The open parts of Taroko on a timed road through five daily release windows, then a beach in the afternoon.
Activities
Shakadang Bridge viewpoint
砂卡礑橋
Red bridge on Highway 8 where the turquoise Shakadang Stream joins the Liwu River, passed on the way in during the 06:30-08:00 release window.
Pro Tips
- •Highway 8 Taroko-Tianxiang runs 5 release windows: 06:30-08:00, 10:00-10:05, 12:00-13:00, 15:00-15:05, 17:00-18:00, closed 18:30-06:30
- •Shakadang Trail itself is closed since the 2024 earthquake - viewpoint only
- •Also closed: Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, Baiyang Trail, Eternal Spring Shrine trail, Zhuilu Old Road
- •October schedule usually confirmed around Sep 28-30 - check thb.gov.tw or 168.thb.gov.tw before driving in
Tabido Trail, Tianxiang
塔比多步道
A loop walk of about 50 minutes across the Tianxiang river terrace, the original Truku place called Tabido.
Xiangde Temple
祥德寺
Buddhist temple on a hill across Pudu suspension bridge from Tianxiang, with the Tianfeng Pagoda and a tall Guanyin statue.
Pro Tips
- •Cross the Pudu suspension bridge from Tianxiang
- •Leave Tianxiang by the 12:00-13:00 window
Taroko Visitor Center + Dekalun Trail
得卡倫步道
A 1.3 km wooden-stair forest trail climbing the hill behind the visitor center, outside the controlled section.
Qixingtan Beach
七星潭
Crescent-shaped pebble beach with a coastal bike path, about 20 minutes north of Hualien city.
Pro Tips
- •No swimming - steep pebble shore, strong waves
- •Good bike path along the shore
Getting Around
Hualien city → Taroko entrance
Taroko entrance → Tianxiang
Food & Dining
lunch
Packed lunch or Taroko Visitor Center