Answer 3:
NOTE:
The section between the Taroko Arch Gate and Tianxiang (route 8, Highway marker 184.5km ~ 167.7km) in Taroko National Park has been severely damaged by recent earthquakes and typhoons, and the trails and scenic spots are currently closed. It is not safe to travel. Due to the high risk of rockfalls and mudslides along Provincial Highway 8 after 0403 Earthquake and the impact of the Typhoon Kong-rey October 31, 2024, it is recommended to re-plan your trip to visit areas in Taiwan that have not been affected by earthquakes for your safety. (Note: If entry is necessary, please carefully assess the risks and ensure your safety.)
The tour suggestions are as follows:
Suggestion 1
(Suggesting to visit Taroko visitor center, Xincheng Old Street, or Fushi village, Chongde area indigenous cuisine, Sanzhan village etc.)
A small trip to the mountains and the sea will take you to explore the magnificent natural landscapes and rich human resources.
A Day Trip
Sunrise SUP (require a reservation in advance)
The journey begins in the early morning. You will have the opportunity to experience Stand-Up Paddle boarding (SUP) at the stunning Qingshui Cliffs, making for a memorable start to your day.
Lunch Options
For lunch, you can choose to savor indigenous cuisine at either the Xincheng or Chongde shopping districts. This not only satisfies your taste buds but also immerses you in the local culture. For reservations of Indigenous-style meals in Chongde tribal village, it is recommended that you contact Dageeli Tribe House-Tian Mama Restaurant to reserve lunch (not open for dinner). Call 03-8621033 or check on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dageeli180.5
Cultural and Nature Exploration
In the afternoon, the itinerary includes visiting the spectacular Taroko Terrace as well as Taroko Visitor Center (National Park Headquarters), the Fushi Relics, and the Taroko Cultural and Creative Park. These sites will provide you with a deeper understanding of the local history and culture, making this part of the trip very worthwhile.
Ecological Exploration and Religious Atmosphere
Next, you will explore the ecological wonders of the Asia Cement Factory’s Ecological Park, followed by a visit to the Xincheng Catholic Church to experience its serene religious ambiance. Then you could also take 302A bus to visit Sanzhan-Pratan village. This arrangement beautifully balances nature and culture.
For the Xincheng Old Street, we recommend taking bus 302A (Xincheng – Sanzhan) from the Xincheng Railway Station. There are nine buses running daily (08:10-18:05), and you can enjoy the very popular Jiaxing Lemon Juice and walk slowly on old town.
Sunset Views
As the day winds down, you will head to the Xincheng Manbo seawall along the beach to admire the breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean. This is a perfect way to relax and enjoy the stunning natural scenery.
Dinner and Accommodation
Finally, you will indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Xincheng Old Street, Chongde area or Hualien downtown and stay overnight at a charming guesthouse or B&B. This arrangement allows you to experience local life more intimately.
The Suggestion 1 above only provides a reference for the itinerary. Taroko National Park does not provide any travel package itineraries. It is recommended that you rent a car or take a taxi by yourself, and refer to the information above to arrange a one-day itinerary. Or you could take TaiwanTrip Tourist Shuttle Bus #310 (Ubus) from either Hualien (bus terminal) or Xincheng railway station to tour the above suggestions.
Alternatively, we suggest taking the Taiwan Tour Bus one-day tour (08:30-17:00), available from 8:00 to 8:30 AM on the day of your visit. The bus departs from the Hualien Bus Terminal in front of Hualien Train Station. Currently, there are two routes to choose from: the East Rift Valley Route and the Taroko Route. We recommend making a reservation in advance with Sunny Day Tour (especially during Lunar New Year, weekends, or public holidays) to avoid fully booked situations. You can book online or by phone at 03-8540363.
North of Hualien- A Day Trip- Taroko Route: https://www.taiwantourbus.com.tw/C/tour/tw/sunnydaytour001
East Rift Valley Route (Liyutan, etc.): https://www.taiwantourbus.com.tw/C/tour/es/http123
The cost for either route is NT$180 per person (subsidized by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau at 10% of the original price). This fee includes the bus fare, lunch, insurance, etc. The subsidy is valid until October 31, 2025. Please confirm with the Taiwan Tour Bus travel agency in advance, as the payment amount may be subject to change due to the subsidy budget limitation.
For reservations, we recommend contacting Sunnyday International Travel Service in advance (During the weekends or public holidays, online or phone reservations are strongly advised).
Phone: +886-3-8540363
Taroko Route and East Rift Valley Route (Liyu Lake and other attractions)
The cost is NT$180 per person, which includes the bus fare, lunch, insurance, etc.
You may also visit the Taiwan Tour Bus website to check other routes and make reservations in advance. Taiwan Tour Bus: https://www.taiwantourbus.com.tw/C/tw/twbus-home/about
Suggestion 2.
Or you could visit other areas in the middle or south of Hualien, such as Shitiping on the East Coast (Provincial Highway 11), Matai'an Wetland (Provincial Highway 9) at Guangfu, Danong Dafu Forest Park, and the Walami trail at Nan'an, Yuli Township, Hualien at Yushan Natioanl Park, which are all worth visiting.
Please confirm in advance whether the tourist attractions you plan to visit are open.
Suggestion 3.
It is recommended to visit Hehuan Mountain area (elevation about 3150-3300 meters) on the west side of our jurisdiction.
Please enter from west Taiwan from Puli, Nantou County, use the Provincial Highway 14 and 14A. Please arrange your lodging and transportation before your trip and bring warm clothes with you and require at least a 2-3 day trip planning. Please check the road and weather conditions before your trip.
It is recommended to visit the Hehuan Mountain area [link] (elevation approximately 3,150-3,300 meters) located on the west side of our jurisdiction. You can access it from western Taiwan via Puli, Nantou County, using Provincial Highways 14 and 14A. Please arrange your lodging Songxue Lodge and transportation in advance, and be sure to bring warm clothing. A 2-3 day trip is recommended for a more complete experience. Remember to check road and weather conditions before your trip.
The Hehuan Mountain area is about 3,100-3,400 meters above sea level, with a temperature difference of approximately 18-20 degrees Celsius between high and low altitudes areas. The temperature difference is smaller when the weather is sunny but can drop significantly in cloudy or rainy conditions. Therefore, please make sure to bring enough warm clothing. Additionally, when walking on the trails, it is important to maintain a slow pace due to the thin air at high altitudes area. Be cautious of high-altitude sickness symptoms. It is recommended to stay one night at a mid-altitude area around 1,200 m to 2,000 m (e.g., a B&B or guest house near Qingjing Farm) to acclimate before tackling the trails the next day. This can help reduce the likelihood of altitude sickness.
As it tends to get foggy and rainy in the afternoon in high mountain areas, be sure to bring rain gear and a headlamp (or flashlight). Cell phones consume more power in high-altitude areas, so please bring a portable power bank for your phone and spare batteries for your headlamp or flashlight.
Hehuan Mountain Area (Hehuanshan Area) Trail Suggestions:
(The following trails do not require any Park or Mountain Entry Permits.)
Hehuan East Peak: 3-4 hours round-trip.
Shimen Mountain Trail: 1.5-2 hours round-trip.
Xiaoqilai Trail (trailhead ~1.4km): The round trip takes 3-4 hours.
Notice: The starting point of the Xiaoqilai trail to the 1.4 km mark does not require a park entry permit. However, beyond this point, the trail enters the Qilai Mountain area within Taroko National Park’s Ecological Protection Area, where a Park Entry Permit is required. Unauthorized entry is prohibited, and violators will be prosecuted according to the law.
Mt. Hehuan North Peak Trail (a very steep trek): 3-4 hours round-trip.
Note: If you are staying at Songxue Lodge, it is about 3.8 km from the lodge to the Hehuan Mountain North Peak trailhead via Provincial Highway 14A. Walking along Highway 14A takes about an hour.
Songxue Lodge (elevation 3,150m) → 3.5km → Xiaofengkou → 0.3km → Hehuan Mountain North Peak trailhead.
Transportation:
Please take Nantou Bus 6658A, which runs from Songxue Lodge to Xiaofengkou with three buses daily. However, the bus service might be suspended due to road closures (following typhoons, heavy rains, or natural disasters) or snowy weather during winter. Please confirm with the bus company before your trip.
From Taipei Bus Station, take Guoguang Bus 1832A to Puli (Nantou County). For the bus timetable, please check the Highway Bureau iBus website or download the App (https://reurl.cc/OrAWby). From Puli, transfer to bus 6658 and then to bus 6658A.
Important: Bus 6658A requires an online reservation at least one week in advance (https://reurl.cc/VMDdVR), or you may contact Nantou Bus Company at +886-49-2984031 in advance. If the road is closed (after a typhoon) or snow is expected during winter, the bus may not be in operation. It is recommended to contact the Nantou Bus Company for confirmation before your trip.
Suggestion 4.
Or we suggest that alternative options choose to go Yehliu Geopark [Link], Alishan, Kenting National Park, Yangmingshan National Park and Sun Moon Lake, or other popular tourist attractions instead.