Best of Taroko Gorge & Kang-Ten Temple
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Port
Hualien, Taiwan
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$210
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7.75 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Your enriching journey begins at Hualien Port, where you’ll board a comfortable coach and set off to explore the cultural and natural highlights of eastern Taiwan.
The first stop is Kang-Tenn Temple, a vibrant and historic Mazu temple central to Hualien’s coastal spirituality. Admire its intricate woodwork, colorful carvings, and the enduring faith of local communities.
Next, you will then head to Taiwan Indigenous Cultural Center for a musical performance by the Alefis performance group. Composed of young indigenous performers from various tribes, "Alefis" means "eagle" in the Amis language—a symbol of warriors in the tribe. One of the most fascinating aspects of Taiwan’s east coast is its cultural diversity, home to groups such as the Amis, Kavalan, and Sakizaya peoples. With around 140,000 people, the Amis are the largest indigenous group. In recent years, as cultural awareness has grown, more young performers have returned to the coast to revive the beauty of their traditions. Although rituals have been simplified over time, the singing and dancing still carry the cultural memory passed down through generations. Immerse yourself in their dynamic dances and heartfelt choral performances, with storylines translated into English for deeper understanding.
Continue inland and enjoy a relaxing lunch featuring Taiwanese cuisine crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. This culinary pause highlights the bounty of Hualien’s farmlands and the warmth of its hospitality.
After lunch, make a brief stop at the Taroko Entrance Gate, an ornate archway built in traditional Chinese palace style. This ceremonial gate features the calligraphy of a renowned contemporary master, reading “Central Cross-Island Highway.” Since its completion, the gate has become an enduring symbol of the road’s engineering triumph and of Taroko’s status as a national treasure.
From there, travel deeper into Taroko Gorge, a breathtaking landscape carved from marble over millennia. Pass through the Swallow Grotto and the Tunnel of Nine Turns, where soaring cliffs, narrow tunnels, and the roaring Liwu River reveal nature’s sheer power and timeless artistry.
The final stop is Tianxiang, a peaceful riverside area deep within the park. Here, visit Xiangde Temple, gracefully perched on a hillside. Set high on a hill, it offers peaceful surroundings and sweeping views of the Liwu River valley. Take a quiet stroll through the temple grounds or simply enjoy the serene mountain setting.
Return to port with a heart full of cultural insights and memories of Taiwan’s most majestic gorge.
Please Note:
Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. There are approximately 200 steps to the main shring at Xiangde Temple. For those who prefer not to climb, Pudu Bridge offers panoramic views of the gorge.