Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Golden Canyon
A deep marble-walled pool in which you can swim.
Eternal Spring Shrine
Poignant and picture perfect.
Shakadang Trail
HIKING
(Shākǎdāng Bùdào; one hour one way)
Formerly the Mysterious Valley Trail, this flat
4.4km hike follows the crystal-clear Shakadang River as it winds through marble
canyons and boulder-strewn flats. The curving riverbed creates massive pools of bluish
green water (best seen in summer and fall).
Coming from the direction of the National Park Headquarters, the trailhead is to the
right after emerging from the first tunnel. Follow the stairs down to the river to access the
path. There's a parking lot just past the trailhead.
The Shakadang Trail officially ends at 3D (sometimes written as 5D) Cabin. However,
if you have permits (you can apply for them the same day at the park's police stations),
you can continue on the
Dali-Datung Trail
(
Dàlǐ-Dàtóng Bùdaò
) to Dali and Datung, two
isolated aboriginal villages. This trail should take about seven to eight hours, return.
Eternal Spring Shrine
MEMORIAL
MAP
(Cháng Chūn Cí)
Not far from the park administration centre, overlooking the Liwu River
from a cliff-side perch, sits this haunting shrine, dedicated to the 450 workers who lost
their lives building the highway. A gushing spring that never dries pours out onto the
rocks below, gracing the shrine with what looks like a hoary old beard.
Shuttle buses usually stop here on the way back from Tienhsiang.
Bulowan
SCENIC AREA
MAP
(Bùluòwān Bùdào)
Meaning 'echo', Bulowan is a former Taroko mountain village divided
into a lower park-like terrace (with a small exhibition area) and an upper-level resort.
Come here to watch Taroko Gorge transform from steep marble cliff walls into dense
forest clinging to mist shrouded peaks.
You can walk up to Bulowan via a short flight of stairs (starting at Km178.8), or drive
up a side road.
Swallow Grotto
SCENIC AREA
MAP
