Dali-Datong Trail

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  • Last Updated:2025-11-28
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  • 1141126_ Dali-Datong Map大禮大同地圖(局部封閉)
  • Taroko people picking arrow shoots
  • A view of the Dali tribe
  • Dali Tribe Chapel
  • Dali Trail-Old Suspension Bridge
  • Dali-Datong-East Entrance of Dali Trail
  • Dali-Datong houses
  • Dali Tribe Chapel
  • Dali-Datong Trail
  • Dali-Datong Scenery
  • Path to Dali-Datong
  • Dali Datong Trail  Map
Information
ManagementSuhua Service Station
Trail LevelGrade 3
Altitude1128Meter
The length of the trail9400Meter
Needed time About 6~7 hours (one-way)
Remark1. This trail’s terrain is steep and slippery after it rains. Please be aware of your own physical condition before entering the trail, and plan your time accordingly.
2. The trip to Dali may take one day, while two days are recommended for the trip to Datong. Please arrange accommodations beforehand.
3. The tribal road network can be complex. It is recommended to have a guide for the hike.
4. The trail is located in a general protected area of indigenous reserved land. Please respect the local residents’ culture and lifestyle; do not trespass into homes or onto farmland.
5.Confirm that the trail is open prior to hiking. Hikers may enter from the Dekalun Trail, which connects to Dali and the Dali-Datong Trail, and take the same path on the return trip.
AddressMAP
Phone Number03-8621100 ext. 321、322

Note: The Mt. Qingshui Trail extends beyond the Dali-Datong Trail. 

Trail Introduction

The trail towards Dali begins next to the public restrooms at Taroko Terrace Bus Parking Lot. It overlaps Dekalun Trail and then ascends via steps. A one-way hike to Dali takes about three hours. Continuing from Dali Village to reach Datong Village will take an estimated two and a half hours. The trail features information signboards along the way.

Winding through a mostly low elevation subtropical broadleaf forest, surrounded by chirping birds, you may catch a glimpse of squirrels, Taiwanese macaques, and other wild animals. Near the village there is also a Makino bamboo forest, fruit trees and vegetable patches planted by the local residents.

The Truku aboriginal tribe lives in Taroko National Park, having crossed over the Central Mountain Range from Taiwan's west coast 200-300 years ago. They settled in the Liwu River basin. However, during the Japanese occupation many migrated to the plains (now Xiulin, Wanrong, and Zhuoxi Townships). Today, only Dali and Datong Village still have residents residing there. 

Dali Village, formerly known as Xoxos, is above the left bank of Shakadang River, located on a 915-meter-high terrace. 

From Dali village, please take the Shakadang Forestry Road to Datong village. The original route is closed from Dali to Datong village.

Datong Village, formerly named Shakadang, is located on a 1128-meter-high terrace above the left bank, near the middle section, of Shakadang River. These two villages were relocated in 1980 to the Minle Community in Xiulin Township's Fushi Village, and their residents were the last within Taroko National Park to be relocated from the mountains, though some villagers have since moved back. 

From Taroko National Park Headquarters Visitro Center via Dekalun trail - Dali village - Datong village: a 9-10 hr round trip. Please return via the same route back to the start point. One night at Datong village is recommended. For accommodation in Datong, it is recommended to contact the Taroko Tongli Tribal Natural and Ecological AssociationEmail address Phone: +886-936-102-826 Contact person: Ms Dumun Mashao


️ Notice:

Due to severe damage from the April 3, 2024 earthquake, the Shakadang Trail remains closed and is under reconstruction.  For your safety, do not enter the closed trail area from Dali or Datong Village. 

1141126_ Dali-Datong Map大禮大同地圖(局部封閉)


Service Facitilies
Visitor Center. Service Station. Police Station. Shop. Food and Drink. Public Restroom. Gas station. Parking Lot. Viewing Deck. Mountaineering. Bus Station. Accommodation. Message board.
Traffic Information
BikeThe trail has no bicycle-facilities. The bicycle parking racks are available at Taroko Terrace (Taroko N. P. Headquarters Visitor Center).
Bus1. From Hualien Station, take buses Taroko-1129, or TaiwanTrip Bus 310 bound for Taroko Visitor Center, and alight at Taroko National Park Headquarters visitor center.
2. From Xincheng Station, take Taroko Bus 302 or take buses 310 bus bound for Taroko visitor center, and alight at Taroko National Park Headquarters visitor center.
3. From Tianxiang: Take buses 302, or 310 (bound for Hualien or Xincheng), and alight at Taroko National Park Headquarters visitor center.
4. Bus schedules are available from #iBus Info System, and please check Route Search> Search by Bus Operator> UBus #310, 1129, or Taroko Bus 302.
5. Please consult News > FAQ on our website. Check for “ Transportation: Where can I purchase day passes for buses to Taroko National Park?.”
Driving1. Take Provincial Highway 8 or Provincial Highway 9 to Taroko Terrace (Taroko National Park Headquarters Visitor Center).
2. The trailhead is next to the public restrooms on the terrace northern trail’s west bus parking lot. Enter the Dali-Datong Trail from Dekalun Trail, which connects at its highest point. The Dali-Datong trail starts at the Taroko National Park Headquarters visitor center to the west of the public restrooms at the bus stop.
ParkingParking is avaiable at Taroko Terrace (Taroko N. P. Headquarters Visitor Center).