Xiulin

Xiulin (秀林) is a vast mountain township in northern Hualien County, Taiwan, encompassing most of Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園). The area is named after the Truku (Taroko) indigenous people and is dominated by the spectacular Taroko Gorge, a marble-walled canyon carved by the Liwu River. Xiulin is one of Taiwan's most popular natural attractions.

The climate varies from tropical in the lowlands to temperate at higher elevations. The best time to visit is October to April. Summer can be hot and typhoons may cause road closures.

By Plane

Hualien Airport (HUN) is about 25 km south. A taxi takes about 30 minutes and costs around NT$600–800.

By Train

Taroko trains stop at Xincheng Station, the main rail gateway. From Xincheng, take a bus or taxi into the park.

By Car / Road

Xiulin is accessible via Provincial Highway 8 (the Central Cross-Island Highway), which begins at the coast and winds through the Taroko Gorge. From Hualien City, drive north for about 30 minutes.

A car is ideal but the park also has a shuttle bus system connecting major trailheads. Many attractions are along the main highway.

• Taroko Gorge — The spectacular marble-walled canyon.

• Shakadang Trail — A scenic riverside walkway through the gorge.

• Swallow Grotto — A section of the gorge with sheer marble cliffs.

• Tunnel of Nine Turns — The most dramatic section of the highway, carved into the cliff.

• Changchun Shrine — A temple built into the cliffside.

• Baiyang Waterfall Trail — A hiking trail through tunnels to a waterfall.

• Lushui–Yanhai Trail — A high-level trail with gorge views.

• Hike the Shakadang Trail — Easy, 4.5 km return through the gorge.

• Walk the Tunnel of Nine Turns — A pedestrian-only section with stunning views.

• Visit the Taroko National Park Visitor Centre for exhibits and maps.

• Baiyang Waterfall Trail — Moderate difficulty, through tunnels.

• Zhuilu Old Road — A challenging cliff-side trail for experienced hikers (permit required).

• The park has a few restaurants at the visitor centre and hotels. NT$150–300.
• Convenience stores at Xincheng for picnic supplies.
• Pack a lunch for hiking.

Water refill stations are available at the visitor centre. Bring plenty of water for hikes.

• Mid-range: Silks Place Taroko — Luxury hotel in the gorge. From NT$5,000.
• Mid-range: Leader Village Taroko — A hotel run by the Truku community. From NT$3,000.
• Budget: Hualien City or Xincheng offer budget accommodation.

• Marble products — The area is famous for marble.
• Truku indigenous crafts — Woven items and beadwork.
• National park souvenirs.

• Xincheng — 5 km east. Gateway town.
• Hualien City — 25 km south.
• Qixingtan — 20 km southeast. Pebble beach.
• Lishan — 50 km west via the Central Cross-Island Highway. Mountain scenery in Taichung.
• Yilan — Through the Su-Hua Highway. Coastal scenery.