Taroko National Park is a must-see spot if you’re traveling to Taiwan. Located around a gorge of the same name, the dense vegetation, tall marble rock face and vertigo-inducing cliffs make this place one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country and across the Asian continent.

The National Park expands into over 19 km of gorge surroundings, where the Liwu River flows, and is home to the greatest concentration of animal species in the country. The clear blue of its waters over the marble riverbed contrasts with the dark green of its vegetation, giving this park the flair of an ancient Chinese painting.

Among other attractions, there are a great number of paths that go deep into the forests and run through the gorge, as well as the Tunnel of Nine Turns that crosses through the mountain, several pagodas, and the picturesque Temple of Eternal Spring, located above a waterfall that springs from the base of the temple.
The name “Taroko” comes from the “truku” aboriginal tribe that lives there. Without a doubt, thanks to landscapes like Taroko, the island of Taiwan earned the name “Formosa” from Portuguese navigators who visited it in the 16th century. You can visit Taroko on a 1-day excursion from Taipei (though we recommend doing it in two days for a more relaxing experience).