Cuti-Cuti Taiwan: Hualien Taroko Gorge National Park, Hualien, Taiwan

Location: Hualien Taroko Gorge National Park, Hualien, Taiwan
Date of photo: 30/04/17
Camera/Lens: Sony ILCE-7M2/FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

Named after the local Truku aboriginal tribe, Taroko National Park is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful sights. Created by the continual rising of the mountains combined with the erosive power of the Liwu River, Taroko Gorge with its tall, almost flat walls are a true marvel to view. Besides the gorge, other attractions include aboriginal settlements, temples, museums, and numerous hiking trails for visitors to experience the true beauty of mountainous Hualien County and eastern Taiwan.

Sized at 920SQ KM, Taroko National Park covers areas that are now part of Hualien County, Nantou County, and Taichung City.

Formally established on 28 November 1986, the park’s opening was a milestone for the environmental protection movement in Taiwan. As a side effect of Taiwan’s miraculous economic growth as one of the 4 Asian Tigers over the previous decades, serious damage has been done to the island’s natural resources. A government initiative started in 1972 to designate some of Taiwan’s magnificent scenic areas into the current 9 national parks has helped to preserve the integrity of these regions as well as facilitate scientific research, conserve natural resources and protect wildlife, and promote environmental education.