Answer 1:

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. Lushu Recreation Area: Starting from February 1, 2026, sections of the Lushui Trail and Lushui-Wenshan Trail are open to the public:
**Grade 1 Trail: Lushui Trail (Partially Open):Starting from Lushui, the trail is open up to the Small Suspension Bridge (approximately the 250-meter mark). Please return via the same route. Duration: Approx. 15 mins one-way / 30 mins round-trip. **Grade 3 Trail: Lushui-Wenshan Trail (Partially Open)Starting from Lushui, the trail is open up to Tuoyuen (approximately the 450-meter mark). This is a challenging route with many uphill sections. Visitors are advised to carefully assess their physical condition before setting out. Please return via the same route.
Duration: Approx. 30 mins one-way / 1 hour round-trip.

4. 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.

5. 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)

6. 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)

7. 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.

 

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: 07:00–08:00, 10:00-10:05, 12:00–13:00, 15:00-15:05 and 16:30–17:30. From 17:30 to 18:00, 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.

 

To ensure a safe visit, it is recommended to follow the principle of "go up the mountain early, descend early," to avoid unpredictable afternoon weather changes. Please also be mindful of highway traffic control times and check the latest updates on the "Highway Bureau 168 Real-Time Road Conditions" platform or the "Happy Highway App" before departure to avoid missing release times or delaying your itinerary.

We recommend taking the TaiwanTrip Tourist Shuttle Bus (Route 310) from Hualien Bus Station or Xincheng Railway Station to explore these attractions. Passengers using electronic tickets (EasyCard, iPASS, or iCash , or other electronic payment methods) are eligible for fare discount on this route.

The TaiwanTrip Tourist Shuttle Bus Route 310, operated by Ubus, currently provides service from Hualien Bus Station (located in front of Hualien Railway Station), traveling via Qixingtan Beach to the Taroko National Park Headquarters Visitor Center, and then returning along the same route to Hualien. The one-way travel time from Hualien to the Taroko Visitor Center is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

In addition, the Taroko 302 e-Bus, operated by Taroko Bus Company, currently runs between Xincheng Railway Station and the Taroko Visitor Center (National Park Headquarters). The travel time is approximately 7–8 minutes, with return service provided along the same route to Xincheng Railway Station.

Please note that all bus services between the Taroko Visitor Center and Tianxiang (the Taroko Gorge section) remain temporarily suspended. Visitors planning to hike in the Lushui or Tianxiang area must arrange their own transportation (such as a rental car or taxi) and should also check the five daily traffic release windows for Provincial Highway 8 (Central Cross-Island Highway) in advance. 

For more tourism info: 
Please refer to the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) on our website. “General Question 3:  The east side of Taroko Gorge is closed after the April 3rd, 2024 earthquake. How can I plan my itinerary? “ suggestion 1 to re-plan your itinerary.