Answer 3:
Although Provincial Highway No. 8 has been reopened to traffic since August 2024, it remains under time-restricted access due to ongoing road construction. Daily traffic is released five times: 06:30–08:00, 10:00-10:05, 12:00–13:00, 15:00-15:05 and 16:30–17:30. From 17:30 to 18:30, vehicles are allowed to exit but not enter, and the highway is closed at night. Road surfaces and guardrails have not yet been fully repaired, and the risk of falling rocks remains high, especially after heavy rain or earthquakes. Entry is not advised unless absolutely necessary.
Following the devastating earthquake on April 3, 2024, many trails and scenic spots in the gorge section of Taroko National Park sustained severe damage. After ongoing restoration efforts, the following areas and resources are now open to the public:
1. Taroko Terrace and Visitor Center: Visitors can obtain up-to-date recreation information, watch films, and view special exhibitions. The Taroko Terrace Trail offers opportunities to observe local flora, fauna, and insects at a leisurely pace.
2. Tianxiang Recreation Area: Partial trails including the Tianxiang Visitor Center, Tabido Trail, and Xiangde Temple area are open. Visitors can enjoy the natural ecosystem, observe wildlife, and learn about the history of the Truku people.
3. Scenic Sites West of Xibao: Visitors may stop or hike at the following locations: Xibao Community, Luoshao Community, Guanyuan Recreation Area, Xiaofengkou Recreation Area, Mt. Hehuan North Peak Trail, Xiaoqilai Trail, Mt. Shimen Trail, Mt. Hehuan East Peak Trail, and the Wuling Viewing Platform.
4. Chongde Recreation Area: This well-known viewpoint offers spectacular views of the Qingshui Cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. The area has been reopened to the public following safety improvements and repair work. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the ocean breeze, catch the stunning sunrise, or admire the moonlight over the sea. (Reopened on July 1, 2025)
5. Tongli (Dali-Datong) Settlement: This Truku tribal village has reopened following cooperative restoration efforts between local residents and the Taroko N. P. HQ. Visitors are welcome to hike to the village, challenge themselves physically, and experience Truku lifestyle and culture. (Reopened on July 1, 2025)
⚠️ Notice: The Shakadang Trail remains closed due to severe damage caused by the April 3rd earthquake. For your safety, do not enter the closed section of the trail from Dali or Datong Village.
6. Mountain-Sea Cultural Excursions: In collaboration with local communities, the Taroko N. P. HQ is promoting regional tourism.
Highlights include:
Chongde Settlement: Views of Qingshui Cliffs from Chongde Beach, indigenous crafts, and local cuisine.
Fushi Settlement: Truku Cultural and Creative Industry Park and Asia Cement Ecological Park.
Xincheng Old Street: Unique architecture, local shops, and the Xincheng Seawall.
Sanzhan–Bradan Settlement: Another indigenous community rich in culture and natural beauty.
Suggestion 2.
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.
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.