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Tourism: Can I explore Taroko Gorge by foot?

The length of the entire Taroko Gorge (from the Visitor Center to Tianxiang) spans about 17 km. As Provincial Highway 8 (the Central Cross-Island Highway) runs alongside the entirety of the Gorge, you can access all scenic spots and trailheads by means of private transport (i.e. car, motorcycle) or bus or taxi. As the highway spans between 1 and 2 lanes, we recommend taking public/private transport or hiring a chauffeur instead of walking alongside the highway due to the high volume of vehicles on the route during the day. The risk of rockfall along the highway presents additional safety concerns.

If you do insist on choosing to walk along the Provincial Highway 8, please first take a bus from Hualien or Taroko National Park Headquarters Visitor Center to Tianxiang, and then descend back along the same route towards the Taroko Visitor Center. The trip by foot takes around 4.5 to 6 hours along the highway, and descends from 480 m to 60 m in elevation. Please be careful of vehicles along the highway. (All public bus services remain temporarily suspended between the Taroko Visitor Center and Tianxiang (Taroko Gorge section). Visitors plan to hike in Tianxiang area must have own transportation and check the Highway 8 traffic control 5 times daily release windows before your trip.)

Provincial Highway 8, which traverses through Taroko Gorge, as well as all scenic spots and trails, are open all year round. The Taroko National Park Visitor's Center and all service stations are closed on certain Mondays, as well as the Eve of Chinese New Year. Please consult our website (About the Park >Visitor Center) for a complete schedule of our opening hours.

Before embarking on your trip, please also first consult the latest trail and highway conditions and closures, check our website under "News > Roads and Trails".


NOTE:

Due to the severe damage caused by the April 3rd earthquake and Typhoon Kong-rey October 31, 2024 , the trails and scenic spots from Taroko to Tianxiang (185.4 km–167.7 km) on the Provincial Highway 8 remain closed. 

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.

 

Additionally, while park facilities are gradually being restored, geological risks persist. The Central Cross-Island Highway and adjacent sites—such as the Eternal Spring Shrine, Shakadang Trail, Yanzikou (Swallow Grotto), Buluowan Terrace, Zhuilu Old Road, and Jiuqudong (Tunnel of Nine Turns)—remain closed for reconstruction. Visitors are advised to respect all safety regulations, only visit areas that are officially open, and not enter restricted zones.