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Arguably Taiwan's prime destination, Taroko Gorge is a nature-lover's paradise blessed with a diverse wildlife, lush vegetation, and breathtaking scenery. The many twists and turns in this popular ravine bring out the adventurer in every tourist with the many covert shrines while its unique terrain challenges hikers of all levels of expertise.

The name Taroko (which means "magnificent" in the aboriginal language) goes all the way to the olden days. It is said that when a Truku native saw the vast turquoise oceans while treading the gorge, he cried out: "taroko!" in astonishment of the scene. No doubt, the word gives justice to the raw beauty and flourish this ravine possesses.

A well-known thoroughfare to Taroko Gorge runs through Hualien where buses regularly take tourists to the Taroko Gorge National Park. From the park, it's every man for himself, as visitors can choose their own adventure from the many sights and historical attractions in the area. Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchun Shine), however, shouldn't be missed. A grandiose temple perched along the verdant mountainside, it is also an ideal vantage point to appreciate Taroko's panoramas.

Adjacent to the temple is a cluster of branching rivers called Changchun Falls, as they eventually plunge to the cliff. Another shrine worth a visit is the Hsiangte Temple which takes pride on its vibrant colors and gilded religious images. The several nature trails in Taroko Gorge not only showcase the stunning topography, but also the vast array of flora and fauna: almost half of all the wildlife species endemic to Taiwan inhabit this area. Some of the most raved about trails are the Golden Canyon, the Shakadang (Secret Valley), and the one that leads to Baiya Waterfalls.

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