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.

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 the Taroko National Park Headquarters Visitor Center, follow the Dekalun Trail to Dali Village and Datong Village. The round trip takes approximately 9–10 hours. Please return via the same route to the starting point. An overnight stay in Datong Village is recommended. For accommodation in Datong, it is recommended to contact the Taroko Tongli Tribal Natural and Ecological Association. Email address Phone: +886-936-102-826 Contact person: Ms Dumun Mashao.