Taroko National Park
‘The name, Taroko, means the “magnificent and beautiful”. Long ago a tribesman of the Taroko aboriginal tribe saw the beauty of the azure Pacific when he walked out of the gorge. Astonished by the elegance of the scene, he cried: “Taroko!” And so it became the name of the place’
Taroko National Park is one of the seven national parks of Taiwan and was named after the Taroko Gorge, the landmark gorge of the park. Taroko Gorge is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world and Taiwan’s foremost scenic attraction. It spans the counties of Hualien, Taichung, and Nantou on the island of Taiwan, aiming to protect the natural scenery, historical relics and wildlife. The grand canyons and spectacular mountains create the most mesmerizing landscape on the island. Taroko includes beautiful natural sceneries of the Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow’s Grottoes, Liwu Valley, Tunnel of Nine Turns makes a fantastic impression to every visitors. The famous Paiyang Waterfall and the Tsingshui Precipice are the perfect expressions of the topographic natural wonders of Taroko National Park. These are just a few of the many wonderful sub-attractions inside the national park. There are many hiking tracks on Taroko, Each year athletes from all over the world join the annual marathon race in Taroko. Hike along the trails and see sunrise upon the hills of Taroko is also very impressive.
The park also features its diverse species of animals, plants, birds and butterflies. You can find half of the species of mammals which are found in Taiwan present here and the vegetation of the park includes broadleaved forests, mixed broadleaved and coniferous forests. In addition, ninety percent of the resident species of birds in Taiwan, and over half of the butterfly species can be encountered in the park.
Scenic Spots
Yanzihkou (Swallow Grotto)
At Yanzihkou, a series of magnificent cliffs tower so tall on either side of the road that direct sunlight hits the floor of the gorge only around noon time.
Swallows’ nests hang precariously from holes in the sharp precipices on the opposite side of the road at Yanzihkou. These nesting places were in fact etched out of the limestone by natural erosion; many may, long ago, have been the exit points for powerful underground streams. With the increase in visitors in recent decades, the tiny birds have left the area.
Jiucyudong (Tunnel of Nine Turns)
Jiucyudong is a remarkable feat of engineering – it cuts a twisting, crooked road of short tunnels and half tunnels through solid marble cliffs.Tiansiang
At Tiansiang, amid natural beauty, is where most of the accommodations in the gorge are available (those not staying in the gorge overnight usually stay in Hualien). Facilities range from one five-star luxury hotel to a few lodges and budget hostels. A suspension bridge just before Tiansiang leads across the river to Tiansiang leads across the river to an exquisite seven-story pagoda perched on a peak. The vistas here, especially in the mornings when the slumbering mountains are wrapped in a quilt of mist, are enough to inspire religious conviction. From the pagoda a short, refreshing walk will lead you to a small temple nearby.
Hot Spring
For those who enjoy hot springs must not miss the Wunshan hot spring. The magnificent walk to the bottom of the gorge is an appetizer for the hot spring themselves. After a swaying suspension bridge crosses the Tasha River, steps carved into the cliff-side lead along a small tributary to a large hot pool lying in an open cave of solid marble, which is immediately adjacent to the sparking fresh water tumbling along the rocky riverbed.
Fauna
Most of Taroko National Park is undisturbed wilderness, and its wildlife is diverse. So far, l52 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including l4 species unique to Taiwan, such as Swinhoe's Pheasant, Formosan Blue Magpie and the Fire-breasted Flowerpecker. At least l5 species of amphibians are found along the rivers and on the medium-altitude mountain slopes. Researchers have also identified 302 species of butterflies. In addition, 46 species of large mammals, including the black bear, Formosan Macaque, Formosan Serow, Formosan wild boar, and Formosan Sambar Deer or Taiwan Shui-Lok deer, are found in abundance in the many undisturbed natural areas. 35species of reptiles and 21species of fresh water fish are also found in the park area. Of particular interest to researchers are the Formosan Macaque and Formosan Serow; Cryptobranchus japonieus ;Hsuehshan grass lizard; Kikuchi's Turtle-Designed Snake or Taiwan Mountain Pitviper; Taiwan Freshwater Trout; Heng-chun birdwing butterfly,and The dryad.
Flora
The elevation of Taroko National Park ranges from sea level up to 3,700 meters and consists of different climatic zones. As a result, all the kinds of vegetation found on Taiwan (excepting those peculiar to sandy soils, sea shore forests, and the offshore islands) are represented within the park: for example, alpine juniper forest, dwarf bamboo formation, fir, hemlock, spruce, Pine, hardwoods, Taroko oak and Chinese photinia. According to preliminary investigations, more than 2,093 species of native vascular plants grow within the park, 132 of these being rare or endangered species.
Among the most spectacular sights of the gorge are the mountains, some of them over 3,000 meters high. Changes in vegetation as the elevation changes can be seen traveling along the Central Cross-Island Highway. This is only the beginning of the wonders. The Yushan cane grasslands or (dwarf bamboo), dotted with conifers and high mountain juniper trees with their twisted roots and intricate gnarls, is an impressive sight. There are many flowers on high mountain peaks, such as the Nakotaizan Epilobium, Hypericum nagaswia, Rhododendron noriakianum and leontopodium microphyllu, which entangle them with the high mountain juniper among the hard rock and gravel. They are surely miracles of nature!
Culture Heritage
Prehistoric Sites
According to preliminary research, there are seven places of prehistoric site around the park. Of these the Taroko Site is the most famous. Here 85 monoliths were found standing in orderly fashion on the Terrace and comes from the New Stone Age. Furthermore, both monoliths and stone coffins have been found at this site, indicating a blending of both cultures. It is estimated to be about two or three thousand years old.
The other six prehistoric sites include: Buluowan, Sidagan, Batagan, Bulexengan, Tura-Sag and Sibao. Prehistoric relics, like pottery fragments, stone axes, stone spinning wheels and iron have been found in these places.
Aboriginal Taroko Culture
The Taroko tribe is one of Taiwan's 12 aboriginal tribes. The Taroko developed from the Atayal tribe. The Taroko people had a fairly advanced culture. They mainly practiced slash-and-burn agriculture, hunting, fishing and gathering. When fighting with other tribes, Taroko people used to cut off their enemies' heads, after which the members of the tribe celebrated with reveling and drinking as a means of promoting the solidarity and safety of the tribe. This custom was abolished many years ago, as have the initiation rituals of facial tattooing and tooth-filing.
The Taroko people's weaving skill was highly developed. Both men and women wore homemade gunny with tea-brown stripes on a white background, and also worer ornaments on their heads, ears, necks, and feet. The craft skills of the Taroko tribe (weaving, gunny spinning, working with wood and rattan, and net knotting) was among the best in Taiwan. Taroko people usually chose small terraces in the mountains on which to establish their villages.