Taroko National Park: Zhuilu Old Road Hiking Tour in Hualien | Taiwan
Discover nature on this hiking tour at Taroko National Park in Hualien, Taiwan. Trek the old road and cross the suspension bridge, then marvel at the majestic Liwu River.
- Enjoy a scenic hiking tour of Taroko National Park with an English or Chinese-speaking guide who will take pictures for you along the way
- Hike through Zhuilu Old Road, the only culturally historic area in the entire park
- Save the hassle of applying for an entry permit by booking this tour via KKday
Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
Visit Taroko National Park to trek the Zhuilu Old Road, a remnant of the Hehuan Historic Traverse Trail that was excavated and constructed during the Japanese colonial period.
Stroll along an old trail that features a significant elevation drop of approximately 500 to 600 meters. See breathtaking views of cliffs and valleys that make the road one of the most spectacular features of the Taroko Gorge. Reach the end of the trail on a cliff and admire the views before turning back, as the trail beyond is inaccessible.
Get closer to nature through a brief but fulfilling trek. Experience the unique hiking culture in Taiwan by securing your spot on this tour through KKday.
— Important Info —
- Meeting time: 6:00 am–7:00 am (Subject to change, will be provided 1 day before departure)
- Meeting point: Proceed to Swallow Grotto on your own
- Duration: 6 hours, subject to on-site conditions
— Itinerary Info —
- Zhuilu Suspension Bridge to Badagang Police Station Remains: 60 minutes
- Snack time and sightseeing at Zhuilu Cliff: 60 minutes
- Return to the entrance: 150 minutes
Hike the Zhuilu Old Road, a remnant of the Hehuan Historic Traverse Trail that was excavated and constructed during the Japanese colonial period
Learn about how the trail was used as an external communication road by the early indigenous people residing here
See the many relics from the Japanese period preserved on the ancient road, such as a stone statue of Ksitigarbha bodhisattva, diverse plants, and floras
What You Can Expect
1 Day
- Walk across the Zhuilu Suspension Bridge
- Follow the trail that leads to the Cliff Outpost
- Enjoy the gorgeous scenery at one of Taiwan’s most gorgeous national parks
- Return to Hualien City
Purchase Notice
- The local agency will submit the National Park admission application form before 3:00 pm 5 days to 60 days before the day of departure. Note that application forms from across the world will be processed altogether, therefore, the application result is not guaranteed
- Once your application form has been approved, the voucher will be sent to you. In the event of no results, rescheduling or full refunds will be granted
- Free cancellation applies to requests filed before the National Park admission application form is submitted. Once the application form has been submitted, a handling fee based on the cancellation policy will apply
- Eligibility: Travelers ages 12 to 65. Please note that this is a shared tour with strenuous hiking, travelers are recommended to evaluate their health conditions before booking
- A Park Entry Permit application is required. For Taiwan residents, please provide each traveler's emergency contact person's name and address when booking. For non-Taiwan nationals, please provide the hotel address when booking. Failure to provide the aforementioned info will result in the decline of your admission
- The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances
- In the event of the tour's cancellation due to adverse weather conditions, you will be notified 24 hours before departure at the latest. A refund will be offered after the insurance and administration fees are deducted
- Crowd control will be observed while you are in Zhuilu Old Road. Travelers are required to apply for admission permission before visiting (Weekday maximum capacity: 96 travelers. Weekend maximum capacity: 156 travelers). In the event of typhoons, natural disasters, or force majeure circumstances, the trail will be closed and the admission permission will be void. Travelers will have to go through the application process again if they would still like to hike the trail
Includes/Excludes
Surcharge(s)
Admission fee
Adult: TWD200. Student: TWD100. Proof of ID is required
Reminders
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 3 day(s) before the departure date
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Acrophobia, Pregnant women, High blood pressure, Heart disease, Asthma, Epilepsy
Please do not wear perfume or cologne when hiking and bring the following: backpack, sneakers, raincoat, umbrella, drinking water, snacks, long pants, sun hats, small towels, and sunscreen
Please do not stray away from the group during your trip
Please follow the instructor's guidelines at all times
Bring your valid ID (Passport or entry permit) with you for identity verification
Please notify your dietary restrictions (e.g. vegetarian) in the "Notes" section when booking
Travelers are recommended to wear hiking outfits and comfortable shoes and prepare trekking poles
Please do not carry valuables with you
If you are unable to join the tour due to personal reasons during the non-cancellable period, reschedule and refunds will not be accepted. Examples of personal reasons include but are not limited to: COVID-19, injury, menstrual period, car accident, and oversleeping. Participants are responsible for reading, understanding, and agreeing to bear the relevant risks of this clause before finalizing payment
The tour will proceed as usual on rainy days. If the Central Weather Bureau issues sea, land, or heavy rain warnings, the tour will be postponed or canceled
If the above circumstances take effect during the tour or the leader determines that the tour cannot be carried out safely and is terminated early, no refunds or make-up tours will be arranged
Late/No-show: If a participant is late for more than 20 minutes from the meeting time, their participation will be automatically canceled. The tour will not wait for latecomers or allow participants to join the tour halfway. Participants who are unable to join due to lateness/no-show will not be refunded or rescheduled. If there is a slight delay (within 20 minutes), please inform the leader 15 to 20 minutes before the meeting time on the day
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present your e-voucher and passport on-site
Experience Location
Location Name: Zhuilu Old Trail
Address: Taiwan Hualien County Xiulin Township Zhuilu Old TrailCancellation Policy
- Cancellations 61 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–60 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The Zhuilu Old Road in Taroko National Park is subject to closures due to various factors, including adverse weather conditions like heavy rain or typhoons, as well as geological events such as landslides or rockfalls. It's crucial to check the official Taroko National Park website or consult with local tour operators for the most up-to-date information on trail status before planning your visit. Ensuring the trail is open is essential for a safe hiking experience.
Hiking the accessible section of Zhuilu Old Road, which is approximately 3.1 kilometers long, typically takes about 3 to 6 hours to complete, including time for enjoying the views and taking photos. The exact duration can vary depending on individual fitness levels, hiking pace, and how frequently you stop. The trail involves narrow cliffside paths and some elevation changes, requiring moderate physical exertion.
To reach the Zhuilu Old Road trailhead, which is located near the Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) in Taroko National Park, you have several options. Public transportation via local buses operating within the park can take you to the vicinity. Alternatively, many visitors opt for private tours that include transportation directly from Hualien city. Taxis or private car rentals are also available, offering flexibility for travel within the park.
The Zhuilu Old Road is generally considered a moderately challenging hike. The trail features narrow paths carved directly into steep marble cliffs, with significant drops to the Liwu River below. While not extremely long, the exposure and specific sections of the path require a good level of physical fitness, a steady gait, and no severe fear of heights. Hikers should be prepared for uneven terrain and wear appropriate footwear.
Hiking the Zhuilu Old Road offers a truly unique perspective of Taroko National Park, distinct from other trails. It's the only culturally historic area in the entire park, providing a glimpse into Taiwan's past. The most striking feature is the extremely narrow, cliffside path that allows you to walk along a sheer marble precipice, offering unparalleled, panoramic views of the majestic Liwu River gorge hundreds of meters below. This combination of history, geology, and breathtaking scenery creates an unforgettable adventure.
Yes, an entry permit is strictly required to hike the Zhuilu Old Road due to daily visitor quotas and conservation efforts. These permits must be applied for in advance, typically through the Taroko National Park's online application system or via a licensed tour operator. Booking a tour package, such as those available on KKday, often includes permit application assistance, simplifying the process for travelers and ensuring access to this popular trail.
Yes, specific road closures and restrictions are common within Taroko National Park, particularly along the Central Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 8) that runs through the gorge. These closures often occur due to heavy rainfall, typhoons, landslides, or ongoing maintenance work. It is highly recommended to check the official highway bureau or national park websites for real-time road conditions and any announced traffic controls or full closures before driving through the park.
Beyond the thrilling cliffside path, hikers on Zhuilu Old Road can expect to see and experience a wealth of natural and historical wonders. You'll marvel at the magnificent marble geological formations of the Liwu River gorge and cross a historic suspension bridge. The trail also offers opportunities to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of Taroko National Park, along with remnants of the original old road, providing insights into its past as a vital communication route. A guide can further enhance the experience by sharing cultural and natural history.
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