Shakadang Trail: Exploring the Mysterious Valley

Recreational service centers and various trails within Taroko National Park remain closed. Reopening dates will be announced separately. For more details, please refer to Taroko National Park's announcements. The Shakadang Trail has always been one of the popular trails in Taroko National Park. Due to severe damage from multiple typhoons, parts of the trail were closed. After three years of restoration work, the entire trail was reopened in July 2017, allowing visitors to discover the true beauty of the Shakadang Trail during their holidays. Shakadang (Sgadan) is located in Fushi Village, Xiulin Township, Hualien County. Its name originates from the Taroko tribe, who, when establishing their community here, unearthed molars. The local indigenous people considered these to be historical traces left by their ancestors, hence they named the place 'Shakadang,' which means 'molar' in the Taroko language. Lush green mountains and endless beautiful scenery. The Shakadang Trail originated during the Japanese colonial period when the Japanese, to build the Liwu Hydropower Plant, carved out a path approximately 4.5 kilometers long and 1 meter wide along the rock walls of the Shakadang Stream. It was originally named the 'Mysterious Valley Trail,' and was renamed Shakadang in 2001. In the past, the Shakadang Stream Valley was the living space for the Taroko people. The trail's interpretive signs now include the Taroko language, combining scenic ecological beauty with cultural richness. Originally, the Shakadang Trail only allowed visitors to walk to 'Wujianwu' (Five Houses) before turning back. After restoration, visitors can now walk straight from the entrance to the end point, 'Sanjianwu' (Three Houses), which is approximately 4.1 kilometers long. The round trip takes about 4 to 6 hours. The riverbed of the Shakadang Stream is covered with boulders of various sizes, predominantly marble and gneiss. This, combined with the alternating blue and green waters and the rock-hewn trail along the mountainside, offers stunning views throughout the journey. 'Wujianwu' (Five Houses), located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the trail entrance, was formerly known as 'Swiji,' which refers to large-leaved banyan trees. Because there were five indigenous houses at the former site of a checkpoint, it was also called 'Wujianwu.' Local residents sell special agricultural products here. The end of the trail is 'Sanjianwu' (Three Houses), which was once a Taroko tribal settlement and got its name from the three houses that used to be there. However, the Taroko people call this place 'Brayaw,' which means 'Alocasia odora' (Giant Taro), evoking an image of a landscape abundant with this plant. Rich species, diverse ecology. The Shakadang Trail boasts rich natural ecology, with plants primarily consisting of various banyan species, Urticaceae (nettle family), Cinnamomum and Machilus species (laurel family), and ferns. Red-bellied squirrels and Formosan macaques can be seen moving through the trees, while zosterops (white-eyes), common mormon butterflies, blue-spotted crows, and dead leaf butterflies can be found in the treetops, making it an excellent spot for observing natural wildlife. The blue-green waters of the Shakadang Stream, combined with the clear blue sky and majestic natural rock walls, the Shakadang Trail not only allows visitors to experience the awe-inspiring craftsmanship of nature but also offers a glimpse into the past lives of the Taroko indigenous people, making it one of the must-visit trails for anyone coming to Taroko National Park! Transportation: ● Public Transportation 1. Hualien Bus (Taroko Line) - Alight at Taroko Archway Station. 2. Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (Taroko Line) - Route 1133A - Alight at Taroko Station. Address: Taroko National Park, Fushi Village, Xiulin Township, Hualien County.