Meet the tour operator's representative in the early morning, and then take an express train bound for Hualien on your own. Don’t worry! Just sit back and enjoy this 3-hour journey.
Upon your arrival in Hualien, your tour guide will greet you at the train station. Your one-day tour to Taroko Gorge National Park will start from the Archway of Taroko Gorge, which is not only a gateway to Taroko Gorge, but also a landmark symbolising the predecessors’ dedication to the Central Cross-Island Highway.
Your first stop is Shakadang Trail, one of the most popular hiking trails in Taroko National Park. The river gently flowing through the marble boulders as you meanders along the trail in parallel. The turquoise blue water of the river is crystal clear that you can see the riverbed from above.
The next stop of tour is Swallow Grotto. The potholes on the cliff surface were created by the ground water and the rapid stream of the river. Walking through the tunnels, you will be amazed by the stunning views of the marble cliffs reaching up to the sky.
After lunch, you will pass by Cimu Bridge (literally motherly devotion bridge), an H-shape hanging bridge built of marble and named by the late president Chiang Jing-guo.
Your tour continues with a visit to Tunnel of Nine Turns, which is considered the most scenic section of Taroko Gorge, was reopened to public in 2019 after years of repair works. As you walk along the trail, you can see the meandering river running through the deep and spectacular canyon from above.
After that, you will pass by Eternal Spring Shrine, a memorial shrine established in 1958, to commemorate the 225 personnel (military veterans) who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway.
On the way back to the train station, your will visit a local marble factory, where you can get some souvenirs featuring the local characters to enrich your travel collection.
Before you return to the train station for your train back to Taipei, you will visit the most romantic beach in Taiwan. Qixingtan Beach, a crescent-shaped beach covered with sprawling pebbles.
Your 14-hour adventure ends with drop-off at Taipei Main Station.