Beautiful Taroko Gorge
Friday, 11 December 2009 09:50 | 
Written by Mark Edwards |
Spanish prospectors first came to Hualien, Taiwan in around 1600AD. For the last 150 years, it's been inhabited, but that's not why you visit. Come to Hualien to encounter the stunning Taroko Gorge: long winding cliffs cut by a stunning river in kilometers of national park. Taroko Gorge is probably the biggest travel target in Taiwan, even though the park was only set up in the 1930s.
Spanish prospectors first came to Hualien, Taiwan in around 1600AD. For the last 150 years, it's been inhabited, but that's not why you visit. Come to Hualien to encounter the stunning Taroko Gorge: long winding cliffs cut by a stunning river in kilometers of national park. Taroko Gorge is probably the biggest travel target in Taiwan, even though the park was only set up in the 1930s.
From Taipei to Hualien is about two hours by train. The left side of the carriage should allow you good views of the coastline throughout most of the journey. It's well worth the extra work to get a place there: the island's name -- Formosa -- means "Beautiful Island". When you reach Taroko Gorge, you'll find it also reflects that name: wildlife flourish in the verdant national park. You will be sure to find your own little spot amongst the walking paths, with great lookouts showing you the rushing river below green cliffs.
Taroko Gorge hotels are rather limited, but Hualien offers lots of accommodation at good prices. It seldom fills up, so don't book ahead and find a Hualien hotel within minutes walk of the train station. there are also budget accommodation options including several hostels and budget hotels in Hualien.
To get to Taroko Gorge National Park from Hualien, you can:
1. Take a coach tour. Most companies do not offer guides in English, so brush up on your Mandarin!
2. Use a scooter. It will take around 1/3 of an hour to make the journey. Have an international, or preferably a Taiwan driving licence.
3. Rent a taxi. You can shuttle between Taroko gorge and Hualien easily by taxi. Negotiate a deal to have your driver act as a tour guide and you'll be able to investigate some narrow roads that bus tours certainly can't navigate!
Spanish prospectors first came to Hualien, Taiwan in around 1600AD. For the last 150 years, it's been inhabited, but that's not why you visit. Come to Hualien to encounter the stunning Taroko Gorge: long winding cliffs cut by a stunning river in kilometers of national park. Taroko Gorge is probably the biggest travel target in Taiwan, even though the park was only set up in the 1930s.
From Taipei to Hualien is about two hours by train. The left side of the carriage should allow you good views of the coastline throughout most of the journey. It's well worth the extra work to get a place there: the island's name -- Formosa -- means "Beautiful Island". When you reach Taroko Gorge, you'll find it also reflects that name: wildlife flourish in the verdant national park. You will be sure to find your own little spot amongst the walking paths, with great lookouts showing you the rushing river below green cliffs.
Taroko Gorge hotels are rather limited, but Hualien offers lots of accommodation at good prices. It seldom fills up, so don't book ahead and find a Hualien hotel within minutes walk of the train station. there are also budget accommodation options including several hostels and budget hotels in Hualien.
To get to Taroko Gorge National Park from Hualien, you can:
1. Take a coach tour. Most companies do not offer guides in English, so brush up on your Mandarin!
2. Use a scooter. It will take around 1/3 of an hour to make the journey. Have an international, or preferably a Taiwan driving licence.
3. Rent a taxi. You can shuttle between Taroko gorge and Hualien easily by taxi. Negotiate a deal to have your driver act as a tour guide and you'll be able to investigate some narrow roads that bus tours certainly can't navigate!
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Want to find out more about Taroko Gorge?, then visit Indie Travel Podcast for Taroko information.