Changchun (Eternal Spring) Shrine
NOTE:
The scenic spot is closed due to severe damage caused by 403 Earthquake and typhoons in 2024. On April 3, 2024, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Hualien, followed by the impact of Typhoon Kong-rey on October 31, causing severe damage to the park east section of Taroko Gorge (Taroko to Tianxiang).
Trail partially open
Drive from the west exit of the Changchun Tunnel of the Central Cross-Island Highway, then turn south(left) and go along the old Central Cross-Island Highway to the car park next to Liwu River, and you can see the Changchun Shrine (Eternal Spring Shrine) which commemorates the 226 personnel (military veterans) who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway (1956~1960). Spring water adjacent by the Eternal Spring Shine flows all year round, and the Highway Bureau named it after "Changchun Falls." It is now a scenic spot with special significance on the Central Cross-Island Highway.
In 1987 the cliff by the rivers collapse and destroyed the pavilion next to the Eternal Spring Shrine. After 10 years it was restored and is now open to the public again. that the back of the Eternal Spring Shrine there are stairs leading to Guanyin Cave, Taroko Tower, Bell Tower (the highest point), and across a suspension bridge to Changuang Temple (Zen monastery). The river valley next to the Changuang Temple has a bottle gourd shape, and it is named thereafter as Bottle Gourd Valley (Hu-lu Gu). The trail is a 1.3km/085mile leisurely walk will take 50 minutes to an hour for the entire loop. The trail is quite steep and visitors should stay off the trail on rainy days. Start it from the Changuang Temple will be less strenuous.