6 Most Incredible Natural Wonders of Taiwan
1) Taroko National Park
Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園) is easily the most beautiful natural wonder of Taiwan. With roughly 30 peaks rising from sea level to over 3000 meters, the views are breathtaking. However, the major attraction here is the incredible 18KM long Taroko gorge, the starting point of the KOM Challenge. Formed over 70 millions years by the mighty Liwu River cutting through the surrounding marble mountains, the Taroko gorge is an unmissable wonder available on our cycling tours.
2) Sun Moon Lake
The Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) is the largest single body of water in Taiwan and takes its name from the resemblance of its eastern side to the sun and its western side to the moon. At 748 meters above sea level and with a depth of 27 meters the lake is truly a sight to behold as you cycle along the smooth roads on our nearby cycle route. If you are lucky you may even see some of the local Thao tribe, spear fishing in their traditional handmade boats.
3) Kenting National Park
Kenting National Park (墾丁國家公園) is probably the best all-rounder out of Taiwan’s 9 parks. Famous for its world class tropical coral reef and stunning beaches, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy yourself here. You may even find parts of the park familiar as director Ang Lee used the park to film a majority of the film Life of Pi. Kenting is on the southern tip of the island so you’ll either be starting or finishing your tour in this incredible location.
4) Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park (阳明山国家公园) holds our joint title for the best national park in Taiwan simply because it has such a diverse offering. Located just outside of Taipei, there’s several tranquil cycle routes available for you if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience. You’ll find the most beautiful forests of cherry blossom, hot springs, sulphur deposits, fumaroles, Taiwan’s tallest (dormant) volcano, the Seven Star Mountain, and even venomous snakes!
5) Shifen Waterfall
Shifen Waterfall (十分大瀑布) really demonstrates the power of nature as the broadest waterfall in Taiwan at 40 meters wide and 20 meters tall. Nicknamed the Little Niagara of Taiwan, Shifen is a cascade waterfall; where the flow of water is opposite to the slope of the rock. This often creates a beautiful rainbow as water falls down into the lake. The town of Shifen is close-by the waterfall and is the setting for the world famous fire lantern festival you’ve probably seen on Instagram before.
6) Mount Hehuan
Lastly, but by no means least, is Mount Hehuan (合歡山), the peak of the Zhongyang mountain range. At a height of 3250 meters, Mount Hehuan is the finish line of the terrific KOM Challenge, the toughest and highest cycling climb on the entire planet. At 105 kilometres long and starting at sea level, riders cycle to the peak of Mount Hehuan at insane gradients of up to 20%! Few get to appreciate the spectacular view from the top of peak because of this, but if you manage to complete the challenge it is definitely worth it.
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