (3D work craft and video) inside this Nation Park Headquarter. If you have time, can arrange to climb this mountain.

2. QingShui Cliff (Below) - Though this just a spot to take photo but should not be missed. The backdrop was like an master art piece. Waves caressing the mountain, forming different layers of family colors like rainbow on the sea.

3. Shakadang Trails (below) - We did not scout the trails all the way (save time). But that cherished 30 mins enough to snap plenty best spots (some samples below). The architecture of the walking path honestly nice.

4. Where is this trail 4? 

Yes, Swallow Grotto. "Master piece from the gods". Swallows sportively winging around, taking their turn welcoming us. Cheering up our day : ) Now i know why Tripadvisor ranked Taroko #1

Like teeth, pinching together firmly, safeguard the master piece.

5. Cimu Bridge - Also known as "Motherly Devotion Bridge". Was given a pointer, this was built by late president to remember his mother. Both sides, you can see marble lion & lotus dedicate to the bridge - blessed!

Actually, before arriving to this bridge, there is a popular scenic spot "Tunnel of Nine Turns" which still under renovation. Not sure when will be completed. Share with us if you know? Or completed?

6. Lushui Trail (above) - this an easy trail (just walk up & down, look left & right, about 45mins) which you may consider to skip. Not because it's easy, but nothing "extra" that you can pick up. You can squander more time at other hangout (Qixingtan cycling)

7. Baiyang Trail - Above-top two pictures are the entrance deep tunnel. Very cooling inside and may experience water sprinkle on you. There are many tunnels ahead. I remembered one particular tunnel pitch darkness. So bring along torchlight unless you love the challenge. There are two spots (Waterfall and Water Curtain) but i did not get to experience the waterfall. Have you?. Be prepare to be rain by spring water when walking through the Water Curtain (bottom-right), again, unless you choose U-turn here, you be happily WET. It's amazing experience! (Bottom-left) The hanging bridge is a great spot presenting your poses, did you feel my thrill hanging there?

By the way, why call Taroko? In Truku language, Taroko means “Magnificent and Beautiful".

8. Eternal Spring Shine - This to commemorate the military veterans who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. Spring water here flows all year round - fascinating right? If i catch correctly from our tour guide, the top shrine mark as heaven and the below as hell.




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Day 1 - Taiwan Free and easy itinerary
Day 1 - Free and easy in Hualien
Day 2 - Taroko Gorge Trail 
Day 2 - Cycling in Qixingtan
Day 3 - Taipei Night Market and Ximending
Day 4 - Maokong Gondola/ Xinbeitou hot spring
Day 4 - Cycling at Taiwan Dadaocheng Wharf near Daqiaotou train station
Day 5 - Early morning flight