If you only visit one place in all of Taiwan, Taroko Gorge National Park MUST be it! Carved by the Liwu River, Taroko Gorge is one of the most beautiful places we saw while traveling Asia. You’re best to stay in the nearby town, Hualien, which is about a 30-minute journey by car to the entrance of Taroko National Park.
When To Go To Taiwan:
The Best time to visit Taiwan is during the fall (Sept-Nov), as you’ll have cooler weather and less rainfall. We visited in February and, although it was chilly, it was very pleasant with minimal tourists.
How To Get Around Taiwan:
Getting to Hualien from Taipei via train is the easiest mode of transport. I read a lot of forums about taking a bus, then a train etc. We wanted the simplest form of travel with the least amount of trouble and the train seemed to be perfect. Tickets can be purchased at Taipei Main Station for $15USD (440TWD) each way, or $30 total round trip (880TWD). The journey takes about 2.5 hours via LSR. The train ride is SUPER scenic, as it travels along the coast (gorgeous mountains and beach right next to each other!), so be sure to stay awake and have your camera ready! The train station is situated about 1.5 miles outside of the city center.
Where To Stay Near Taroko Gorge: 
The closest town to Taroko Gorge is Hualien and we stayed at Beauty Inn, which was a fantastic hotel! The rooms were modern, clean and spacious. Breakfast, which differed daily, was included as well as free coffee, water and tea 24/7. The staff is especially friendly and helpful and they speak descent English. The only negative is that it is about a mile walk into the city center, but its made better by the free bikes the hotel has for you to use. The hotel is located a ½ mile to the train station.
Where To Eat In Hualien:
Salt Lick:
Honestly, we were totally craving American food during our time in Hualien, so we didn’t dab too much into local cuisine. Salt Lick is your typical southern BBQ restaurant that houses its own smoker. If you’re in the mood for beef brisket, pulled pork, hush puppies and other fried comfort foods, than this place is your jam. That being said, Salt Lick is a great restaurant, with good service, beer and food!
Chicago Pizza:
Located next door to Salt Lick, Chicago Pizza had great reviews, although we didn’t eat there.
Tungtamen Night Market:
If you’re looking for local street eats in Hualien, then the Tungtamen Night Market is a MUST! Every local food you could imagine is located here, along with arcade games and souvenirs. It’s HUGE and is open daily from 5pm-Midnight. It’s located near the water by Nanbin Park on the map. Just find Salt Lick and continue to follow the same road (Zhongshan Road) and you’ll run right into it.
Taroko Gorg National Park:
Taroko was the HIGHLIGHT of our trip to Taiwan, and I’d 100% recommend it for anyone coming to Taiwan. The best way to get around Hualien/Taroko to see all its incredible sights is to hire a private driver, unless you’re keen on a public tour (which is usually cheaper). You can arrange these tours through your hotel. We hired a driver prior to arrival that was recommended by a forum online for $80USD (2500TWD). I wouldn’t personally recommend her, but I’d definitely suggest hiring a private driver over a packed, impersonal tour bus.
The 5 hour tour included the following:
Pickup from our hotel
Entrance of Taroko National Park (Shakadang Trail, which we opted out of doing)
Eternal Spring Shrine
Swallow Groto Trail
Tzu Mu Bridge
Holiu Suspension Bridge
Tiansiang
Drop off back at hotel
Optional Places for additional cost (which we opted out of):
Cingsheui Cliff-$16USD (500TWD)- add one hour to tour (6 hours total)
Shakadang Trail (3km round trip hiking trail)- $16USD (500TWD)- add one hour to tour (6 hours total)
Taroko tour + Cingshuei Cliff + Shakadang Trail= 7-8 hours total
Gym:
Of course we had to find a gym while here and we were SO pumped to stumble upon City Fitness! Located only 7-minutes walking from our hotel, we were so excited that they had just opened and gave us a free week as a promo!
Other Related Posts:
Taipei, Taiwan: A First Time Guide
Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake & Taichung
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Oh, the night market in Hualien looks more interesting to explore than the last one I used to go in Taipei. Because it doesn’t make any impressions on me, I forget its name. Anyways, thanks so much for sharing your experience!
Thank you so much for reading it! We certainly cherish our time in Taiwan! Happy travels 🙂
Hi Nichole,
I like your article about Taroko national park ; Can you give more information about hiring driver go around Taroko Gorge park ?
Thank you in advance.
Hello Betsy. I am so sorry but we hired a driver prior to arrival that was recommended by a forum online-cost was $80USD (2500TWD). I wouldn’t personally recommend her (we didn’t have the best experience with her), but I’d definitely suggest hiring a private driver over a packed, impersonal tour bus. I wish I had more information on finding a specific guide, but I’d hate to recommend someone I have not yet tried myself. I’d try the TripAdvisor forums to see if anyone recommended someone there? Hope you have a GREAT trip!