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A weekend excursion can be made by car or bus along the northeast coast of Keelung, past the famous Yeliu Stone Formations. Here, where the land meets the sea, strange and attractive rock formations remain, carved over thousands of years by the wind and water. Incidentally, the naturally carved “Empress Head” bust was stolen by vandals, who later remorsefully returned it. It has now been permanently cemented in place.
Continue down past Suao to the turn-off for the interior of the island. Here you can drive through the beautiful Taroko Gorge where steep cliffs rise majestically from a rushing mountain stream. You can stop at a temple nearby, enjoy the sights, and even get your picture taken with an aboriginal maiden.
After this, proceed to Tien Hsiang, a very quite spot during the weekdays that is not too touristy. With a deep green gorge and bright stars in a crystal-clear sky, Tien Hsiang is a perfect place to spend a quite, relaxing evening. At dawn, walk or drive about three quarters of a mile further west along the main road. Look carefully for a path that goes down from the road to the rushing stream. You will cross a suspension bridge and continue down a rocky path to the water's edge. If you get here early, you will find yourself alone in the splendor of the natural outdoor Wenshan hot spring that mixes with an ice-cold mountain stream. On the way back to town, don't miss the “tunnel walk” into the national park with it's wonderful streams and a breathtaking view of the Baiyang waterfall.
If you have the time, continue west from Tien Hsiang to Lishan. This is a quaint orchard town. The scenery from the height of the narrow winding road is not for the queasy or the unsure driver. From here, drive north to the North Cross Island Highway. taking it west to pass Shihmen Reservoir and back to Taipei on the north-south highway.
Central and East Taiwan web site : http://www.taroko.gov.tw/ |
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