Author/ Photographer HsinYa Teng
As a Hualien native raised by a mother who spent her early career as a tour guide to Japanese and Korean tour groups, visits to the stunning Taroko National Park （太魯閣國家公園）were a big part of my early life.
Fond memories of protecting my head from swallow dropping at Swallow Grotto（燕子口）, taking a dip in the 43℃ natural Wenshan Hot Spring（文山溫泉；wén shānwēn quán）, and enjoying a simple dish of stir-fried vermicelli at Tian Hsiang （天祥；tiān xiáng）after a day of nature walks, are all well etched in my childhood memory.
On a recent summer trip back to my beloved hometown, a new expedition on the Zhuilu Old Road（錐麓古道） became the hike of a lifetime. It may not be the most challenging trail in terms of difficulty and length, but the adrenalin-pumping cliff walk on the last 0.5km of this jaw-dropping trail is definitely not for the faint of heart.
The trail boasts a quick 500m elevation gain in just 2.6km, most of which is a forest trail. At the 2.6km mark, visitors will find themselves emerging from the forest to the real highlight of the hike – the magnificent Zhuilu Cliff. The view from the cliff overlooks the Liwu River (立霧溪) and offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, that is, if you dare to look down.
The cliff part of the trail was flat to walk on, with parts roped and parts with railings, but there are sections that are completely bare and unprotected. We exercised extreme caution when encountering hikers coming toward us, and we paid full attention to every step we took on this narrow path.
Zhuilu Old Road is an iconic trail located in Taroko National Park in Hualien, Taiwan. Known for its breathtaking views and historical significance, the narrow path on this completely vertical marble cliff was originally built by the aboriginal people as a means of communication between tribes.
After losing the Truku War (太魯閣戰役) in 1914, the Truku Tribe (太魯閣族) was ordered by the Japanese colonial government to widen the trail to facilitate the transportation of weapons along the Old Cross-Hehuan Mountain Road (合歡越嶺古道) and allow a tighter control over the mountain tribes. Remnants of old outposts from more than 100 years ago can still be seen along the trail.
After decades of neglect, Zhuilu Old Road was finally opened to the general public in 2008. Since then, its unique history, unparalleled thrill, and the breathtaking views have made it the most popular attraction in Taroko National Park. Today, the 3.1km section from Swallow Grotto to the Zhuilu Cliff Outpost is the only section open to the public.
Permit
Permit: Required – permit application here
Best time to visit: Whenever you can get an open spot!
Standard and advanced applications are available. Standard application opens up 1-2 months before the intended date of entry, while advance application opens up 35 days to 4 months prior. Advance application is only available for foreigners. As a Taiwanese national, I can definitely appreciate the distinction, as the policy allows overseas visitors enough time to book their flights to Taiwan.
The number of visitors is limited to 96 from Monday to Friday, and 156 from Friday to Sunday.
I do not think there is a best time to visit the trail. I visited in July, which is the hottest month of the year. We started the hike at 7 a.m., but the heat was bearable because the trail was mostly shaded. It is a good rule of thumb to start the hike as early as possible, as the afternoon rain/fog that occurs throughout the year is likely to build up. Due to the popularity of the trail, it is a good idea to take advantage of any open spot you can get your hands on.
Hours & Duration
- Gate opens: 7 AM – 10 AM
- Gate closes: must exit before 5 PM
- Distance: 6.2km round trip (Zhuilu Suspension Bridge to Cliff Outpost and back)
- Elevation: 270m-760m
- Time: 3 – 6 hours
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
We completed the round trip in 3.5 hours (including a 30-minute break at the Outpost). I do have to mention that I was hiking with my aunts and uncles who are experienced marathon runners, and they did not even break a sweat. We also saw children as young as eight, with parents carefully guiding them and taking as many breaks as needed. I would say the trail is manageable for most people. However, the park does recommend that those with a fear of heights, those with cardiovascular diseases, and pregnant women not to attempt the trail.
Price
- Full rate: NT$200
- Discount rate: NT$100 (students/seniors/ages 6-12)
- Free: Children 6 years old or younger.
Be sure to bring forms of identification (passport, driver’s license, NHI card) if you are eligible for the discount rate.
How to get there/ Parking
- Zhuilu Old Road Toll Station (Entrance)
- Jinheng Park (靳珩公園)
- Free helmet service station (安全帽發放處)
If you are driving, here are some recommended parking locations, ranked by proximity to the entrance. There are only a few parking spots right at the entrance. The best option is to park at Jinheng Park (restrooms and refreshment stands are available) and enjoy a scenic walk through Swallow Grotto before arriving at the entrance.
If you are coming from abroad, it might be a good idea to hire a professional tour group to take care of the permit application and transportation all in one package.
What to Bring
Water, lunch, snacks, hiking poles, hiking shoes, forms of identification (driver’s license, NHI card), insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
There is a restroom at Badagang Outpost, but no water fountains or trash cans. Be sure to bring water and take all trash with you.
