Taroko National Park | The Majestic Scenery of a Canyon in Restoration
Auto-TranslationIf Hualien's sea is vast, then Taroko National Park is breathtaking. As the car slowly drives along the Central Cross-Island Highway, the mountains suddenly rise high, with layers of grayish-white marble cliffs stacking up before your eyes. The Liwu River rushes at the bottom of the valley, its sound echoing between the canyon walls. Looking up, the mountain peaks are nearly invisible, while looking down reveals the marks of rushing water carving through the rocks. Standing here, one naturally becomes quiet—not out of deliberate silence, but because the expanse of the universe is simply too magnificent.
After experiencing the earthquake in 2024, Taroko is entering a long-term restoration phase. At this moment in 2026, the park is not fully open, but it is not entirely inaccessible either. The classic deep trails are still being repaired, although some areas have gradually reopened. If one is willing to plan ahead, it is still possible to venture into the canyon and witness the breathtaking scenery.
How to Get There and Transportation Arrangements (2026 Edition)
From Taipei, taking the Taiwan Railways to "Xincheng (Taroko) Station" takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and is currently the most convenient option. Xincheng Station is the closest to the park entrance, making it more convenient than transferring at Hualien Station.
After exiting the station, you can take Hualien Bus or Uni-President Bus towards Tianxiang, which operates along Taiwan Route 8. The bus will pass by the Taroko Visitor Center, Lushui, Tianxiang, and other stops. However, the Central Cross-Island Highway currently follows a timed access and nighttime closure system, and bus frequencies are less than before. It is recommended to enter the canyon around 9 AM, reserve return time between 3 and 4 PM, and check the latest announcements on the official Taroko National Park website before setting off.
If you prefer a more flexible itinerary, you can rent a scooter in Hualien City (approximately 30–40 minutes to reach the entrance) or join a chartered day tour, where a driver familiar with the road conditions can assist in arranging stop times.
Lushui Recreation Area | The Most Suitable Place for Canyon Strolls Currently
One of the most consistently open areas in the park is the Lushui Recreation Area, where the Lushui Trail is located. According to official announcements, this area operates on a "partially limited access" basis, with open hours from 08:30 to 16:00 daily.
The Lushui Trail is currently open for about 250 meters to the small suspension bridge, where visitors will then turn back; the Lushui Wenshan Trail is open for about 450 meters. Although the distances are not long, the marble cliffs are close at hand, and the Liwu River rushes below, allowing for a genuine feeling of the canyon's intensity and scale. With the absence of a long trek, it feels more like a focused walk to appreciate the landscape.
This is a place to slow down your pace. Standing beneath the cliffs and looking up, you will notice the rock layer textures are as intricate as tree rings, like the marks of time left on the mountain. When the wind blows through the valley, the sounds of water and wind intertwine, making one forget about their phones and the passage of time.
The Nostalgic Classic Trails
Several of Taroko's once most popular trails are still under restoration, but they are still worth knowing by name during your journey.
The Shakadang Trail is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. The patterns on the riverbed stones are clearly visible, and when sunlight filters through, the entire trail glows softly, showcasing the gentlest side of the canyon. Note: It is still closed in 2026.
The Swallow Grotto Trail is carved along the cliff face, with half of it suspended in mid-air, making it one of the most breathtaking sections of the canyon's landscape. The twisted rock layers are clearly visible, and occasionally swallows dart through the caves, adding a touch of life to the cold, hard stone walls.
Note: It is still closed in 2026.
Note: It is still closed in 2026.
The Tunnel of Nine Turns Trail is known for its proximity to the canyon cliffs and spectacular views. Visitors can gaze at the deep gorge sculpted by the Liwu River and the towering rock walls from the trail, experiencing the most awe-inspiring aspect of the canyon firsthand.
Note: It is still closed in 2026.
These attractions may not be accessible for exploration at the moment, but they remain important sights in Taroko and serve as a reason to return in the future.
Transition of Annual Events
The highly anticipated canyon marathon, which drew much attention in the past, is currently on hold due to restoration work. In 2026, the annual running event in the Hualien area will be replaced by the Pacific Waves Marathon, which unfolds along the Pacific coastline. Running in the morning breeze, with the sunrise reflecting on the waves, offers another type of grandeur that belongs to Hualien. The valley may be temporarily quiet, but the coast continues to breathe.
Extension Route from Canyon to Coast
If you feel that your time in the canyon is limited, consider extending your itinerary to Qixing Lake or Qing Shui Cliff. The former is a tranquil coast where pebbles and waves intertwine, while the latter presents a stunning sight where mountains meet the sea vertically. It takes about half an hour to drive from the Taroko entrance to the coast, allowing you to experience two completely different natural landscapes in a single day.
As you leave the canyon and look back at the layered cliffs, you'll realize that the grandeur hasn't vanished. It has merely paused some of the trails, allowing the mountains and rivers to slowly restore themselves. For travelers, this may not be the most complete version of Taroko, but it is a moment that feels more genuine—still magnificent in its state of waiting.
