Best of Taroko Gorge National Park & Hualien
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Port
Hualien, Taiwan
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$139
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
The heart and soul of Taiwan include the dramatic scenery of Taroko Gorge National Park and the QingShui Cliff.
Situated near the rocky east coast of Taiwan, Taroko Gorge National Park is an astounding 12-mile-long canyon -- a breathtaking spectacle of craggy rocks and cascading water. With numerous photo stops and gentle walks, your guide introduces you to some indigenous flora and fauna and the park’s phenomenal topography. In a single afternoon, you can travel from rugged coastal cliffs through a maze of sub-tropical, forested canyons to sub-alpine coniferous forests. This is the world's deepest marble canyon and is home to 34 species of mammal, including black bear, Formosan macaque (rock monkey), serow, wild boar, sambar deer, and 144 species of birdlife.
A visit to the Eternal Spring Shrine reveals some of the park's history. This is where 212 military veterans died during the construction of the Cross-Island Highway, which runs over the mountains and connects the east and west coasts of Taiwan. Your walking tour at the Swallow’s Grotto offers fantastic views of the gorge, the Liwu River and the impressive cliffs. Don't miss the famous rock that is said to resemble the profile of a Native American chief. The trail lets you linger here. At the Marble Bridge, take photos of the park's mesmerizing beauty.
Continue to the QingShui Cliff, one of the most spectacular sights on Taiwan's Pacific coast. The cliff is more than 3,300 feet tall and drops almost vertically into the sea.
Enjoy a delightful lunch of traditional Taiwanese cuisine at a local restaurant.
A scenic drive then leads to the impressive Kang-Ten Temple. Like most Taoist Temples, it is a bright and colorful structure with broad, curving rooflines adorned with divine figures and traditional symbols of luck, such as dragons and carp.
Your last stop is at the Pine Garden, the military control center during the Japanese occupation era.
Notes:
Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes.