I’m sure you all have heard about the Gotthard Base Tunnel (Switzerland), the Seikan Tunnel (Japan), the Channel Tunnel, the Lötschberg Base Tunnel (Switzerland) which are the longest tunnels in the world. But do know about the Taroko Gorge’s tunnel of nine turns? It is not the longest tunnel in the world but is one of the curviest.
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Taroko Gorge is an impressive 19-km-long canyon, situated near Taiwan’s east coast. The area of the gorge is also identified as Taroko Gorge National Park.
1.2-mile tunnel of nine turns is the narrowest and the most scenic section of Taroko Gorge. This is one stop that you should not miss. It cuts through the rocky mountains of the middle of Taiwan that separates the eastern part of the island from the western part.
The old cliff hanger road is closed to traffic and is only open to pedestrians. There are few spots that can be looked through natural windows to the marble and granite rock face and lush trees that cover the gorge. It is humid out there and you should carry water and a bandana to wipe off sweat.
Getting There:
If you drive 5 KM past Yentzukuo, you will find a turn off for the Tunnel of Nine Turns just before a long tunnel. You can park your vehicle either before or after the tunnel. The walking distance in both cases is about 1 KM along the old road.
A walk through the Tunnel of Nine Turns takes about 30 minutes and gives access to enchanting scenes of the gorge, the river, stone strata, the tunnel and the surrounding vegetation. This is one of the most scenic parts of the gorge and the best place to observe the gorge’s ecology.
Source: Gadling
