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

There are two campgrounds in Taroko National Park:

1. Heliu Campground:

Heliu Campground is about 16.5 km(25 minutes by car) away from the east entrance of the park, at 170 km marker of Provincial Highway No. 8 (Central Cross-Island Highway). There are twelve wooden platforms for tents, all open to the public on a first-come first-serve basis. Campers do not need to make an advanced reservation, except for during public holidays of 4 or more days in a row. In this case, six platforms will be available for reservation and the other six platforms are on a first-come first-serve basis.

Please contact Tianxiang Service Station Telephone number: 03-8691162 for any other questions.

2. Lüshui Campground:

Lushui Campgroud is located (169.3km highway marker of Hwy. No. 8)500 meter west of Heliu campground and 1.6 km from Tianxiang, and is open 24 hours a day. The floor of the campground is earth and grass, and there is running water, and lighting. There are no tent platforms or showers. Toilets at the Lüshui Exhibition Hall across the road can be used. No booking is required and use is free of charge.

No tents for rental, please bring your own tents. Please contact Tianxiang Service Station 03-8691162 for any further questions.

Fees:
Option 1: Heliu Campground
The fee for each big tent area is NT$300. (for using the camping area's fee)

Heliu Campground is about 16.5km/25 minutes by car from the east entrance of Taroko Gorge. The campground is situated opposite the Lüshui east trailhead. The campground composes 12 wooden tent platforms, toilets (including cold showers) and washstands, and is equipped with running water and lighting. The daily fee per wooden platform is NT$300. No booking is required. Its operation is outsourced by the park. Telephone number: 03-8691359.

Location: Heliu campground (half an hour by bus or by car fro the Park Headquarters.) Please take the stairways down to campground by the Central Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 8). 

Heliu campground is between Cimu Bridge and Lushui Geological Exhibition. It's only about 300 meters further up (westwards) from Cimu Bridge and about 400 meters down (eastwards) from Lushui Geological Exhibition Hall.

Campground capacity : 12 big tents (big tent =10 persons' tent.)

Reservations: No need to reserve, first comes first served.

Parking lots: Capacity for only a few cars(6 or 7 cars only)

If there is any lights broken or facilities damage at campground, please call 03-8691162

Note: Because numerous scenic spots (Yuewang Pavilion, Lushui Trail, and Tianxiang recreation area) are close to Heliu Campground, this area becomes a very popular site for all visitors. For the benefit of campers: if there are four public holidays in a row (consecutively) or more, advanced booking is required for 6 wooden platform tent spaces (each big tent = 10 persons tents, on a raised plank). Reservation should be completed 1-7 days prior to your requested date. Operation of campground is outsourced by the park. To book tent space, please call 03-8691359 (Service hours: 08:30 am – 16:30 pm) The other 6 wooden platform tent space remain first-come, first-served. Please make a reservation ahead.
Bus stop name: Heliu Campground


Option 2: Lushui Campground (Free of charge)

Lüshui Campground: It is about 17km/26 minutes by car from the east entrance of Taroko Gorge. It is 800 m west of Heliu campground and about 1.6 km east of Tianxiang, opens 24 hours a day. The floor of the campground is earth and grass. The floor of Lüshui campground is earth and grass, and the campsite offers lighting and washstands. This campground is not equipped with tent platforms nor showers. Campers are free to use toilets of Lüshui Service Station (located at Basement 1 next to the shop). No booking is required and use of the campground is free of charge.


Transportation: scooter, car, bus (Depart from Hualien train station, TaiwanTrip Bus (Taiwan Houxin Bus) Ubus 310, or Hualien 1133, 1126 (Luoshao), or 1141 (Lishan) Bus-- bound for Tianxiang. Or depart from Xincheng train station, TaiwanTrip Bus-Ubus 310, or Hualien Bus 1133, or Taroko 302 Bus- bound for Tianxiang. Bus stop name: Lushui) For public bus detail, please check on our website: https://www.taroko.gov.tw/en Tourism Info/Transportation/ Bus Timetable 
 

1.Nanhu Mountain Area

(1)Mountain Entrance: Public toilets; A water source with steady and sufficient water is 5 minutes away .

(2)Mt. Duojiatun: A solar-powered radio relay station. Lodging is not available.

(3)Yuleng Cabin: Accommodates about 40 people; water is available

(4)Shenmazhen Cabin: Accommodates 12 people; has poor quality water from Heishuitang.

(5)Nanhu Cabin: Established in late 2001; accommodates 40 people; good quality running water available

(6)Zhongyangjian River Cabin: Accommodates 20 people; good quality water is available

(7)Nanhu River Cabin: Accommodates about 20 people; good quality water is available



2.Qilai Mountain Area

(1)Heishuitang Cabin: About 15 people; has poor quality water from Heishuitang.

(2)Chenggong Cabin: Built in late 2001; accomodates about 40 people; water is clear and sufficient.

(3)Chenggong No. 1 Cabin Hut: Accommodates about 15 people; no water provided.

(4)Qilai Cabin: Accommodates about 20 people; 30 minutes away from a water source; water source is clear and regular.

(5)Kasi & Kadong Hut: Originally built by the Forestry Bureau but now in ruins; no water.

(6)Li Hut: Originally built by Xiulin Township but now in ruins; 40 minutes away from a water source; water source is clear but irregular.

(7)Tianchi (Tian Pond) Cabin: Originally established by the Forestry Bureau but now in ruins; accommodates 15 people; water source (Tian Pond)


3.Inquiries Service: +886-3-8621048

Fax: +886-3-8621523

or email address: tarokonp@taroko.gov.tw

The Dali Datong Trail is located in the General Protection Area (Exiting Use Area) of the Taroko National Park. Originally a trail used by the indigenous inhabitants of the region for its contacts with the outside world, it was also an obligatory passage for persons wishing to travel to Mt. Qingshui. The village of Dali Datong is in a mountainous setting at an altitude of 1,000 meters. Three trails access the site: the Dekalun Trail from the Taroko Terrace, ( Taroko National Park Headquarters- staircases behind flag poles in front of Taroko Visitor Center), the Shakadang Trail from Sanjianwu (3D Cabin), and the Dekalun Trail from the Taroko Terrace- 100 meter ahead of Taroko Visitor Center a white marble sculpture (before the sub-Taroko Division, Ninth Division, The Seventh Special Police Corps) trail planks along the forest next to the Sub-Taroko police corps, via Liwu Hydro-electric Power Plant. The trail leading to Dali and Datong is very steep and involves about two hours of steady climbing. Please be sure you have prepared properly before setting out.

Notice:
1. Taroko National Park Headquarters to Dali: about 2.5 kilometers on a steeply-sloping path; Dali to Datong: about 9 kilometers on an even path. In view of the distance, the walk requires about 12 hours, a night stay at Datong and a 2-day trip is recommended.

2. Please be aware of your personal physical condition, and be sure you have ample time to hike out and return. No water supply and food stands alongside this trail so make sure you bring plenty of water and food along with you.

For the B&B Booking, please contact Tongli Village Natural Ecotourism Society on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/alang.saho/

 

The classification system of hiking trails in Taroko National Park:
Level 0-5

Classification Type of Trail Suitable Hikers Equipment Required

Level 0 Trail: Level 0 trails are flat, well maintained, and fairly level. Complete facilities and information are available. The trails are suitable for all ages without restriction. 

Level 0 Trail: Taroko Terrace Trails

 

Level 1 (Scenic) Trails are flat, and fairly level. A minumum (some water) or no equipment is required and the trail can be completed in less than half a day.

Level 1 (Scenic) Trails are:

Provincial HIghway No. 9:
Chongde Tunnel North Opening Trail, and Huide Trail

Provincial Highway No. 8:
Xiaozhuilu Trail, Shakadang Trail, Buluowan Upper Terrace Trail, Buluowan Lower Terrace Meander Core Trail, Swallow Grotto Trail, Tunnel of Nine Turns Trail, Lushui Trail, Baiyang Trail


Level 2 (Hiking) Trail may be some change in elevation. You should be in relatively good shape for these trails, take along light provisions such as water and some food and the trails can be completed in a half day. 

Level 2 (Hiking) Trails are:

Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchun Shrine) Trail

Level 3 trails are located in high mountain areas or the distance is relatively longer. The trail markings are clear bu may be rough in some sections. Only those who are in good shape should attempt these trails and should have basic map reading ability. Take along water, light provisions, maps, extra clothing, basic medicines, a flashlight and where indicated accessories for staying overnight such as a tent and sleeping bag. The time for these trails is generally one or more than one day. 

Level 3 Trails are:

1. No need for any permits:
Dali-Datong Trail, Lushui-Wenshan Trail, Huoran Pavilion Trail, Mt. Hehuan Main Peak, Mt. Hehuan North Peak,  Mt. Shimen, Mt. Xiaoqilai

2. Park Entry Permit required:
Zhuilu Old Road, Mt. Yangtou Day Ascent, Mt. Shuan Trail

Level 4 and 5 (Mountaineering) Trails are located with Eco-protection areas (application required 5 days or 2-month before entering) where the path is not well marked or where there have been natural landslides that may have recovered the trail in some places. Permits are required. You must have experience in the outdoors. You should take complete mountaineering equipment with you,  including food, water (sufficient to last serveral days), map, warm clothes, and lighting, tent.)

Level 4 (Mountaineering) Trail:
 

1. No need for any permits:

Mt. Pingfeng, Mt. Hehuan East Peak, Mt. Hehuan West Peak

2. Park Entry Permit required:
Mt. Bilu Trail, Mt. Bilu to Mt. Yangtou Traverse Trail, Mt. Qingshui

3. Both Park and Mountain Entry Permit required:
Mt. Nanhu Trail, North Section 1 (The Nanhu Peaks or Nanhu to Zhongyangjian route)

Level 5 (Challenging) Trail:

Within the restricted mountain areas, ecological protection areas, or remote mountain areas (application required before entering), fit and experienced hikers with map-reading and wildness survival knowledge. Most trails are in the wilderness without artificial construction. Some parts of the trails may have disappeared from natural collapse or destruction. Prepare complete mountaineering equipment. (Food, water, map, warm clothes and lighting, tent for serveral days.)

1. Park Entry Permit required:
 Mts. Qilai, Mt. Qilai North/ Main Peaks, Qilai East Ridge, Qilai South Peak.

2. Both Park and Mountain Entry Permit required:
North Section 2 (Mt. Shuan to Mt. Lingming to Ganshu Peak route)

*Note: Trails are often destroyed during earthquakes and heavy rains. Please call for updated trail conditions. Please consult our website for details of highway and trail opening conditions: https://www.taroko.gov.tw/en/ "News/Roads and Trails" 


* For further information, please contact:

(Tel): +886-3-862-1100

(Tel): +886-3-862-1576 (Park entry permits application contact phone)

(Fax): +886-3-862-1523

Or please check our "Online Application for the Park Entry Permits" website: https://npm.cpami.gov.tw/en/index.aspx


For the latest trail and highway opening conditions, please get on our website “News/Roads and Trails” for more details before your visit.
 

Entry to Mt. Nanhu and Mt. Qilai Areas Ecological Protection Areas in Taroko requires a permit.



1.Nanhu Mountain Area

Nanhu－Mt. Zhongyangjian Tour Suggestion

Day 1: Siyuan Akou－Miaopu－Mountain Entrance－Mt. Duojiatun－Mugan Hill－Yuleng Cabin

Day 2: Yuleng Cabin － Mt. Shenmazhen－Nanhu N. Peak － Wuyen Peak－ Nanhu Cirque

Day 3: Nanhu Cirque －Mt. Nanhu－Nanhu E. Peak－Tousai Peak－Nanhu Hut

Day 4: Nanhu Hut－Nanhu S. Peak－Zhongyangjian River Cabin

Day 5: Jhongyangjian River Hut－Mt. Jhongyangjian－Jhongyangjian River Cabin

Day 6: Jhongyangjian River Cabin－Nanhu River Cabin－Mugan Saddle－Mt. Duojiatun

－Trailhead



2. Qilai Mountain Area

Qilai Mountains Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Songxue Lodge－Heishuitang hut (2710m Hill)－Chenggong Cabin

Day 2: Chenggong Cabin－Chenggong No. 1 Hut－Chenggong Cabin－Mt. Qilai N. Peak－Chenggong Cabin

Day 3: Qilai Cabin－Mt. Qilai－Mt. Kaluolou－Mt. Qilaili Eastern Campground

Day 4: Mt. Qilaili Eastern Campground－Mt. Qilaili－Mt. Qilai S. Peak forked road－Qilai S. Peak－Fork Road－Tianchi (Tian Pond)－Mt. Nanhua－Tianchi (Tian Pond)－Tianchi (Tian Pond) Hut

Day 5: Tianchi (Tian Pond) Hut－Yunhai－Tunyuan－Lushan



3. Hehuan Mountain Area

It is recommended that you use Songxue Lodge as your base for hiking in neighboring mountains since most areas (except some high mountains) can be reached by car.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: Dayuling－Mt. Shimen－Mt. Hehuanjian －Hehuan E. Peak－Songxue Lodge

Day 2: Songxue Lodge－Hehuan N. Peak － Hehuan W. Peak－Songxue Lodge



4.Inquiries Service:

Tel: (03)8621576

Fax: (03)8621523



5.Note: Since the Hehuan Mountain Area is not part of the Ecological Protection Area in the Taroko National Park, you aren't required to apply for a Park Entry Permit. Hehuan West Peak and Hehuan North Peak require a Mountain (Police) Access Permit.


6.You can refer to this page for detailed information.

Generally speaking, you do not need a permit to visit Taroko National Park if you stay on or near the main highways that run through the park (Provincial Highways 8 and 9).

Permits not required: The most commonly-visited landmarks and trails are usually located in the Special Scenic Area for which no permits and no fees (except Zhuilu Old Road) are needed, and visitors can come and go as they please (pending special traffic restrictions). These areas include: Chongde Trail, Huide Trail, Dekalun Trail, Xiaozhuilu Trail, Shakadang Trail, Buluowan Upper Terrace Trail, Buluowan Lower Terrace Meander Core Trail, Lushui Trails, Baiyang Trail, Changchun (Eternal Spring) Shrine, Swallow Grotto Trail, Tunnel of Nine Turns Trail, Huoran Pavilion, Xiangde Temple Trail at Tianxiang, Dali and Datong, Lushui-Wenshan Trails. Additionally, the Mt. Hehuan Main and East Peaks, Mt. Shimen, Mt. Hehuanjian, Mt. Xiaoqilai, Mt. Hehuan North Peak, Mt. Hehuan West Peak as well as Mt. Pingfeng do not require any permits.

Permits required: If you travel more than 50 metres away from Provincial Highways 8 or 9, or are in a restricted area, you will need to apply for a Park Access Permit ahead of your planned visit. Additionally, if you plan on conducting research or plan on entering a Cultural/historic Area or Ecological Protection Areas, you will need to apply for an appropriate park permit beforehand. Some trails are requied a Mountain Entry Permit as well as. Most high-mountain trails fall within this category. The Zhuilu Old Road is required a park entry permit.

Check Zhuilu Old Road entry fee details, please consult our website: https://www.taroko.gov.tw/en/ Announcements/Fees and Permit
Online Application: https://npm.cpami.gov.tw/en/index.aspx

Approved Mountain Access Permits allows the authorized persons to access mountainous areas that are within the restricted zone. Mountain Access Permits are managed by the National Police Agency. Sometimes, these areas overlap with the Ecological Protection Area of some of Taiwan's National Parks. A second Park Access Permit is needed to access overlapped areas. The Park Access Permits are jointly managed by the high-mountain National Parks of Taiwan (Sheipa, Taroko, Yushan): https://npm.cpami.gov.tw/en/index.aspx

Only trails listed under "Level 4 and Level 5" (Mountaineering Trails) may require one or more permits, including "Level 3" (Zhuilu Old Road- Park Entry Permit Required). Trails listed under “Level 1"(Scenic Trails) or “Level 2" (Hiking Trails), in addition to all Scenic Spots require no permits whatsoever. Specifically (not exhaustive):


Both Park Permit and Mountain Permits required:
• Mt. Nanhu
• Mt. Nanhu – Mt. Zhongyangjian (North Section 1)
• North Section 1 to 2 (via Mt. Wuyan)
• Other (non-traditional) routes (Entry Eco-Protection Areas and Yilan County premises)


Park Access Permit only:
• Mt. Yangtou
• Mt. Qingshui
• Zhuilu Old Road
• North Section 2
• Mt. Shuan – Mt. Lingming
• Mt. Shuan (single day ascent)
• North Section 1 to 2 (not including Mt. Wuyan)
• Mt. Yangtou (single day ascent)
• Mt. Bilu – Mt. Yangtou
• Mt. Bilu (single day ascent)
• Mt. Qilai Main/North Peak
• Mt. Qilai Range
• Mt. Qilai South Peak
• Qilai East Ridge
• Other (non-traditional) routes (Entry the Park's Ecological Protection Areas)

No permits needed:
• Mt. Hehuan Main Peak
• Mt. Hehuan East Peak
• Mt. Hehuanjian
• Mt. Shimen (Main and North Peaks)
• Mt. Xiaoqilai
• Mt. Hehuan North Peak
• Mt. Hehuan West Peak
• Mt. Pingfeng
• Dali-Datong Trail
• Lushui-Wenshan Trail

Alternatively, please visit our website for a list of which trails need which permits: https://www.taroko.gov.tw/en/Announcements/Fees&Permits

Both Park Access Permits and Mountain Access Permits and their registrations are free of charge. All other areas of the park (scenic spots, level 0-6 trails) are similarly free of charge. However, a ticket (NT$200) is required to enter Zhuilu Old Road (required a Park Entry Permit). Please consult our Fees website for more details: https://www.taroko.gov.tw/en/ Announcements/Fees and permits
Online Application for a Park Entry Permit: https://npm.cpami.gov.tw/en/index.aspx