The Sanzhan River basin is located at the southeast of Taroko National Park. It is divided into Sanzhan Southern River and Sanzhan Northern River. The 24-km-long Sanzhan Southern River originating from Mt. Patuolu is the longer of the two rivers and its abundant water and magnificent, deep valley earns it the nickname of “Little Taroko.” The Sanzhan Southern River meets the Sanzhan Northern River originating from Mt. Ta at the northside of the Sanzhan Community and then flows eastwards into the Pacific Ocean. There is a wide variety of animals and plants in this area. Combined with the cultural characteristics of the Sanzhan community, the place is ideal for natural activities and ecological tourism, such as geographical and geological observation, observation of animals and plants, photography and sketching.
Due to the complex geography and hydrology in the mountainous area, tourists are advised to have a guide who is familiar with the geographical conditions to lead you into the valley, so as to avoid accidents.
Orographic rain occurs often in the afternoon in the mountainous areas. There might be a sudden rise in the river level when it rains in the area or upstream, so you should always be aware of water level and watch out for your own safety.
※Golden Grotto on Sanzhan Southern River (approximately 5.2km away from Sanzhan Community) is located in the 91st Forest Compartment, Liwu River Working Unit, Hualien Forest District Office, Forestry Bureau, and belongs to the ecological protection area of Taroko National Park. Due to falling rocks and landslide, it was announced that entry to the ‘golden gorge’ is prohibited as of May 28, 2010 and remains closed today.
[Sanzhan Community]
The Sanzhan Community is located at the confluence of the Sanzhan Southern and Northern Rivers. It is said that the community was built by the Balasi family of the Truku tribe. The family moved to the Kelan tribal village from Taroko-Torowan, and then moved to the eastern gentle slope of Mt. Lunwai at the downstream of the Sanzhan Southern River to build the first tribal village there—Buladan.
In 1928, since the tribes were scattered across the mountainside, which made them difficult to control, the Japanese moved the neighboring Buladan, Simotalu, and Dageyalongkai tribes to today’s Sanzhan terrace, which was then called “Buladan Tribe.” The name of “Sanzhan” derived from the “Sanzhan City” built when the northern road (Su-hua Historic Road) was constructed during the Qing Dynasty. Hence, the name of “Sanzhan” has survived until present.