On the last day of your 5-day tour in Taiwan, you’ll explore the most awe-inspiring destination in Taiwan, Taroko National Park. Get your camera or phone ready for an unforgettable adventure in the world’s largest marble canyon! Situated in the eastern part of Taiwan, Taroko National Park was established in the year of 1986. This national park is renowned for its dramatic gorges, diverse wildlife, unique geological formations, and particularly, its towering marble cliffs, which can reach heights of up to 1,100 meters. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the park’s most famous attractions, including Cimu Bridge, the Tunnel of Nine Turns, Buluowan Suspension Bridge, Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchun Temple), Swallow Grotto Trail, and Qingshui Cliff. Embark on your day at Cimu Bridge after a hearty breakfast. The name “Cimu” directly translates to “loving mother”, as a homage to a touching story of maternal love. At the eastern end of the bridge proudly stands the Cimu Pavilion, a structure commissioned by the late president Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his own mother. Originally constructed with white marble from the region, this red steel bridge, resembling a cable-stayed design, was known as the “Marble Bridge” before being swept away by a typhoon in 1990. On its eastern end, visitors can take in the scenic beauty of a riverbend where millions of years of powerful rapids have artistically shaped the riverbed. Following your visit to Cimu Bridge, the next enchanting highlight on your Taroko adventure is the Tunnel of Nine Turns, which is considered the most picturesque section of Taroko Gorge. After extensive repair work, it reopened to the public in 2019. As you walk along the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the meandering river below, running through the deep and spectacular canyon. Additionally, you’ll get a closer view of the geological faults and folds in the towering marble cliffs, as well as the unique vegetation clinging to the canyon walls. Your next stop is Swallow Grotto Trail. The distinctive potholes on the cliff surface were formed by the combination of groundwater and the swift-flowing river. These natural formations were once the favored nesting spots for swallows, giving the trail its name. As you stroll through the tunnels, get ready to be amazed by the stunning vistas of the soaring marble cliffs that seem to reach the sky. Your adventure persists as you explore the awe-inspiring Buluowan Suspension Bridge. Spanning 196 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width, and soaring approximately 152 meters above the Liwu Valley, this bridge offers visitors a remarkable vantage point to witness the twists and turns of the Liwu River. As you gaze eastward from the bridge, you will be captivated by the sweeping panoramas of the Liwu River Valley. Likewise, when you turn your gaze to the west, you’ll be enchanted by the breathtaking landscapes of the Swallow Grotto. Next, you’ll stop by the Eternal Spring Shrine, a memorial shrine built in 1958 to commemorate the 225 personnel (military veterans), who lost their lives during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. From a distance, you’ll witness a waterfall gracefully descending over the sheer cliff beneath the shrine, forming a poetic and picturesque sight. 4 As your Taiwan round-the-island tour nears its conclusion, you’ll have the chance to visit one of Taiwan renowned “Eight Wonders” – the Qingshui Cliff, offering yet another visual spectacle. This towering cliff, standing at over 1,000 meters in height and stretching for 21 kilometers, plunges almost vertically into the sea. At the viewing platform, you’ll be able to relish a breathtaking panoramic view of this natural wonder. Subsequently, you’ll return to Taipei and reach your hotel or the designated drop-off location in the evening, marking the end of your unforgettable 5-day tour of Taiwan.
Regent Taipei or Palais de Chine Hotel or Marriott Taipei (5*)
