Visit of the Gorges de Taroko in Taiwan

Discovery of the Taroko National Park and its gorges

If you want to admire one of the seven wonders of Asia, you have to go to the east coast of Taiwan to discover the fantastics Gorges de Taroko .

Taroko National Park

Taroko National Park is a former Aboriginal territory. The name “taroko” means “beautiful” in Truku language, the name of the native tribe of the island. This area is well known for its marble presence and the rocks, which were at the bottom of the ocean, are older than 200 million years.

With the compression of the tectonic plates between the Philippine Sea and the Eurasian plate, forces appeared during the collision of the said plates, pushing the rocks to the surface and thus forming the Gorges of Taroko.

A 100% nature discovery

The gorges of Taroko were formed by a river that dug its bed through the marble and granite mountains that jalign and snake the valley. A trail is carved in the rock and you can then hike several hundred meters above sea level while at the far, downhill, the river roams.

Around you, pagodas, temples, pavilions seem to hang as by magic to the walls of the mountains that are wrapped in a mist. Finally, in other places, you will see and hear mainly waterfalls that escape from rocky faults. Des fantastic cascades , tunnels, suspended bridges and surprising views await you in the Gorges of Taroko.

A breathtaking beauty

It is not for nothing that this landscape and site form one of the greatest wonders of Asia. It is also a whole experience to go there: in the city of Tienhsiang, you have to cross a suspended bridge tense above a precipice in order to reach a Buddhist temple as well as a pagoda that seems to hang on a mountain slope. Gorges are breathtaking with a canyon of more than 19 km long.

Circuits are offered half-day time but it is best to take between 1 and 2 whole days to impregnate you with the Fairy atmosphere and discover the forgotten treasures of Taroko Gorges.

You can go to the Taroko Gorge all year round, but the weather plays a major role, especially if you go there between July and September where the East coast of Taiwan is often struck by typhoons from the Pacific Ocean. Risks of landslides and rockfalls are always possible. Temperatures at Taroko Gorge range from 14°C in January to 27°C in July.

It should be noted that the best way to discover the Gorges of Taroko is the scooter: helped with a map of the tourist office, you will be able to ride as you like before embarking on one of the most beautiful treks of your life.

Main photo credit : Bingfotos – James Lambie