june 22nd

Hualien city and taroko national park

I left Taipei via train to see the countryside of Hualien City. The mountain town is about half way down the island of Taiwan on the east coast. The city has over 100,000 residents full time.

Hualien City was only recently called its name in the early 1990s. After Japan took over Taiwan in 1895, the Japanese government changed the name of the city to "Karenko." Then after WWll, the city's name changed again to "Karen." 

Hualien City is most famous for its mountains surrounding the city. Taroko National Park is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. I got to witness the beauty by taking a guided tour to the top of the mountain range.

I was the only English speaking person on the 30 person tour. I had no idea what anyone was saying from 8am-5pm. I still had a great time, though!

There's a face in this rock formation. See if you can find it.

The whole park was unbelievably gorgeous in many ways. I couldn't have picked a better day to see the countryside of Taiwan. I was blown away by every viewpoint I had. All these photos were taken while walking to the Shuiliandong Waterfall or the Water Curtain its name in English. 

Once we got to the waterfall, I couldn't believe my eyes. An indoor waterfall that has 3 openings? Incredible to see. 

Shuiliandong Waterfall 

I'm sorry for the screaming in the video. There were a few little kids in the group behind me. 

After the Water Curtain, we headed to the Eternal Springs Shrine. The Eternal Springs Shrine is dedicated to the 212 people killed while building the Central Cross-Island Highway from 1956-1960. It's an impressive adherence to the men who created the highway that stretches from Hualien City to the other side of the mountain range.

The temple is named after the Changchun Falls, meaning the falls that "never stop running." Here are a few pictures of what I saw.

Me with the background of the Eternal Springs Shrine. 

The main shrine at Eternal Springs. Each victim's name is engraved in marble.

This shrine reminded me of an Indian Jones movie. 

The highest part of the Shrine. 

The Eternal Springs was a fun trip. Though, I only had 30 minutes to check out the entire area. I only had 30-40 minutes per stop to take everything in. I made it work. 

The last stop on the tour was the best in my opinion. The views were spectacular beyond belief. My camera didn't do the viewpoint any justice! 

Qingshui Cliffs outside of Hualien City.

After the guided tour, I took a 2 hour train ride back to Taipei for the night. My flight to Hong Kong was the next day. 

I had a great time in Taiwan. The food was delicious, the sights were fantastic and the culture was a delight. Until next time Taiwan.