Taroko National Park World Wide Web-English VersionTaroko National Park World Wide Web-English Version

Useful Contacts:

Taroko National Park Headquarters (tel): (03) 862-1100
Taroko National Park Headquarters (fax): (03) 862-1083
Buluowan Service Station: (03) 861-2528
Lushui Exhibition Hall & National Park Mountaineering School: (03) 869-1129
Tianxiang Service Station: (03) 869-1162
Central Cross-Island Highway History Hall (03)8691119
Mt. Hehuan Service Station: (04) 2599-1195

Park Entry Permits Office, Taroko National Park HQ: (03) 862-1576 / (03) 862-1100 ext. 605

Sub-Taroko Division, 9th Division, the 7th Special Police Corps, National Police Agency: (03) 862-1405 ext. 6
Sub-Taroko Division - Wenshan Branch: (03) 869-1202
Sub-Taroko Division - Hehuan Branch:(04) 2599-1191

Taroko Gas Station (near the East Entrance Arch Gate): (03) 861-1009
Guanyuan Gas Station (116.9 km marker on Provincial Highway 8): (04) 2599-1176

The entry fee is free of charge.

With the exception of Zhuilu Old Road (A full-price ticket is NT$200; a discounted ticket is NT$100 with students, children between 6 and 12 years and adults over 65 years eligible; free admission with children under six years, mountain rescue and disaster personnel, and persons with physical and mental disabilities (each accompanied by one necessary companion) eligible.), all other areas within Taroko National Park are accessible free of charge.

Some areas within the Park domain may require a Park Entry Permit and/or a Mountain Entry Permit. Please consult "Permits: How do I apply a permit to enter the Taroko National Park Ecological Protection Area?" within the FAQ for more information on obtaining these permits.

Note: Due to the April 3, 2024 huge earthquake, the trails and scenic spots remain closed including Zhuilu Old Road trail at the east side of the park from Taroko (184.5 km) to Tianxiang (167.7km) road section on the Provincial Highway.

The East Entrance to Taroko National Park (24° 09' 20" N, 121° 37' 17.5" E) is located at the East Arch Gate (at km 184.5) of the Central Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 8). It is a 30-40 minute driving northwards (26 km) by car from downtown Hualien to Taroko National Park's East Entrance via Provincial Highway 9.

In addition, there are two boundary markers to Taroko National Park:
- West boundary marker on Provincial Highway 14A (14 Jia) at Kunyang (24° 07' 18.5" N, 121° 16' 22" E)
- Northeast boundary marker on Provincial Highway 9 at Heren (24° 13' 55" N 121° 42' 26" E)

Those who meet the following requirements can receive substantive training to become a voluntary interpreter in Taroko National Park:
(1)School teachers (i.e. elementary school teachers).
(2)Graduates from departments of geology, biology and zoology, forestry, tourism, environmental education, interpretation, etc.
(3)Those who love the natural environment, have a dedicated spirit and sense of responsibility, and have the ability to speak clearly with a good command of foreign language(s).
(4)Elderly people (those retired or planning to retire and younger than 70) have been voluntary interpreters since 1999.
(5)Others deemed as having special skills.
(6)Sign up: Apply with your personal details (name, date of birth and ID No) and your autobiography (200 words) online. Recruitment depends on meeting requirement (good English and other language ability preferred). After information is uploaded and reviewed by the supervisor, further notification of an interview and training may be given.
Write an e-mail to this address: tarokonp@taroko.gov.tw

Inquiries Service:
+886-3- 8621100 ext 801 - 806 or 360, 811-812
Fax: +886-3-8621263

1.Suggestion Box:
There are 4 suggestion boxes in the park, including the Taroko National Park Headquarters Visitor Center, Buluowan and Tianxiang Service Station,  and Mt. Hehuan Service Station.

2.By Internet :
Email for visitors: tarokonp@taroko.gov.tw

3.Administrative mail address:
Address: 291, Fushi Villiage, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, 972003, Taiwan, R. O. C.

4.Inquiries Service:
Tel: 886-3-8621100 ext 360, 810-812, 803
Fax: 886-3-8621263

The Headquarters and the Visitor Center of Taroko National Park (24° 09' 29.5" N 121° 37' 22.5" E) is situated at the 184.5 km marker of Provincial Highway 8 (the Central Cross-Island Highway), and is roughly 26 km north of Hualien City. The nearest TRA (train) station is Xincheng-Taroko, about 5 km southeast from the Park Headquarters.
Option 1 by train:
Train from Taipei to Hualien:
There are express trains running regularly between Taipei and Hualien. There are three types of express trains that run along the east coast (from fastest to slowest): Taroko, Puyuma, Tze-Chiang. A one-way journey by train takes between 2-3 hours and costs NT$440. The tickets price might change. Please confirm the Taiwan Railway Administration website. 
Occasional Puyuma and Tze-Chiang express trains also stop at Xincheng station (NT$403). Train tickets can be purchased up to 28 days in advance. We advise visitors to book tickets well in advance as express trains are often fully booked. Tickets can be purchased online, in-person at any TRA station (up to 28 days in advance), or at any 7-11 or FamilyMart through i-bon machines. Please consult our website for more information under Tourism > Transportation > By Train
or Taiwan Railway Administration website
Option 2 by bus/train:
Bus/Train combination from Taipei to Xincheng:
Travelling from Taipei to Xincheng station via a combination of bus (from Taipei to Luodong) and train (from Luodong to Xincheng) takes roughly 3 hours and does not require any advance ticket reservations.
A number of bus companies provide transport from Taipei to Luodong (~1 hour):
- Capital Bus #1570 from MRT Taipei City Hall (every 10-15 minutes):
- Kou-kuang Bus #1879 from MRT Yuanshan, MRT Nangang Exhibition Center Stations (every 15-20 minutes):
- Kamalan Bus #1917 from MRT Banqiao, Taipei Main, MRT Technology Building Stations (every 15-20 minutes):
- MTC Bus #9028 from MRT Dapinglin, MRT Xindian Stations (every 30-45 minutes):
From Luodong, local (Qu Jian Che), semi-local (Fuxing Hao), semi-express (Chu-Kuang), and express (Tze-Chiang Limited, Tze-Chiang Ltd. 3000, Taroko or Puyouma) trains travel to Xincheng averaging 45-87 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter; alternatively, you can also use the Taipei Metro EasyCard, iPass, or iCash to pay the fare at the ticket barrier.

Note: Express trains (Tze-Chiang Ltd. 3000, Puyuma, Taroko), sightseeing trains, group trains, etc. cannot be boarded without tickets. Violators will need to pay for tickets and be charged an additional 50% of the ticket fare. The above mentioned trains are not allowed to use the Taipei Metro EasyCard, iPass, or iCash to pay the ticket fare.
Option 3 by bus:
Bus from Taipei to Xincheng train station-Taroko National Park:
Travelling from Taipei to Xincheng station by bus (from Taipei to Xincheng train station) takes roughly 3 hours and does not require any advance ticket reservations.
A number of bus companies provide transport from Taipei to Xincheng train station (3 hrs) or Hualien (3.5 hours):
- Taipei Bus #1071 from Taipei Nangang Bus West Station:
- Capital Bus #1580 from Taipei Banqiao Bus Station:
- U Bus #1663 from Taipei MRT Nangang Exhibition Center Stations (West):
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter; alternatively, you can also use the Taipei Metro EasyCard, iPass, or iCash to pay the fare at the ticket barrier.
Bus timetalbes are available from #iBus Info System, and please check Route Search/ Search by Bus Operator/ Taipei Bus, or Capital Bus, or Ubus  
Transportation: (A)From Hualien train Station to Taroko National Park or (B) From Xincheng-Taroko Station to Taroko National Park. Please consult News > FAQ on our website. News/ FAQ: “Transportation: Where can I purchase day passes for buses to Taroko National Park?” for more detail.

NOTE:

Due to the 403 earthquake (2024) severe damage, please do not enter Taroko National Park from the east side Taroko gorge section of the park using the Provincial Highway 8 from Taroko to Tianxiang (km 184.5 - km 167.7).  The buses services suspended from Taroko Visitor Center to Tianxiang (the 18 km Taroko Gorge section).  Buses are available from Hualien or Xincheng (Taroko) (#310 or #302 bus) station bound for Taroko Natioanl Park Headquarters visitor center. Then the buses take the same route back to Xincheng or Hualien bus station. 

Mostly of the Taroko National Park level 0-2 trails are closed between Taroko and Tianxiang (km 184.5 - km 167.7) on the Provincial HIghway 8.

The following trails are closed:
 (1)Taroko Terrace trail, (2) Xiaozhuilu trail, (3)Shakadang trail, (4)Eternal Spring Shrine trail, (5)Buluowan Lower Terrace Trails, (6) Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) trail, (7)Tunnel of Nine Turns trail, (8)Lushui trail, (9) Baiyang trail, (10) Luishui-Wenshan trail, (11) Zhuilu Old Road, (12) Qingshui Mountain trail, (13)Dekalun trail and (14)Dali-Datong trails.
And Chongde trail and Huide trail on the Provincial Highway 9 (Su-hua Highway). 

Visitors are advised to go to Mt. Hehuan area within the park premises. Please enter from west Taiwan Puli, Nantou County using the Provincial Highway 14A. Or please visit other places which are not affected by the 403 earthquake.   

The Ubus #310 TaiwanTrip (Taiwan Houxin) only offer services from Hualien bus station via Qixingtan Beach to Taroko National Park Headquarters visitor cener and take the same route back to Hualien station. 
 
A: From Hualien Station to Taroko National Park Headquarters:
TaiwanTrip Bus(Taiwan Houxin)- Taroko Route Ubus #310 or #310A runs regular shuttles between TRA Hualien Station (via TRA Xincheng Station and Taroko National Park Headquaters) and Tianxiang. The fare can be paid by cash (from UBus service counter staff) or via Taipei Metro EasyCard, iPass, or iCash. A one-day (NT$250) or a two-day pass (NT $400) allows you to hop on and off at any bus stop. These tickets can be purchased at Hualien Bus Station to the exit of the Front (East) Hualien train station, or at any 7-11/FamilyMart store. Note that the day passes cannot be purchased directly from either the bus driver, Xincheng-Taroko TRA Train Station, nor the Taroko National Park Headquarters Visitor Center. Another option, one  could also take a Ubus #1133 (bound for Tianxiang).

Another option:

A: From Hualien Station to Taroko National Park:
Take a bus with routes #1129 (run by Ubus company) (to Taroko National Park Headquarters Visitor Center), and #1141 (Hualien bus company to Lishan) on any of the above lines. The fare can be paid by cash with no change provided or via Taipei Metro EasyCard, iPass, or iCash.
B: From Xincheng TRA Station to Taroko National Park:
In addition to Ubus #1133, #310 and #310A, Taroko Bus (Bus #302) runs between Xincheng Station and Tianxiang via the Taroko National Park Visitor Center. The fare can be paid by cash (exact change only) or via Taipei Metro EasyCard, iPass, or iCash. Additionally, a one-day ticket can be purchased directly from the #302 bus driver (NT$150, cash only needing exact change), allowing you to hop on and off at any bus stop on the #302. (The bus #302 is run by Taroko Bus Company.) Note that Bus #302 and the above buses are different companies and therefore the one-day tickets are not mutually exchangeable.
Please note that Taroko 302 bus does NOT provide services to Buluowan.

Please note that train and bus schedules are provided by the respective companies and therefore are subject to change.

Note: The above three  bus companies (Ubus 310, 310A, 1133, Hualien Bus 1141 & Taroko Bus 302) fare can be paid by cash (exact change only with no discount) or via Taipei Metro EasyCard, iPass, or iCash. Discount offering if one uses any one of  the three  electronic tickets (Taipei Metro EasyCard, iPass, or iCash).
Please use the app to download i-Bus Info System for bus details.

*1. TaiwanTrip Taroko Route Ubus #310 Bus Timetable or 310A (to Tianxiang)

Ubus #1133 (to Tianxiang), 1129 (to Taroko Visitor Center)

*2. Taroko Bus #302 Timetable

*3. Hualien Bus 1141 Timetable

Bus schedules are also available from  iBus Info System, and please check Route Search/ Search by Bus Operator/ Choose bus company for bus timetable details. Ubus 310, 1133, 1129 or Hualien Bus 1141, or Taroko Bus 302. 

Please confirm the above schedules directly with (1) TaiwanTrip Ubus #310 and 1133 (Tianxiang), #1129 (Taroko Visitor Center), Ubus contact phone:  +886-3-8310192 (2) Taroko Bus #302 - contact phone: 0800-827656,  (3)Hualien bus # 1141 (Lishan) run by Hualien bus company (contact phone: +886-3+8333468, or 8322065) Please contact the bus company in case of any recent changes. Or download the iBus Info System App for bus timetables.

Please consult News > FAQ on our website. News> FAQ: “Transportation: How can I reach Taroko Gorge via public transportation from Taipei?” for details.

Note: The bus arrival time will change when there are road repair construction traffic controls (by the Highway Bureau) or other factors. Please check our website News/ Roads and Trails section for details or contact the highway Bureau- Taroko Maintenance Office +886-3-8610775. Or call us +886-3-8621100 ext. 810-812

NOTE:

According to the National Park Laws item 13 prohibited activities in Taroko National Park “Bring pets into the Ecological Protection Area, Archeological Protection Area, and Special Scenic Area (excluding along the roadside) is prohibited.” Besides, in efforts to stop or prevent the spread of rabies in the park recreation area, make sure that your dog vaccinated for rabies before entering the Park. Also pet dogs are allowed to enter only if pet dogs are on a leash or kept them in the cages at the park recreation area (outdoors area only) (Only guide dogs are permitted to enter indoors.), such as Taroko National Park Headquarters Visitor Center and Buluowan, Tianxiang and Mt. Hehuan Service Stations to avoid disturbing other visitors or wild animals.
The Swallow Grotto(Yanzikou) and Tunnel of Nine Turns (Jiuqudong) Trails are allowed pet dogs to enter (make sure your pet dogs are on a leash or kept them in the cages and vaccinated for rabies before entry.) because these 2 trails are along the roadside (the Provincial Highway 8). The rest of the trails within Park are prohibited pet dogs or other pets to enter. 

Note: The Daqingshui area, Chongde Tunnel North Opening and Huide Tunnel North Opening Trails are also allowed pet dogs to enter on Provincial Highway 9 (make sure your pet dogs are on a leash or kept them in the cages and vaccinated for rabies before entry.) because these 2 trails (Chongde and Huide trails) are located at our recreation areas along the Provincial Highway 9 (Su-hua Highway). 

Visitors can only reach Qingshui Cliff by private transportation. Note that there is no direct bus to Qingshui Cliff.

Qingshui Cliff stretches 21 km along the Su-hua Highway (Provincial Highway 9); visitors planning to go to Qingshui Cliff can park at the Chongde North Opening road site located just after the Chongde Tunnel north entrance, located 12 km (about 15 minutes by car) from the Taroko National Park Headquarters visitor center.

Public transportation to Qingshui Cliff is time-consuming. The nearest TRA train station to Qingshui Cliff is Chongde which is located 30-40 minutes away/walking time.

Ubus #1132 and 1132A Bus only reaches Chongde. There are 6 buses from Hualien train station bound for Chongde. The bus timetables are 5:20, 09:40, 11:50, 15:30, 17:00, 17:30 (1132A). From Chongde bound for Hualien train station, bus timetables are 06:30, 11:20, 13:20, 17:00, 18:40, 19:30. It takes about an hour and 10 minutes bus time to reach between Hualien and Chongde. Please confirm the bus timetable ahead in case of any changes. UBus Timetable
Bus schedules are available from #iBus Info System, and please check Route Search/ Search by Bus Operator/ Ubus #1132 and #1132A.

From Chongde to "Chongde Tunnel North Entrance" observation platform (exit the Chongde Tunnel North Entrance), this road section takes about 1.8 kilometers/30 minutes walking time. Walking on Provincial Highway 9 is very dangerous and unpleasant. Please mind safety and beware of frequent traffic on the highway. Visitors are advised to rent a scooter or take a taxi from Xingcheng railway station. There is no hiking trail from Taroko Visitor Center, Hualien, Xincheng or Chongde to Qingshui Cliffs. Visitors only can walk on Provincial Highway 9 to reach Qingshui Cliffs. Note that the Hualien #1132 Bus does not alight at Xincheng railway station. The bus stop is on Provincial Highway 9 which is about 700 m away from Xincheng-Taroko railway station.

1. From West Taiwan Taichung (Eastbound): A series of 3 buses connects Taichung via Songxue Lodge to Xiaofengkou (Mt. Hehuan areas). Leg 1: Taichung bus station – Puli (Nantou Buses #6670 via Taichung HSR Station (Taichung – Puli), 70 mins); Leg 2: Puli – Qingjing Farm (Nantou Bus #6658, 70 mins); Leg 3: Qingjing Farm – via Songxue Lodge – Xiaofengkou (Nantou Bus #6658A, 1 hr). Nantou Bus Company recommends visitors to take Bus #6670 leaving Taichung Gancheng Bus Station at 08:20 and 11:15 (Taichung HSR Station at 08:40 and 11:35 respectively) to be able to reach Songxue Lodge at 11:50 and 15:30 respectively and to the final stop at Xiaofengkou at 12:00 and 15:40 respectively. Bus schedules are available from #iBus Info System, and please check Route Search/ Search by Bus Operator Nantou Bus #6670, #6658, and 6658A. Or #Nantou Bus Company website (Chinese version only). Please confirm the above schedules directly with Nantou Bus Company in case of any recent changes. Nantou Bus 6658A reservation telephone: +886-49-2984031 ext. #17. No bikes are allowed to the 20-sitter bus.

Nantou Bus #6658A runs six buses served daily departing from Qingjing Farm Guest House(Nantou County) (8:20 am, 11:00 am, 14:30) to Songxue Lodge stop. Three buses depart at 9:50 am, 12:30, 16:00 from Songxue Lodge bound for Qingjing Farm Guest House daily. The bus running times is about 70 minutes each direction between Qingjing Farm Guest House and Songxue Lodge stop at the elevation of 3150 m (warm or winter clothes required). Nantou Bus #6658A final stop is Xiaofengkou, about 10 minutes from Songxue Lodge. There is no lodging available at Xiaofengkou. Please book Songxue Lodge in advance. Booking email: tsfs@forest.gov.tw

Visitors can opt to use private transport to reach Mt. Hehuan from Taichung via either Provincial Highways 8 or 14A (14Jia). Please be aware that there is snow control in the higher elevation sections of Highway 14A (14Jia) in the winter season, and occasional road works within Taroko National Park, which are listed on the Park Website: https://www.taroko.gov.tw/en/Event/HighwayCondition

2. From East Taiwan (Westbound): From Hualien Train Station or Taroko National Park Headquarters take Hualien Bus #1141(only serviced once daily) to Lishan alight at Dayuling station. Hualien Bus Phone Number: +886-3-8338147. (Note: Due to the 0403 Earthquake in 2024, #1141 bus suspended.)
From Dayuling (at 41.5km) to Xiaofengkou at 36.6 km on Provincial Highway 14A (14Jia) walking times requires about 1.5 hr /4.7 km. Hitchhike is not uncommon.

Note: The Hualien #1141 bus fare can be paid by cash (exact change only) or via Taipei Metro EasyCard, iPass, or iCash. Discount offering if one uses any 1 of the 3 electronic tickets (Taipei Metro EasyCard, iPass, or iCash).
Please use the app to download e-Bus for bus details.

Please note that bus schedules are provided by the respective companies and therefore are subject to change. Please check bus schedules before your trip. 

Bus schedules are available from #iBus Info System, and please check Route Search/ Search by Bus Operator/ Please click Hualien Bus #1141. 

After 403 (in 2024) earthquake seriously damage, The #1141 bus suspended the service. Please confirm the bus company before your trip.  

Due to the 403 earthquake (2024), please do not enter from the east side Taroko gorge section of the park using the Provincial Highway 8 from Taroko to Dayuling. Please enter from from Taipei or Puli, Nantou County bound for Sun Moon Lake instead. There is a high risk of falling rock on Provincial Highway 8. If entry is necessary, please carefully assess the risks and ensure your safety.