Shakadang Trail

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Shakadang Trail

Trail

Shakadang Trail is a 4.1 km riverside trail in Taroko National Park, Hualien County, Taiwan, popular for its clear blue stream, marble riverbeds and easy walking. Travellers come for short hikes, river views and the carved-lion bridge at the trailhead.

Shakadang Trail TaitungGreen IslandTailuge Guojia GongyuanOrchid IslandBaiyang PubuNan-an FallsZhiben Senlin YoulequMount XiuguluanShakadang Trail

Shakadang Trail essentials

Address: Taroko National Park, Xiulin, Hualien County, Taiwan

Shakadang Trail follows the Shakadang Stream through a marble and slate gorge in Taroko National Park, offering close-up views of clear pools, exposed rock strata and riverside forest. The path was originally built during the Japanese era as an access route for construction of the Takkiri Power Plant and was renamed Shakadang Trail in 2001. The marked route runs roughly 4.1 km along the stream from the trailhead at Shakadang Bridge.

At the start of the trail the Shakadang Bridge is notable for its decorative marble lion carvings; more than 100 carved lion figures line the bridge. The walking surface is mostly level boardwalks and gravel paths that hug the river, making the trail accessible to many walkers, families and photographers. Expect frequent shallow pools, sculpted riverbed marble and close river views rather than steep climbs.

The trail can be affected by weather and geological events: sections have been closed in the past for repairs and safety after heavy rain or landslides, and a rockslide during the April 2024 Hualien earthquake resulted in casualties on the trail. Check current park notices before you go and treat the gorge as a dynamic landscape where conditions can change after storms or seismic activity.

  • Shakadang Bridge and marble lions: The trail begins at Shakadang Bridge, notable for over 100 decorative marble lion carvings along its sides.
  • Shakadang Stream: Clear turquoise pools, riffles and sculpted marble bedrock run beside the path and are the trail’s defining feature.
  • River-carved marble and rock formations: Exposed marble and slate walls, polished by the stream, reveal interesting colors, layers and textures up close.
  • Riverside boardwalks and viewpoints: Short boardwalk sections and roadside pullouts give easy access to photo spots and places to rest beside the water.
  • Forest and valley atmosphere: The low-elevation river valley supports riverside forest, birdlife and a peaceful canyon atmosphere.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Shakadang Trail#

Shakadang Trail is best visited when rainfall is lower and the park roads are stable; visibility and trail safety are most reliable outside the monsoon and typhoon months.

Winter (best)
November - February · 13°C - 22°C (55°F - 72°F)
These months typically have lower rainfall and more stable trail conditions, making walks along the stream easier and less likely to be interrupted by closures.
Spring
March - May · 15°C - 26°C (59°F - 79°F)
Spring brings warmer temperatures and lush riverside growth, but conditions start to become wetter toward May so monitor weather forecasts.
Rainy and typhoon season (use caution)
June - October · 20°C - 29°C (68°F - 84°F)
This period sees the highest rainfall and a greater risk of rockfalls and road closures; avoid the trail during heavy rain or typhoon warnings and follow park advisories.

Weather & Climate near Shakadang Trail#

Climate

Shakadang Trail's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 29°C. Heavy rainfall (2298 mm/year), wettest in September.

Air Quality: AQI 51 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
11°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 13° - 18° 15° 80 mm overcast 79% 3.7 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.7h
February Good 13° - 18° 16° 103 mm overcast 81% 3.9 m/s 1.1 high 11.2h
March Good 15° - 20° 18° 111 mm overcast 80% 4.2 m/s 1.2 high 11.9h
April Good 18° - 24° 21° 127 mm overcast 82% 4.0 m/s 1.4 high 12.6h
May Good 21° - 26° 23° 241 mm overcast 84% 3.5 m/s 1.6 very high 13.2h
June Good 22° - 28° 25° 242 mm overcast 85% 3.4 m/s 2.0 very high 13.5h
July Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 217 mm partly cloudy 83% 3.5 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.4h
August Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 278 mm partly cloudy 82% 3.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.9h
September Very Good 22° - 28° 25° 353 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.2 m/s 1.7 very high 12.2h
October Very Good 20° - 25° 23° 320 mm partly cloudy 79% 4.7 m/s 1.3 high 11.5h
November Good 17° - 22° 20° 145 mm overcast 80% 5.2 m/s 1.0 moderate 10.8h
December Good 14° - 19° 17° 81 mm overcast 79% 4.2 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Shakadang Trail#

Nearest major town is Hualien City; the nearest airport is Hualien Airport and the nearest major railway hub is Hualien Station. From Hualien you travel by road into the Taroko Gorge area to reach the Shakadang Trailhead.

The final stretch to the trailhead is along the park road; visitors typically use local park shuttle buses, tourist buses, taxis or private car to reach the Shakadang Bridge / trail entrance, then walk from the parking or drop-off point to the boardwalks. Check current park transport and access information before travel.

Tips for Visiting Shakadang Trail#

  • The full marked stretch is about 4.1 km one way - plan for a few hours round-trip at a relaxed pace.
  • Trail surfaces are mostly level but can be slippery when wet, so wear sturdy footwear and watch for wet boardwalks and rocks.
  • There are limited facilities on the trail; bring water, sun protection and snacks and pack out any rubbish.
  • Conditions can change after heavy rain or earthquakes - check Taroko National Park notices and local safety advice before setting out.
  • Avoid entering the river - currents and underwater hazards can be strong even in shallow pools.