Taroko Gorge, TAIWAN
Airing Date: Sep 4th, 2006
Taroko Gorge is located on the eastern coast of Taiwan, about 4 hours drive from the capital Taipei. Taroko has the largest marble gorge in the world. After Taipei, this is the most visited site in Taiwan.
The Park is 36 kilometres from north to south and 42 kilometres from east to west. It is second only to Jade Mountain National Park. The park has many high mountains and steep gorges, with many peaks towering above 3,000 metres in height, and with many natural watersheds.
The spectacular Taroko Gorge and the scenic beauty of the Liwu River can be viewed conveniently from the Central Cross-Island Highway. The many waterfalls, diverse forms of plant and animal life, and the indigenous Taroko people, together create the rich texture of this unique natural ecosystem.
The Taroko Gorge is basically the 20km stretch of the Cross Island Highway between Taroko National Park HQ and Tiansiang. The narrowest and most amazing parts of the gorge are at the Swallow's Grotto and Tunnel of Nine Turns.
The Eternal Spring Shrine was built to commemorate the 212 workers who lost their lives building the cross island highway. The names of the workers are inscribed in rock on the inside of the shrine.
High above the shrine, visitors can see the traditional style bell and drum towers and the waterfall of the shrine flows constantly to represent the spirit of those lost. The irony of the "Eternal" Spring Shrine is that it has already been rebuilt 3 times because of rockslides and typhoon damage.
FURTHER INFORMATION
EVA Air return to Taiwan from $1205 ex Brisbane.
Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 31/7/06.
Web: www.evaair.com
Grand Formosa Taroko - Rooms from $250 a night.
Twin share. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 4/8/06.
Web: www.grandformosa-taroko.com.tw
