Taroko to Tianxiang: Cycling Taiwan's Most Spectacular Canyon Highway

Route Overview

The route from Taroko to Tianxiang traverses the core area of Taroko National Park, running entirely along the Liwu River Gorge. Marble cliffs, emerald-green river water, tunnels, and suspension bridges—this is Taiwan’s most spectacular and internationally renowned cycling route.

Route Information

Item	Details
Start	Taroko Visitor Center
End	Tianxiang
Distance	Approx. 20 km (one way)
Elevation Gain	Approx. 400 m
Surface	Paved road (partially through tunnels)
Difficulty	★★★ (Moderate, mainly due to safety concerns)
Suggested Time	2-3 hours (one way, including photo stops)

Route Breakdown

Taroko Visitor Center → Swallow Grotto (0-8 km)

Departing from the visitor center, you enter the gorge along the Central Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 8). The route is breathtaking from the very start—massive marble cliff walls rise on both sides, with the emerald-green Liwu River flowing through the middle.

Highlights along the way:

• Shakadang Trail entrance
• Changchun Shrine (memorializing those who died building the Central Cross-Island Highway)
• Ning’an Bridge
• Spectacular gorge scenery

Swallow Grotto → Chishingtung (8-13 km)

This is the most spectacular section of the Taroko Gorge. The road is carved into vertical cliffs, with some sections passing through tunnels excavated directly from the rock face.

Highlights along the way:

• Swallow Grotto Trail (swallows nesting on the cliff walls)
• Jinheng Bridge
• Chishingtung Tunnel (the narrowest point of the gorge)

Safety notes:

• Lighting inside the tunnels is insufficient—turn on your lights
• Water drips inside the tunnels and the road surface is wet
• Watch out for tour buses and large vehicles

Chishingtung → Tianxiang (13-20 km)

After passing Chishingtung, the gorge gradually opens up. The route passes through several tunnels and bridges before reaching Tianxiang.

Highlights along the way:

• Cimu Bridge
• Lushui Trail entrance
• Tianxiang Xiangde Temple
• Tianxiang Visitor Center

Safety Precautions

Rockfall Risk

The risk of rockfall in the Taroko Gorge must be taken seriously:

1. Wear a helmet (obvious but extremely important)
2. Do not linger beneath cliff walls
3. Avoid riding within 24 hours after rain
4. Avoid riding after earthquakes
5. Watch for loose gravel and construction warning signs on the road

Tunnel Riding

Taroko has multiple tunnels that must be traversed:

• Turn on front and rear lights: It is very dark inside the tunnels
• Wear a reflective vest: Make sure cars can see you
• Ride on the right: Leave room for large vehicles
• Watch for slippery surfaces: Water often accumulates inside tunnels
• Do not stop in tunnels to take photos

Traffic Safety

• Traffic on the Central Cross-Island Highway is considerable, especially tour buses
• There are even more vehicles on holidays; weekdays or early mornings are recommended
• Some sections are narrow, and large vehicles occupy most of the road
• Stay alert and be ready to yield at all times

Best Riding Strategy

Best Time

• Early morning 6:00-8:00 AM: Least traffic and the most beautiful light
• Weekdays: Fewer tour buses
• Autumn and winter: Lower chance of rain (but be mindful of the northeast monsoon)

Photo Stop Recommendations

Spot	Stop Time	Photo Focus
Changchun Shrine	10 min	Waterfall and shrine
Swallow Grotto	15 min	Gorge and swallow caves
Chishingtung Trail	20 min	Narrowest point of the gorge
Cimu Bridge	10 min	Red bridge and gorge
Tianxiang	30 min	Temple and river valley

Return Options

Return the same way (recommended):

• Mostly a gentle descent on the way back
• You’ll notice angles you missed on the outbound ride
• Control your speed on the descent (loose gravel may be on the road)

Continue climbing to Bilu Sacred Tree or higher:

• Suitable for riders with plenty of energy
• The gradient increases after Tianxiang
• Can connect to Dayuling or Wuling (but this is a completely different level of challenge)

Supplies and Facilities

Location	Facilities
Taroko Visitor Center	Restrooms, drinking water, shops
Swallow Grotto	Restrooms
Chishingtung	No facilities
Tianxiang Visitor Center	Restrooms, drinking water, restaurants
Silks Place Taroko Hotel	Restaurant (upscale)

Extended Itinerary Suggestions

If you have more time, consider combining the following:

1. Shakadang Trail: An easy riverside walk
2. Qixingtan Beach: Hualien’s most beautiful coastline
3. Hualien City food: Gongzheng Xiaolongbao, bomb scallion pancakes
4. Qingshui Cliff: Overlooked from the Suhua Highway (also accessible by bike)

Conclusion

The ride from Taroko to Tianxiang is a route every cyclist in Taiwan must experience. World-class gorge scenery, spectacular marble cliffs, and the unique experience of riding through tunnels—these 20 kilometers encapsulate nature’s most magnificent masterpiece. Set out with reverence and safety awareness, and Taroko will not disappoint you.

Related Reading

• Eastern Taiwan Hualien Taroko Route: A High-Difficulty Ride Through Spectacular Gorge Landscapes
• Taroko Gorge Cycling Journey: The Marble Corridor from Xincheng to Tianxiang
• Taroko Gorge Cycling Safety Guide: Riding Tips for Crossing the Marble Canyon
• Millions of Years and an Instant in the Gorge: Riding from Tianxiang to Xibao, Understanding the Weight of a Road