Incredible gorge in Hualien!
This not-to-be-missed geological marvel is located in the eastern part of Taiwan, a rugged island that punches far above its weight in terms of mountains and ecological diversity. Wandering through the 19 km-long gorge, one can’t help but stare at the cliffs high above, then gaze down at the boulder-filled Liwu River.
Because Taroko Gorge is a treasure chest of marbles, schists and gneissic rocks, the colour scheme includes creamy whites, dark greys, light browns plus soft shades of silver and gold. And then there’s the foliage which thrives in all but the most vertiginous spots, as well as the hemlock, spruce, cypress and pine forests that cover more than four fifths of Taroko National Park.
The only road through Taroko Gorge is the Central Cross-Island Highway. Completed in 1960 by demobilised soldiers who’d followed Chiang Kai-shek when he withdrew from the Chinese mainland more than a decade earlier, it’s a spectacular but challenging ribbon of tarmac. Drivers may feel nervous, but for passengers it’s a thrilling succession of eye-popping sights. Glimpses of sheer rock faces and azure streams are followed by intoxicating, as-far-as-the-eyes-can-see mountain vistas.
It is my favorite and most amazing natural attraction in Taiwan when I travel around the island with a group. The stream in the canyon is very clear and blue-green. When walking on the trail, you can also feel the rock next to it. You can even see the big spiders that form webs between branches. The whole environment is very "aerobic" and fresh! Tip: I heard that there is a sausage shop at the end of the trail that is very delicious. Unfortunately, we arrived at 5 or 6 pm, so the sausage in the store has been sold out. Friends who want to taste the sausage suggest to leave early.
Gorge style
Continue along the Liwuxi Valley, we came to the swallow mouth area. The scenery here is spectacular and beautiful, which can be said to be the essence of the Tailuge Canyon. However, due to the occasional falling stone, there is a certain danger, tourists must wear helmets to visit here. Very humane is that the helmet can be rented near the management office, and at no cost, it is only necessary to return it when returning. The trails are built on the cliffs next to the canyon, through tunnels. The cave on the cliff was once a place where many swallows nested, and the name "swallow mouth" was also given. But now, with more and more people and cars passing by, it is rare to disturb the survival of the swallows.