Strong Earthquake Forces Temporary Closure of Taiwan's Taroko National Park
Following the impact of the most powerful earthquake in 25 years, Taiwan's Taroko National Park in the east will be temporarily closed until further notice for safety precautions.
The Taroko National Park in eastern Taiwan, a well-loved spot for tourists from near and far, will be temporarily closed due to the recent powerful earthquake that hit the island, the strongest in 25 years.
"All trails and facilities in the Taroko National Park have been affected by the earthquake. To prioritize the safety of visitors, the park will be closing all trails and visitor service stations starting today until further notice," the park announced in a statement.
The park will be closed for repairs and safety assessments. The reopening date will be announced later.
Access permits for ecological protected areas in Yushan, Taroko, and Shei-Pa National Parks have been canceled. Visitors will need to reapply after the earthquake recovery.
All 32 trails within the park are closed, the park’s website shows.
courtesy Lai Guo-hua
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In 1986, the 920-square-kilometer (9,990 square foot) area was designated as a National Park of Taiwan.
The Taroko Gorge is famous for its rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and stunning views. Unfortunately, many areas within the gorge, such as the Tunnel of Nine Turns and Shakadang Trail, were severely affected by rockfalls and landslides after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake.
In a recent interview with Taiwan’s official Central News Agency, Lin Chung-shan, deputy director of the Taroko National Park Headquarters, mentioned that the Hehuan Mountain area, located within the park, was not severely affected and will soon start to reopen.
According to data from the Hualien Tourism Department, the Taroko National Park welcomed 3.45 million visitors in 2023.
Editor's P/S:
The closure of Taroko National Park due to the recent earthquake is a significant loss for tourists and nature enthusiasts alike. The park's stunning beauty and diverse wildlife make it a popular destination, and its closure will undoubtedly have an impact on the local tourism industry. However, the safety of visitors must come first, and the park's management is doing the right thing by closing it for repairs and safety assessments.
It is important to note that the Hehuan Mountain area within the park will soon reopen, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy some of the park's beauty while the rest of the park remains closed. Visitors who have already planned trips to the park should check the park's website for updates on the reopening date and make alternative plans if necessary.
