Nothing lasts forever – neither good nor bad, nothing.
This too shall pass. The Persian-origin quote has been cited numerous times – it was, for instance, one of the favorite sayings of the United States President, Abraham Lincoln. Now is the time to utter this old quote as solace for Taroko.
This blog, which reveals the wonders of nature, wasn’t meant to start off so grandiosely, but now it feels appropriate. From our travels to dozens of nature parks and UNESCO sites, we begin to tell our stories from Taiwan. From the magnificent Taroko National Park, where our group visited just a week before a devastating earthquake struck so near, it shook us even from days and thousands of kilometers away.
Taiwan’s most severe earthquake in 25 years hit Hualien on April 3rd – just a week after we ourselves had enjoyed the sights of the Taroko National Park, twenty kilometers away from the epicenter. The earthquake caused significant damage to several trails in Taroko National Park. Several visitors were injured on the trails.
Now, it feels somewhat trivial to talk about Taroko Gorge and its winding turquoise rivers, the suspension bridges and cliffs shaped so strongly by the sea that roads and railways have had to be rebuilt farther from the coast. Or about the stunning marble walls, numerous new and old tunnels, and paths leading into the heart of the national park.
During our visit, all was well. Now, several people have perished and dozens are trapped. What we experienced only a couple of weeks ago passed quickly in the face of natural upheaval. Rebuilding will take time, and families who have lost their homes and loved ones will have to rebuild their lives. Yet, this too – like everything else – shall pass.
This thought brings both comfort and encouragement to live in the present moment and seize opportunities. One never knows about tomorrow. Nature’s potency lies in its unpredictability – we can never anticipate what it might bring into our lives.
Qingshui Cliff
At the moment, many of the trails in Taroko National Park are closed, but they will reopen soon. You can take a guided tour, or explore the attractions independently by renting a car. Remember that you need an international driver’s license to drive here. It should be noted that only a one-year permit is valid in Taiwan at the time of writing—three-year permits are not accepted.
As you traverse through numerous tunnels amidst the mountainous landscape, you’ll find easily accessible photo stops worth exploring. Some of these stops have relatively small parking areas, and finding a spot can be challenging. However, walking trails are well-marked and available in various lengths.
If you’re staying in Taipei, a significant portion of a full-day trip will be spent on transportation. If you love national parks and want to explore the area thoroughly, consider staying nearby for at least one night to have ample time at your leisure. For more information about Taroko National Park, visit their official website.