Datong Village - The Mountains Above Taroko

Taroko Gorge National Park, Hualien County, Taiwan

Datong and Dali villages are nestled in the mountains of Taroko Gorge National Park. Tucked away from the tourist location below, the people are able to live their life unobstructed. With views overlooking the Shakadang Gorge, the Pacific Ocean, and the rest of Taroko, you will find peace and relaxation here. People get away from their devices and connect with one another in the mountains of Taroko. Coming here you will learn about the history of the tribe, the self sufficient nature of those still around, and soak in the pure beauty of this special location.

 Take a train down the east coast of Taiwan until you reach Xincheng Station in Hualien County. Transfer to Taroko Gorge National Park, either via taxi outside the station, or by shuttle bus, where varied mountain peaks, numerous waterfalls, diverse plant forms and animal life, together with the indigenous Taroko people, create a rich texture of a unique and natural ecosystem.

There are a couple different ways to reach the villages. If you would like to explore Dali Village, you will begin from the Taroko Visitor Center and hike the Dekalun trail, to Dali Village. This is a steep hike, full of stairs through the jungle. Keep your eyes out for Formosan Rock Macaques, various bird species and reptiles! After roughly 2.5 hours you will come to Dali Village. Dali is a great stop for lunch and views. Still standing are old houses and a landscape full of vibrant flora and vegetable crops.

From Dali Village there are two ways to get to Datong Village, and the beautiful DaDaoDeJia (達道的家) overlooking Datong. The more intense hike involves the TongLi trail, linking Dali village and Datong Village. This trail winds along the mountainside, in more overgrown vegetation and unstable ground. The second option is to go back the way you came until you reach the old logging road. This will take you directly to the homestay.

All in all, its about a 4 hour hike to DaDaoDeJia (達道的家), the indigenous homestay, for the night. The best part is the welcome feast and views like no other within Taroko Gorge.

There isn’t much of a plan while up here. Just relax, break out that book you’ve been reading, drink some tea and decompress. Walking around the vegetable gardens and the cliff views is always nice. At night relax and keep warm by the fire while gazing at the stars above.

Early morning wake up for a short hike up the mountain cliff to view sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. The vista sits over 1,000 meters above the ocean below, with the lights of the coastal towns lighting up the night while awaiting the sun’s arrival.

After sunrise, take a slow walk down the slippery mountainside to the homestay for breakfast, coffee and tea before packing up and saying goodbye the hosts, Amay and Dingxi.

This is a truly incredible trip in Taiwan. If you are looking to get away from the crowds, connect with a culture of old, and relax in stunning nature, this is your best bet!

How Much

The home stays in Dali and Datong villages are at a fixed price. Per person the cost is 1200 NT. Inclusive of dinner and breakfast, bedding, tea, water and coffee. My favorite place is DaDaoDeJia (達道的家), as it overlooks all the other houses and gorge.

How to Get There

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Snow Mountain (雪山) Trekking

Taiwan is home to some incredibly challenging and beautiful high mountain peaks. Most of the challenging treks are more off the radar, but one peak to get your blood pumping is Snow Mountain! Snow Mountain has a few peaks of varying difficulty, and require different permits to climb. Recently we took a trip up Snow Mountain Main Peak, Taiwan’s second highest peak. Check the trip below!

Day 1

We chose to camp in Wuling Farms campground, where we find it more comfortable than spending night one in Qika Hut with other hikers. There is always the chance to see wildlife here, especially Formosan Rock Macaques and Red and White Giant Flying Squirrels. Were were greeted by both at night, which tells you locking up food is important!

Japanese White Faced Flying Squirrel hanging out above the campsite.

Day 2

After checking in at the police station its time to hit the trailhead! Generally a short, informative video on Snow Mountain and mountain safety is screened to all climbers at the trailhead ranger station. Because it was a weekday, the station was closed. We continue on for 2km, mostly straight up switchbacks, until Qika Hut. Many people choose to sleep here on Day 1, and continue to 369 Cabin on Day 2, we chose to treat this as a quick rest stop before powering on towards the East Peak.

While winding up the mountain and through the forest keep your eyes out for Reeve’s Muntjacs, Serows, Formosan Rock Macaques, and all of the varied bird species scattered throughout. The trail to East Peak takes roughly 2 hours from Qika Hut, but before reaching the peak you’ll have to climb whats known as the “Crying Slope.” It looks more intimidating that it is! After roughly 30 minutes the East Peak is in sight!

Hiking up the Crying Slope.

After ascending to the East Peak of Snow Mountain (3201m), it’s a short trip down to 369 Cabin (3100m) where we rest for the night. The trip is roughly 5 hours of hiking and can be done with enough time for a nap and a sunset viewing.

A massive rainbow descends over the mountains at sunset.

Day 3

We wake up early, 2:00am, to depart by 2:30am. This allows us enough time to reach the Main Peak for sunrise. The climb is challenging from here, through the black forest, up the steep slope of loose rock. It gets very dark inside the black forest, and in turn, exhilarating. Under the glow of our headlamps we spotted sleeping deer, and heard numerous amphibians, owls, and more. 

After three hours and a brutal last kilometer uphill, the peak is in reach! Snow Mountain Main Peak is Taiwan and East Asia’s second tallest mountain peak. From here it is easy to see the majority of high mountains in Taiwan. We had an amazing sunrise, complete with high fives and big smiles shared with every hiker who came up after us.

The trail up to Snow Mountain Main Peak.

Looking down at the basin lends a feeling of gratitude, amazement, and accomplishment. Its an easier trek down, where we eat breakfast and drink coffee at 369 Cabin before cruising towards the trailhead.

Looking down at the basin from Snow Mountain Main Peak.

One motivation for ascending at night is to see the sunrise from the peak. There is no better feeling to us than watching a new day rise from the top of Taiwan’s tallest mountains.

Formosan Serow hopping around the Black Forest.

Another perhaps unexpected joy of ascending at night, is the experience of descending through the terrain you conquered with a headlamp. The Black Forest on Snow Mountain is spectacular. The beauty of the pines and junipers surround you, while birds and wildlife come alive in the wee hours of the morning. On this particular trip the endemic Taiwan Serow graced us with its presence!

After the trek down the mountain we pack up the car and head back to Taipei! Snow Mountain is an epic climb, and if you are interested in experiencing this for yourself, you can contact me.