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taboo5 | profile | all galleries >> Taiwan >> Taroko National Park and Taroko Gorge (May 2013) tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Taroko National Park and Taroko Gorge (May 2013)

The name, Taroko, means "magnificent and beautiful" in the language of the indigenous Truku Aborigine tribe. Long ago, when a Truku tribesman saw the beauty of the Pacific from the gorge, he cried "Taroko!" That’s how it got its name. Taroko Gorge is nicknamed, "The Marble Gorge" due to its abundant supply of marble. Over the past 100 million years, tectonic compression between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate supplied pressure that turned limestone in the gorge into marble. The gorge itself was carved into the marble by the erosive power of the Liwu River. With its marble-walled canyons, lush mountains and gushing rivers, Taroko National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Taiwan or, for that matter, anywhere else. Any visit to Taiwan would be incomplete without a visit to Taroko National Park and Taroko Gorge.
Taroko National Park and Taroko Gorge cover page.
Taroko National Park and Taroko Gorge cover page.		 Map of Taiwan with the blue dot indicating Taroko National Park.
Map of Taiwan with the blue dot indicating Taroko National Park.		 To get to Taroko National Park, we had to fly to Hualien from Tapei. Passengers boarding our TransAsia Airways flight.
To get to Taroko National Park, we had to fly to Hualien from Tapei. Passengers boarding our TransAsia Airways flight.		 I was amused by this Far Eastern Air Transport (FAT) plane.
I was amused by this Far Eastern Air Transport (FAT) plane.
Close-up of the FAT logo on the tail of the plane.
Close-up of the FAT logo on the tail of the plane.		 The Cinqshui Cliffs facing the Pacific Ocean is known as Taiwan's 8th Wonder of the World.
The Cinqshui Cliffs facing the Pacific Ocean is known as Taiwan's 8th Wonder of the World.		 We passed through this tunnel on the Su-Hua Highway to get to the Cinqshui Cliffs.
We passed through this tunnel on the Su-Hua Highway to get to the Cinqshui Cliffs.		 View of the Pacific Ocean, below.
View of the Pacific Ocean, below.
The cliffs span 21 kilometers (13 miles) and are an average of 800 meters (2,625 feet) above sea level.
The cliffs span 21 kilometers (13 miles) and are an average of 800 meters (2,625 feet) above sea level.		 The cliffs were formed over millions of years by the pressure of layers of rock compressing limestone into marble.
The cliffs were formed over millions of years by the pressure of layers of rock compressing limestone into marble.		 Small roofed structure on the beach below.
Small roofed structure on the beach below.		 Steps leading down to the beach.
Steps leading down to the beach.
Many rocks fall from the cliffs onto the beach.
Many rocks fall from the cliffs onto the beach.		 More fallen rocks on the beach.
More fallen rocks on the beach.		 Some of the rocks below are wrapped in chicken wire to keep them off of the beach.
Some of the rocks below are wrapped in chicken wire to keep them off of the beach.		 Close-up of the wrapped rocks.
Close-up of the wrapped rocks.
View of the beach beneath the Cinqshui Cliffs.
View of the beach beneath the Cinqshui Cliffs.		 While there was sand, it was quite rocky.
While there was sand, it was quite rocky.		 Rocks on the beach with a wave washing in.
Rocks on the beach with a wave washing in.		 An interesting piece of driftwood that was on the beach.
An interesting piece of driftwood that was on the beach.
Another view of the driftwood.
Another view of the driftwood.		 This sign by the beach would also apply to tsunamis!
This sign by the beach would also apply to tsunamis!		 A fishing boat that was offshore.
A fishing boat that was offshore.		 While climbing back up the trail from the beach, I admired this plant, which my guide described as a Moon Peach plant.
While climbing back up the trail from the beach, I admired this plant, which my guide described as a Moon Peach plant.
My guide said that this plant is called a Lin Tou. It is a non-edible fruit.
My guide said that this plant is called a Lin Tou. It is a non-edible fruit.		 Lakebed in Taroko National Park.
Lakebed in Taroko National Park.		 Bridge crossing the lakebed.
Bridge crossing the lakebed.		 The Taroko Gateway, which is the entrance to the East-West Cross Island Highway.
The Taroko Gateway, which is the entrance to the East-West Cross Island Highway.
A fruit vendor with his truck were, nearby.
A fruit vendor with his truck were, nearby.		 The fruit vendor's helper was sitting in the front seat of his truck.
The fruit vendor's helper was sitting in the front seat of his truck.		 As we drove along the East-West Cross Island Highway, our first stop was at the Eternal Spring Shrine.
As we drove along the East-West Cross Island Highway, our first stop was at the Eternal Spring Shrine.		 The Eternal Spring Shrine is deep within Taroko Gorge.
The Eternal Spring Shrine is deep within Taroko Gorge.
Close-up of the shrine. It commemorates the 212 veterans who died while constructing the highway (1956-1960).
Close-up of the shrine. It commemorates the 212 veterans who died while constructing the highway (1956-1960).		 To get to the shrine, you have to walk on a path along the cliff near the base of the gorge.
To get to the shrine, you have to walk on a path along the cliff near the base of the gorge.		 East-West Cross Island Highway Changchun Bridge that I walked over to get to the Eternal Spring Shrine.
East-West Cross Island Highway Changchun Bridge that I walked over to get to the Eternal Spring Shrine.		 View from the bridge. On the platform ahead were some Buddhist statues.
View from the bridge. On the platform ahead were some Buddhist statues.
Three Buddhist statues on the way to the shrine.
Three Buddhist statues on the way to the shrine.		 Close-up of the statues.
Close-up of the statues.		 Dragon incense burner below the statues.
Dragon incense burner below the statues.		 Next to the incense burner were some orchids.
Next to the incense burner were some orchids.
From the statues, I went through this tunnel to get to the Eternal Spring Shrine.
From the statues, I went through this tunnel to get to the Eternal Spring Shrine.		 Interior of the tunnel.
Interior of the tunnel.		 After exiting the tunnel, I proceeded on the the path along the cliff.
After exiting the tunnel, I proceeded on the the path along the cliff. 		View of the flowing water ahead of me.
View of the flowing water ahead of me.
I got to another tunnel through the rocks.
I got to another tunnel through the rocks.		 Interior of this section of tunnel.
Interior of this section of tunnel.		 Here, you can see the precipitous cliff and how the path was carved into it.
Here, you can see the precipitous cliff and how the path was carved into it.		 Sign along the path.
Sign along the path.
I finally got to the Eternal Spring Shrine.
I finally got to the Eternal Spring Shrine.		 Water flowing through the shrine (which is the reason for its name).
Water flowing through the shrine (which is the reason for its name).		 Steps leading up to the shrine.
Steps leading up to the shrine.		 Small roofed structure at the shrine.
Small roofed structure at the shrine.
View as I walked through the shrine.
View as I walked through the shrine.		 The main building was in front of me.
The main building was in front of me.		 Entrance to the main building.
Entrance to the main building.		 Small alter with Buddhist statue and candles.
Small alter with Buddhist statue and candles.
The alter was beautiful in its simplicity.
The alter was beautiful in its simplicity.		 Interestingly-shaped window in the shrine.
Interestingly-shaped window in the shrine.		 Another view of the Eternal Spring Shrine.
Another view of the Eternal Spring Shrine.		 The gushing water as seen from the shrine.
The gushing water as seen from the shrine.
I admired the detailed carvings on the white railings.
I admired the detailed carvings on the white railings.		 You can see where I walked (from all the buses) to get to the shrine.
You can see where I walked (from all the buses) to get to the shrine.		 I walked back on the same path along the cliff after leaving the shrine.
I walked back on the same path along the cliff after leaving the shrine.		 Great view ahead of the Changchun Bridge and of the gorge.
Great view ahead of the Changchun Bridge and of the gorge.
Close-up of the bridge, which was part of the amazing feat of the East-West Cross Island Highway.
Close-up of the bridge, which was part of the amazing feat of the East-West Cross Island Highway.		 Looking up at the Changchun Bridge from the path below.
Looking up at the Changchun Bridge from the path below.		 View of Taroko Gorge from the bridge.
View of Taroko Gorge from the bridge.		 Next, I went on a trail with a narrow suspension footbridge that traverses over the Liwu River Gorge in Taroko National Park.
Next, I went on a trail with a narrow suspension footbridge that traverses over the Liwu River Gorge in Taroko National Park.
Me crossing the footbridge. It is not for the faint of heart!
Me crossing the footbridge. It is not for the faint of heart!		 Steep trail that leads up to the Bell Tower that overlooks Liwu River Gorge.
Steep trail that leads up to the Bell Tower that overlooks Liwu River Gorge.		 The trail is called the Eternal Spring Shrine Trail, since it goes from the shrine to the Bell Tower and the Changuana Temple.
The trail is called the "Eternal Spring Shrine Trail," since it goes from the shrine to the Bell Tower and the Changuana Temple.		 Finally, after a steep climb, I arrived at the Bell Tower.
Finally, after a steep climb, I arrived at the Bell Tower.
Sign in front of the Bell Tower describing the significance of bells.
Sign in front of the Bell Tower describing the significance of bells.		 View looking from inside of the tower up at the bell.
View looking from inside of the tower up at the bell.		 Stairs that lead up to the bell.
Stairs that lead up to the bell.		 View of the bell from the top of the Bell Tower.
View of the bell from the top of the Bell Tower.
Traditional Chinese architectural style of the tower.
Traditional Chinese architectural style of the tower.		 View of the elaborate decorations and designs on a corner of the tower.
View of the elaborate decorations and designs on a corner of the tower.		 View from the Bell Tower of the Liwu River Gorge and Changuana Temple.
View from the Bell Tower of the Liwu River Gorge and Changuana Temple.		 Close-up of the Liwu River Gorge.
Close-up of the Liwu River Gorge.
Close-up of Changuana Temple.
Close-up of Changuana Temple.		 View of the trail as I headed down from the Bell Tower.
View of the trail as I headed down from the Bell Tower.		 Again, I crossed the suspension footbridge on my way back.
Again, I crossed the suspension footbridge on my way back.		 My next stop was to the Changuana (Buddhist) Temple. Entrance gate of the temple.
My next stop was to the Changuana (Buddhist) Temple. Entrance gate of the temple.
Interesting design on top of the gate.
Interesting design on top of the gate.		 Sign at the entrance of the Changuana Temple in Taroko National Park.
Sign at the entrance of the Changuana Temple in Taroko National Park.		 Front façade of the temple, which is an old, secluded Buddhist monastery..
Front façade of the temple, which is an old, secluded Buddhist monastery..		 Buddhist statue at the top of the temple steps.
Buddhist statue at the top of the temple steps.
Close-up of the statue.
Close-up of the statue.		 Interior, first floor view of Changuana Temple.
Interior, first floor view of Changuana Temple.		 One of the many beautiful golden Buddhist figures in the temple.
One of the many beautiful golden Buddhist figures in the temple.		 Close-up of the figure.
Close-up of the figure.
Another exquisite Buddhist statue.
Another exquisite Buddhist statue.		 Close-up of the statue.
Close-up of the statue.		 A third golden figure on the first floor of the temple.
A third golden figure on the first floor of the temple.		 Close-up of the figure.
Close-up of the figure.
The interior architecture of the temple was equally beautiful.
The interior architecture of the temple was equally beautiful.		 Another Buddhist statue on the second floor of Changuana Temple.
Another Buddhist statue on the second floor of Changuana Temple.		 View of the orchid next to the statue.
View of the orchid next to the statue.		 Bird, dragon and lion decoration in the temple.
Bird, dragon and lion decoration in the temple.
A Happy Buddha in the Changuana Temple.
A "Happy Buddha" in the Changuana Temple.		 Another beautiful golden statue in the temple.
Another beautiful golden statue in the temple.		 A magnificent Reclining Buddha figure in the Changuana Temple.
A magnificent "Reclining Buddha" figure in the Changuana Temple.		 View of the upper body.
View of the upper body.
Close-up of the head. Note the long earlobes.
Close-up of the head. Note the long earlobes.		 View of Buddha's feet.
View of Buddha's feet.		 Another Buddhist statue looking devout with clasped hands.
Another Buddhist statue looking devout with clasped hands.		 A golden figure with a dog.
A golden figure with a dog.
As I left the temple, I saw a spider and spider web. The guide called it a human face spider, which is indigenous to the area.
As I left the temple, I saw a spider and spider web. The guide called it a "human face spider," which is indigenous to the area.		 We drove through Jiuqudong Tunnel (Nine Turns Tunnel), the most spectacular part of Taroko Gorge, to get to Tzumu Bridge.
We drove through Jiuqudong Tunnel (Nine Turns Tunnel), the most spectacular part of Taroko Gorge, to get to Tzumu Bridge.		 Lion statue at the end of the Tzumu Bridge.
Lion statue at the end of the Tzumu Bridge.		 There are other smaller lion statues along the railing of the bridge.
There are other smaller lion statues along the railing of the bridge.
Each of the lions are different.
Each of the lions are different.		 All of the lions have a lot personality.
All of the lions have a lot personality.		 Close-up of one of the lion statues.
Close-up of one of the lion statues.		 Entrance to the Shakadang Trail from the Tzumu Bridge. The trail follows the Shakadang River in Taroko Gorge.
Entrance to the Shakadang Trail from the Tzumu Bridge. The trail follows the Shakadang River in Taroko Gorge.
The Shakadang Trail as seen from the Tzumu Bridge.
The Shakadang Trail as seen from the Tzumu Bridge.		 View of the Tzumu Bridge from the Shakadang Trail.
View of the Tzumu Bridge from the Shakadang Trail.		 Sign describing how the Shakadang Trail passes through traditional lands of Taroko (Truko) Aborigines.
Sign describing how the Shakadang Trail passes through traditional lands of Taroko (Truko) Aborigines.		 Another view of the Tzumu Bridge from the Shakadang Trail.
Another view of the Tzumu Bridge from the Shakadang Trail.
Section of the Shakadang Trail.
Section of the Shakadang Trail.		 Sign describing how the Taroko Aborigines are detail oriented and describing the topography of the trail.
Sign describing how the Taroko Aborigines are detail oriented and describing the topography of the trail.		 View of the Shakadang River passing through the gorge along the trail.
View of the Shakadang River passing through the gorge along the trail.		 There was a lot of lush foliage along the Shakadang Trail.
There was a lot of lush foliage along the Shakadang Trail.
Another sign on the trail describing the area as a reserve land for the Taroko tribe of Aborigines.
Another sign on the trail describing the area as a reserve land for the Taroko tribe of Aborigines.		 I was hiking further away from the Tzumu Bridge.
I was hiking further away from the Tzumu Bridge.		 Another section of the river along the trail.
Another section of the river along the trail.		 Other hikers along the Shakadang Trail. In some places, it was necessary to duck.
Other hikers along the Shakadang Trail. In some places, it was necessary to duck.
Sign reminding people to watch their heads.
Sign reminding people to watch their heads.		 A bucolic section of the trail.
A bucolic section of the trail.		 Another Shakadang River view from the Shekadang Trail.
Another Shakadang River view from the Shekadang Trail.		 Interesting striations on the rock along the trail.
Interesting striations on the rock along the trail.
Our next stop was at a local factory where they sold food, beverages and cosmetics.
Our next stop was at a local factory where they sold food, beverages and cosmetics.		 I bought some hand-made collagen soap to bring back as a souvenir for friends.
I bought some hand-made collagen soap to bring back as a souvenir for friends.		 Our next stop was to Stone Sculpture Park, which is located along the Pacific Ocean.
Our next stop was to Stone Sculpture Park, which is located along the Pacific Ocean.		 It was raining, so these sheltered us from the rain.
It was raining, so these sheltered us from the rain.
This sculpture is entitled, Greeting the Wind.
This sculpture is entitled, "Greeting the Wind."		 This sculpture is entitled, Flower and Dog.
This sculpture is entitled, "Flower and Dog."		 This sculpture is entitled, Permanence.
This sculpture is entitled, "Permanence."		 Rock with Chinese writing and a logo in Stone Sculpture Park.
Rock with Chinese writing and a logo in Stone Sculpture Park.
The beach at the park with a view of the mountains of Taroko National Park and the Pacific Ocean.
The beach at the park with a view of the mountains of Taroko National Park and the Pacific Ocean.		 People enjoying the beach even though it was raining.
People enjoying the beach even though it was raining.		 They had their umbrellas up.
They had their umbrellas up.		 Surf on the rocky beach.
Surf on the rocky beach.
A fishing boat offshore.
A fishing boat offshore.		 A long mural at Stone Sculpture Park.
A long mural at Stone Sculpture Park.		 Close-up of a section of the mural.
Close-up of a section of the mural.		 Another section of the mural.
Another section of the mural.
This sculpture in front of the mural is entitled, Lotus an Imperial of the Sun.
This sculpture in front of the mural is entitled, "Lotus an Imperial of the Sun."		 Another unusual sculpture at Stone Sculpture Park entitled, Gratification
Another unusual sculpture at Stone Sculpture Park entitled, "Gratification"		 Our last stop of the day was to Pine Garden.
Our last stop of the day was to Pine Garden. 		During the Japanese occupation during WWII, they used it as a command center to plan kamikaze attacks against the United States.
During the Japanese occupation during WWII, they used it as a command center to plan kamikaze attacks against the United States.
View of Hualien City from Pine Garden.
View of Hualien City from Pine Garden.

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