Taroko Gorge is one of Taiwan's most popular tourist attractions. The Liwu River flows past gigantic marble boulders, which are part of the protected Taroko National Park. <br />
Marble gorge —
Taroko Gorge is one of Taiwan's most popular tourist attractions. The Liwu River flows past gigantic marble boulders, which are part of the protected Taroko National Park.
Anisha Shah/CNN
In addition to the gorge, Taroko National Park is made up of mountains -- most more than 2,000 meters high. This section of Jinheng Bridge is found on the park's Swallow Grotto trail. <br />
Mountainous park —
In addition to the gorge, Taroko National Park is made up of mountains -- most more than 2,000 meters high. This section of Jinheng Bridge is found on the park's Swallow Grotto trail.
Anisha Shah/CNN
Eternal Spring Shrine was built atop Changchun Falls, which flows all year round. <br />
Eternal Spring Shrine —
Eternal Spring Shrine was built atop Changchun Falls, which flows all year round.
Anisha Shah/CNN
At the back of the shrine are staircases to Taroko Tower, Guanyin Cave (devoted to the Buddhist goddess of mercy) and a Zen monastery.
Sacred attractions —
At the back of the shrine are staircases to Taroko Tower, Guanyin Cave (devoted to the Buddhist goddess of mercy) and a Zen monastery.
Anisha Shah/CNN
Swallow Grotto is one of the best places to admire the marble gorge. Pockmarks -- often nests for swallows -- are clearly visible along the Lishui Trail footbridge. <br />
Swallows' scenic home —
Swallow Grotto is one of the best places to admire the marble gorge. Pockmarks -- often nests for swallows -- are clearly visible along the Lishui Trail footbridge.
Anisha Shah/CNN
Taroko Gorge trails take visitors to beautiful waterfalls and deep blue pools -- great for a dip after a long hike.
Numerous trails —
Taroko Gorge trails take visitors to beautiful waterfalls and deep blue pools -- great for a dip after a long hike.
Anisha Shah/CNN
One of the most popular and gentlest hiking trails is Shakadang, renamed from Mysterious Valley in 2001. Tracing the azure river along bends and boulders, the trail is punctuated with deep pools. <br />
Shakadang trail —
One of the most popular and gentlest hiking trails is Shakadang, renamed from Mysterious Valley in 2001. Tracing the azure river along bends and boulders, the trail is punctuated with deep pools.
Anisha Shah/CNN
Shakadang trail is accessed via the Bridge of 100 Lions, named for its rows of small marble lions that sit in different poses. <br />
Bridge of 100 Lions —
Shakadang trail is accessed via the Bridge of 100 Lions, named for its rows of small marble lions that sit in different poses.
Anisha Shah/CNN
The Tunnel of Nine Turns trail is considered the most magnificent section of the gorge. Here, sheer cliffs rise through the narrow valley.
Tunnel of Nine Turns —
The Tunnel of Nine Turns trail is considered the most magnificent section of the gorge. Here, sheer cliffs rise through the narrow valley.
Anisha Shah/CNN
Trails like the Shakadang snake along the winding river, past the national park's rich vegetation and plenty of wildlife.
Pleasant hike —
Trails like the Shakadang snake along the winding river, past the national park's rich vegetation and plenty of wildlife.
Anisha Shah/CNN
Some of the marble cliffs soar as high as 100 meters above the basin.<br />
100-meter cliffs —
Some of the marble cliffs soar as high as 100 meters above the basin.
Anisha Shah/CNN
Most trails are well maintained under the management of Taroko National Park.
Route conditions —
Most trails are well maintained under the management of Taroko National Park.
Anisha Shah/CNN
Suspension bridges zigzag across Taroko Gorge. This one requires a permit to cross. Many are not in use at all, thanks to damage from typhoons as well as natural wear. <br />
Zhuilu Bridge —
Suspension bridges zigzag across Taroko Gorge. This one requires a permit to cross. Many are not in use at all, thanks to damage from typhoons as well as natural wear.
Anisha Shah/CNN