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Swallow Grotto Yanzikou Taroko

4.5
·610 reviews·, Taiwan

Explore the dramatic marble cliffs and river-carved gorge of Swallow Grotto, a natural wonder in Taroko National Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
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壺穴

Swallow Grotto Yanzikou Taroko

Best Time

Morning

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the dramatic marble cliffs and river-carved gorge of Swallow Grotto, a natural wonder in Taroko National Park. Instagram

4.5
(610 reviews)

"It's an indescribably beautiful nature that you will never regret visiting. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🪖 Wear Your Helmet!

Free helmets are provided for your safety due to potential falling rocks.

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

The trails can be steep and uneven; comfortable shoes are a must.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 611 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) Trail

Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) Trail

Taroko National Park

Walk through a narrow gorge with towering marble cliffs and witness swallows nesting in the crags.

Instagram
Natural Formations

Natural Formations

Along the Yanzikou Trail

Marvel at unique rock formations carved by the Liwu River over millennia.

Reddit
Liwu River Views

Liwu River Views

Swallow Grotto

Experience breathtaking vistas of the powerful Liwu River cutting through the gorge.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Helmet Up for Safety

Falling rocks are a real concern at Swallow Grotto. Free helmets are available at the 179.3 km mark on the road. Don't skip this crucial safety step for your Taroko Gorge adventure! Instagram

Trail Conditions & Timing

Some trails, like the Youth Ridge trail, may have damage. Check current conditions before you go. Consider visiting early to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene natural formations. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Beat the crowds and heat
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Taroko National Park, Hualien county, Taiwan Including 📍Yanzikou, Swallow grotto trail . How can it be so beautiful? . . #tarokonationalpark #tarokogorge #taiwan #tarokonationalparktaiwan #taipei #exploretaiwan #taiwantrip #taiwantourism #swallowgrotto #yanzikou #太鲁阁 #太鲁阁国家公园 #太鲁阁峡谷 #台湾旅行绳 #台湾旅游景点#花莲旅行 #花莲旅游推荐 #花莲景点推荐 #太陽
_hardiantosan
70 likes • 1.4K views

🪖 Wear Your Helmet!

Free helmets are provided for your safety due to potential falling rocks. Instagram

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

The trails can be steep and uneven; comfortable shoes are a must. Reddit

Hari kedua kami ke Taroko National Park, melalui Xiaozhuilu Trail - Jiuqudong Tunnel - Swallow Grotto Yanzikou Trail yang ditempuh dengan jalan kaki... lumayan sekali menguras tenaga.... 🤩😪 👌 Selanjutnya makan siang yang asik dan lanjut ke Changchun Shrink dan terakhir nikmati Qingshui Cliff...dan pulang ke Taipei kota.. perjalanan 13 jam yang akan teringat sampai nanti 🥰🥰 Wow... luarbiasa pemanda...
susi.wilujeng
35 likes • 395 views
Day 6 in Taiwan 🇹🇼 -Taroko •The archway of Taroko •Shakadang Trail •Buluowan •Tianxiang •Yanzikou/ Swallow Grotto •Changchun Shrine/ Eternal Spring Shrine -Qixingtan Beach -Raohe Night Market -Ximending (again 😆) #taroko #tarokonationalpark #hualien #taiwan
gobgabp
0 likes • 690 views

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking longer trails in Taroko. Instagram

📸 Capture the Scenery

Don't forget your camera for the dramatic gorge and cliff views! Instagram

Yanzikou (Swallow Grotto) Trail Taroko December 2023
michael_sutandi
10 likes • 204 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🪖 Wear Your Helmet!

Free helmets are provided for your safety due to potential falling rocks. Instagram

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

The trails can be steep and uneven; comfortable shoes are a must. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking longer trails in Taroko. Instagram

📸 Capture the Scenery

Don't forget your camera for the dramatic gorge and cliff views! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(610 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the spectacular and indescribably beautiful nature of Swallow Grotto, highlighting its unique rock formations and the impressive Liwu River gorge. While the natural scenery is a major draw, some reviewers mention that certain trail sections require maintenance, and the steep stairs can be challenging. Overall, it's considered a highly rewarding natural experience. Reddit

"It's a great place to spend a day exploring nature. After visiting the many nearby waterfalls, you can walk along the 2.5 km hiking trail, see many interesting natural formations, many small insects, and listen to the sounds of nature. Hikers along the Youth ridge trail should be aware that the hiking trail is damaged. It is an indescribably beautiful nature that you will never regret visiting"

Davaasuren Nyamtseren

"It's great experience and beautiful nature.
Just some parts on the way need to fix, hopefully government take care of that,"

vafa ighani

"Good place for hiking"

鄭傑森

What People Like

Spectacular natural beauty
Unique rock formations
Impressive gorge views

What People Dislike

Trail maintenance needed
Steep stairs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) is accessible by car or tour bus within Taroko National Park. Many visitors combine it with other popular spots like the Tunnel of Nine Turns (Jingqudong) and Shakadang Trail. Instagram+1

Limited parking is available near the trailheads. Arriving early or using park shuttles is recommended to avoid congestion. Instagram

Yes, Swallow Grotto is a popular day trip or part of an overnight stay from Taipei. It's a long day, often involving a 13-hour itinerary. Instagram

Many visitors opt for guided tours or rent a car to navigate the park efficiently. Public transport options are also available. Instagram

Yes, park buses frequently stop at major attractions including Swallow Grotto, making it accessible without a private vehicle. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Taroko National Park and Swallow Grotto is generally free. However, some specific attractions within the park might have associated fees or require reservations. Instagram

Taroko National Park is typically open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, specific trail access might be limited during certain hours or due to maintenance. Instagram

No, there is no entrance fee to Taroko National Park itself. You can explore most of its natural wonders without paying an admission charge. Instagram

As there's no general entrance fee, advance booking isn't required for Swallow Grotto. However, it's wise to check for any temporary closures or advisories. Reddit

There are no age restrictions for visiting Swallow Grotto, but the terrain can be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Yanzikou Trail is a relatively easy, paved path that winds through the gorge, offering stunning views of marble cliffs and the Liwu River. It's known for its natural caves and niches. InstagramReddit

The Yanzikou Trail is about 1 km long and can be completed in 30-60 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos. Instagram

Yes, falling rocks are a hazard. Helmets are mandatory and provided free of charge at the 179.3 km mark. Be aware of your surroundings. Instagram

You might spot swallows nesting in the cliffs, and various insects. The sound of nature and the river is also a prominent feature. Reddit

The trail is paved but can be narrow and uneven in places, with some steep sections. It may not be fully accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for viewpoints along the trail that capture the dramatic scale of the gorge, the river, and the unique rock formations. The entrance to the tunnels also offers great perspectives. Instagram

Morning light can be beautiful for illuminating the gorge walls, while late afternoon offers a softer glow. Consider the weather for dramatic cloud formations. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Check park regulations before flying. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the gorge. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife or details on the cliffs. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos inside the tunnels, but be mindful of other visitors and ensure you have adequate lighting or a camera with good low-light performance. Instagram

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