As the second anniversary of the April 3 earthquake approaches, the Taroko National Park Headquarters (hereinafter “Taroko N. P. HQ”) held a beach cleanup event titled “Welcoming the Dawn, Setting Out Again” on April 2. The event marks the opening of the 40th anniversary series and symbolizes leaving behind the shadows of the past and moving toward renewal.

Director Liu Shou-li of Taroko N. P. HQ stated that this year represents both a significant milestone—the 40th anniversary of Taroko—and a critical phase in post-earthquake reconstruction. This moment not only carries forward the vision of the anniversary but also represents a collective aspiration. Through joint efforts with partners, the goal is to realize resilient recovery and sustainable environmental stewardship in the national park.

Before 5:00 a.m., while it was still dark, participants gathered at Chongde Beach to await the sunrise. In addition to Taroko N. P. HQ staff, more than 200 participants joined the event, including Director Hsu Shao-liang of the Conservation Interpretation Division of the National Park Service, Mayor Wang Mei-kuei of Xiulin Township, colleagues from other national park headquarters, local agencies, organizations, community members, Taroko volunteers, and members of the public.

Director Hsu expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to post-earthquake reconstruction and voiced confidence that the work will continue smoothly with collective participation. Mayor Wang noted that Xiulin Township is like a large family, where all units support each other. Over the past two years, the relationship between Taroko N. P. HQ and the township office has evolved into one of partnership and friendship, bringing hope to the community and laying the foundation for deeper future cooperation.

Around 5:00 a.m., the Pacific Ocean gradually brightened, revealing a faint dawn despite heavy cloud cover obscuring the sunrise. In the early morning light, Pastor Jilo Harok of the Truku Tribe led a blessing ceremony facing the ocean. He emphasized that the Truku philosophy of nature calls for harmony with the land and avoiding excessive development. He also noted that traditional weaving symbolizes creation and regeneration. Traditional woven cloth and ramie fibers were placed on the altar to pray for harmony between humans and nature, the smooth progress of reconstruction, and enduring vitality.

Director Liu quoted, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” explaining that holding the event at Chongde Beach beneath the Qingshui Cliffs symbolizes starting from the lowest point and moving forward step by step. Following reconstruction efforts in 2024 and 2025, the allocated NT$450 million budget has been fully executed. Sites such as Daqingshui, Chongde, Dekalun Trail, Datong–Dali Trail, Mt. Liwu, Mt. Qianliyan, and the visitor center and surrounding facilities have been repaired and reopened. In the Tianxiang area, partial reopening has been implemented for Lushui, Tabito, and Xiangde Temple trails, with visitor numbers gradually recovering.

Over the past two years, reconstruction has faced challenges such as typhoons, heavy rainfall, and landslide-dammed lakes. Despite these obstacles, progress has continued steadily with support from various agencies and partners. The years 2026 and 2027 will be a critical acceleration phase, including projects such as the Buluowan access road, Shanyue Village reconstruction, Baiyang Trail, and safety enhancement works at Changchun Shrine. Many projects have entered detailed design or construction phases.

Director Liu emphasized that future efforts will prioritize landscape and ecological conservation while enhancing safety and resilience. The headquarters will also continue to collaborate with Indigenous communities and partners to promote coexistence and shared prosperity.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary, Taroko N. P. HQ will launch a series of events, including an industry expo, the “Impressions of Shakadang” photography exhibition, “My Taroko” special exhibition, conservation symposiums, and the Taroko Gorge Music Festival, along with multiple Indigenous cultural performances and Taroko Gorge Stories: Biodiversity Workshop Series.

During the latter part of the event, accompanied by live music from the Hualien-based band Bing Duo, participants walked along the coast collecting marine waste. A total of 170.12 kg of waste was removed, including 69.28 kg of recyclable materials.

In addition to the cleanup event, the Taroko Visitor Center is hosting the “Impressions of Shakadang” photography exhibition. While the Shakadang Trail was severely damaged by the earthquake, the stream, forest, and wildlife remain. The area is currently in a period of recovery, and through adaptive restoration, it is expected to reveal a new and unique landscape in the future.