Tienhsiang

If you're heading out of Taipei, point your nose towards Tienhsiang. The highlight of Tienhsiang is the nearby Taroko Gorge, probably Taiwan's most beautiful scenic spot. The gorge is 19km long, with sheer cliffs dropping away to a rushing river of white water.

The Eternal Spring Shrine, just above the entrance to the gorge, straddles a waterfall: it was built as a memorial to the 450 workers who died building the Taroko Highway. The town is a relaxing and tranquil little resort at the top of the gorge, nestled between towering cliffs.

Attractions

Taroko Gorge

Located 15 kilometers north of Hualian, Taroko Gorge is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. Taroko means "beautiful" in the Ami Dialect. A gorge with sheer cliffs dropping away to a rushing river of white water and through which flows the Li-Wu River, Taroko winds sinuously for 19 kilometers from the coast to its upper end at Tienhsiang. The scenic spots along the route are the Light of Zen Monastery, Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallows Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, and the Bridge of Motherly Devotion.

The Eternal Spring Shrine, just above the entrance to the gorge, straddles a waterfall: it was built as a memorial to the 450 workers who died building the Taroko highway.