Taiwan's Taroko National Park has soaring peaks, roaring rapids, craggy cliffs, a complex ecosystem and a stunning coastline.
Located at the heart of the park is Taroko Gorge, which is like the Grand Canyon except that it is sculpted of marble. A road bisecting the island, linking Taichung to the west with Hualien to the east, runs along a key segment of the gorge, affording breathtaking views.
Interestingly, few people outside the island seem to have heard of Taroko Gorge.
Most overseas visitors to the park are on tours, spending the night in the seaside town of Hualien, making only a brief foray by bus into what has to be Taiwan's most spectacular scenic spot. It really does deserve a longer stay.
Within the park's confines are Mount Nantou, rising 3,742 metres above sea level, and a beautiful coastline fronting the Pacific Ocean.
The park has six distinct ecosystems housing an array of animal and plant life. There are bamboo and various types of ferns, trees, and bushes. You will even find tundra in the park's highest reaches.
Excellent hiking trails criss-cross the park. There is mountain biking and pedalling along canyon roads at night can be especially exhilarating because of the cooler temperatures and lack of traffic. Treks along the rivers that bisect the park can also be arranged.