Accommodation
Tianxiang Presbyterian Church (天祥禮拜堂) offers simple accommodation in a scenic location. Tianxiang remains relatively quiet even over weekend. Simple rooms, clean bathrooms, fantastic location.
Crossing the chasm
Zhuilu Old Trail (錐麓古道) starts with a bang - a long suspension bridge across the valley. You need a permit to do the walk and as a number of visitors per day is limited – you need to apply in advance. Once you arrive, you need to visit a police station to register. But it’s well worth the hassle!
Tiver runs through it
Below the suspension bridge runs a peaceful stream: makes you wonder how this little stream made the gorge... Zhuilu Old Trail (錐麓古道).
Cliffs and bridges
The second bridge soon follows. Zhuilu Old Trail (錐麓古道)
Greens
They say the grass is always greener on the other side. The massive leaves certainly were greener on that day. Zhuilu Old Trail (錐麓古道).
The path
Unfortunately the day brought some low cloud / mist and some drizzle in the morning. There were almost no views of the gorge. Zhuilu Old Trail (錐麓古道).
Cliffs in the mist
The mist and light rain added a little bit of mystery, and maybe a pinch of misery, to the walk. Zhuilu Old Trail (錐麓古道).
Rabbit hole
Six photos stitched together to capture the sheer size of the place. Zhuilu Old Trail (錐麓古道).
Water fountain
Out of the sheer marble wall gushes fountain of water, joining the Liwu River below.The Zhuilu Old Trail begins just where the Swallow Grotto Trail starts.
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Forces of nature
Contrasting colours of the marble walls and the Shakadang River.
Devil's in the detail!
Details of some of the rocks by Shakadang River. Dark dots come from the raindrops.
Eternal Spring Shine (長春祠; Changchun)
Eternal Spring Shine (長春祠; Changchun) was built to commemorate the 226 military veterans who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. It sits at the bottom of a mountain, attracting buses of visitors every day.
Morning tree
High above, on the cliff nearby the church sits a lonely tree perching on a small outcrop. In the morning it catches the early rays of the rising sun. As it bathes in the warm light, the rest of the mountain hides in the shade.
Pagoda
Steep walls and deep valleys mean a lot of light and shadow games happening every morning and evening. As the sun moves, it illuminates select features. A feast for the eye!
Taroko bridge
One of the picturesque bridges of Taroko.
Changuang Temple; Taroko.
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Warning! Killer cars!
It actually is not far from the truth - not the slippery surface but the general attitude of cars in Taiwan towards pedestrians. There seem to be a little difference in the eyes of drivers between a pedestrian and dog turd…
Bridging the gap!
Suspension bridge leading to the Changuang Temple. While there are bus loads of loud tourists (Chinese seem to be the loudest by far) taking selfies of the Changchun (Eternal Spring) Shine- there are hardly any people up the hill.
