Taroko National Park

The Silks Place Hotel is in Taroko National Park, one of 9 national parks in Taiwan. It's home to Taroko gorge, which was carved by the Liwu River. The park was established in 1937 when Taiwan was part of the Empire of Japan. After Japan was defeated in WW II, the park was abolished in 1945. It was not until 1986 when the park was re-established.

Our package included a 1/2-day tour. We were the only passengers so it became a private tour.

We drove east from the hotel to the coast to see the Qingshui Cliffs. The cliffs are 21 km long and rise 800 m above the Pacific Ocean.

After seeing the cliffs, we drove back to the hotel. Along the way, past the East Entrance, we stopped at the Shakadang Bridge, also known as the Bridge of 100 Lions. There are 100 unique lions decorating the bridge. 

Nearby, we walked the Shakadang Trail, a flat paved trail.

The view of the river along the walk is beautiful.

Be careful with falling rocks.

After lunch at the hotel, we explored the area around the hotel.

The canyon behind the hotel

We then hiked a portion of the Lushui Trail, located 2 km from the hotel.

Views from the trail as we hiked the 2 km route to Heliu.

The Yue Fei Pavilion near the Heliu Campground honors the Song dynasty general and poet who lived from 1103-1142.

From the pavilion, you'll fine one of several suspension bridges in the park.

Near the water's edge, we spied what looked like a barking deer.

A little further, you'll find the Chimu Bridge, also known as the Motherly Devotion Bridge.

Back at the hotel, the Pudu Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that leads to the Xiangde Temple

On the climb up, you can see the Tianfeng Pagoda and a marble statue of Guanyin.

The Xiangde Temple

Inside the temple

We saw just a portion of Taroko after 3 days and 2 nights. You can definitely spend much longer. It would have been easier to have a car to visit all the sights.



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