Hualien And Taroko Gorge
On the eastern coast of Taiwan sits beautiful Hualien, a small city that is mainly known as being a starting point for anyone visiting Taroko National Park. Inside the park lies Taroko Gorge, a 19km-long canyon that twists and turns through jagged cliffs.
The national park at Taroko, Taiwan was established during the time of the Japanese rule of Taiwan in the 30s. From Taipei there is a direct two-hour train to Hualien. It's advisable to get a ticket for a seat on the left-hand side of the train as this will provide you with wonderful views of the coast and out to the East China Sea for most of the journey.
Taroko Gorge, on Ilha Formosa, or beautiful island, certainly lives up to its name. It is quite possible to wander through the surrounding area, especially along the many hiking paths, some of which are marked as closed, but are still well used by backpackers. A thick fog frequently carpets the gorge, creating astonishing views. A wide variety of fauna, including several kinds of boar, inhabit Taroko Gorge, making it an excellent place to satisfy your inner animal lover.
There are three main options for getting to Taroko, Taiwan. The first option is to sign up and ride one of the tour buses lined up outside the station. Several companies will compete for your business to charter you to the gorge. This approach is easy but lacks freedom.
Second is to rent a scooter. Taroko Gorge is only twenty minutes from Hualien and many tourists feel this is a great option for seeing the gorge. You may not be able to rent a scooter without providing an adequate Taiwanese operating license, but it is still worth a shot.
Thirdly, visiting by taxi is another easy option. Many drivers speak some English are will be willing to take you to view points by the sea or in Taroko Gorge itself. For an eight-hour day with a personal driver, expect to pay around US$20.
