Taiwan Taroko Gorge Day Tour (From Taipei by Train)
Overview
Taroko National Park in Taiwan's Hualien County is famous for its stunning marble gorge. On this tour that departs from and returns to Taipei by train, you'll marvel at the awe-inspiring feats of nature at Taroko: the soaring marble cliffs, the natural grottoes, the clear blue water, and so much more.
Highlights
- Perfect for solo travelers — guaranteed departure from one guest
- Convenient for guests staying in downtown Taipei — no need to worry about transportation to and from Taroko National Park
- Discover the wonders of Taroko Gorge, the world’s largest marble gorge
- Ramble along trails and enjoy the stunning view of the soaring marble cliffs
- Marvel at one of the area's "Eight Wonders”: Qingshui Cliff
Key Information
Important Information
• The tour will be conducted with live commentary in English and Japanese; additionally, your guide can speak Mandarin Chinese • Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult • As some of Taroko National Park's natural attractions have narrow passageways and steep steps, this tour is not recommended for those using wheelchairs and/or with physical disabilities • If this tour will have to be cancelled due to inclement weather, natural disasters, or other factors, we will contact you no later than the evening before your tour date to refund or reschedule • The itinerary, including the sequence and the amount of time spent at an attraction, is subject to change depending on the weather, traffic conditions, and other factors • Before you take the train to Hualien, our representative will meet you at a designated hotel or train station in central Taipei. The tour will end at Taipei Main Station • Please be ready to meet your guide 5 minutes before your pick-up time. For those arranging for hotel pick-up, please meet your guide at the lobby. If your hotel lobby is on a higher floor, please meet your guide at the ground floor • Each guest may bring 1 piece of carry-on baggage on this tour • Your vehicle for transfer around the Taroko area will be arranged by Edison Tours. It will be a 43-seater bus, 20-seater minibus, or 9-seater minivan, depending on the number of participants
Description
Best known for its iconic landmark gorge of the same name, Taroko National Park in Taiwan's Hualien County is blessed with a wealth of natural wonders: a rich terrain teeming with flora and fauna, stunning geographical formations such as marble gorges, scenic hiking trails, lush forests, and more. If you're a nature lover seeking some respite from urban life, book this tour that departs from Taipei by express train for a one-day getaway to Taroko National Park! Start the day by meeting our representative at your designated point in downtown Taipei early in the morning. Our team member will then assist you in taking an express train bound for Hualien. Enjoy a little peace and quiet as you sit back and enjoy the three-hour journey — paradise is just around the corner! Upon arrival at Hualien Station, you'll meet your guide, who will then whisk you away to the world-famous Taroko National Park. Aboard an air-conditioned vehicle, you'll head for the iconic entrance to the park: the Taroko Archway, which leads to Tianxiang. You'll pass through the 12.5-mile (20km) section of Central Cross-Island Highway, which winds through steep marble cliffs and tunnels — the sight will surely take your breath away. Once you've reached the park, you'll start with a walk along Shakadang Trail, where the shimmering, crystal-clear blue waters of the Liwu River run in parallel. This river has cut through the marble formations of Taroko over millions of years, creating the deep, narrow gorge that the park is known for. Then, walk through the tunnels of Swallow Grotto, where you'll enjoy stunning views of the cliffs reaching up to the sky. Take note of the potholes on the cliffs' surface, which were created by groundwater and river rapids. In the past, they served as a natural nesting area for swallows, which earned this section of the park the name "Swallow Grotto." Before lunch, take a short break at Tianxiang, a spacious, picturesque river terrace that functions as a recreational area. Here, you'll find the Youth Activity Center, a Catholic church, and the park's only five-star hotel nearby. This area features spectacular river landscapes and meandering trails that make Tianxiang such an attractive place to dine and stay at. Once you've had a quick break at Tianxiang, you'll have lunch at a restaurant in the park. After lunch, you'll stop to see Cihmu Bridge, also known as Motherly Devotion Bridge. This hanging bridge shaped like the letter "H" was built with marble and was named by the late president Chiang Jing-guo after a heartwarming story about a loving mother. Then, hold your breath, because you're about to see a masterpiece of nature that will take your breath away! The Tunnel of Nine Turns, which reopened in 2019 after years of repairs, is considered the most scenic section of Taroko Gorge. This narrow trail winds through the mountains, giving you spectacular views of the deep canyons above and around. Walking through this trail, you'll also be able to take a closer look at the faults and folds of the larger-than-life marble cliffs, as well as the lush vegetation on the walls. Next up is a visit to Eternal Spring Shrine, which commemorates the 225 military veterans who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. Before heading back to Hualien Station, you'll visit a local marble factory, where you can get some souvenirs as a memory of your trip. Then, take a walk and chill at the romantic Qixingtan, a pebble beach where the mountains meet the sea. If you're up for it, why not challenge yourself by building a pebble tower? Afterward, you'll be dropped off at Hualien Station for your ride back to Taipei. Just relax until your 14-hour adventure comes to a close at Taipei Main Station.