Taroko National Park Accelerates Reconstruction; Focus on Buluowan and Baiyang Trail

Central News Agency (Hualien, May 23) After suffering severe damage from earthquakes and typhoons, Taroko National Park is gradually undergoing restoration. Liu Shou-li, Director of the Taroko National Park Headquarters, stated that this year and next will be the 'sprint period' for post-disaster reconstruction, with the focus on the severely damaged Buluowan access road and the Baiyang Trail. Liu noted that the reconstruction budget has been increased from over NT$200 million to over NT$400 million to cover critical multi-year projects. Taking the Buluowan access road as an example, the road suffered severe collapse due to Typhoon Kong-rey following the earthquake, with reconstruction costs nearing NT$100 million. The Baiyang Trail also suffered damage to water pipelines due to heavy rain, affecting water supply in the Tianxiang area, and is now entering its first phase of restoration. Additionally, plans are underway for improvements to public restrooms on the Taroko Terrace, platform optimization, and sewage treatment plant upgrades. Since the reopening of the Lushui Trail and the Taroko Terrace shop in February, visitor numbers have gradually recovered. Liu stated that statistics from the visitor center show that visitor numbers in recent months have returned to pre-earthquake levels, with trails like Dekalun to Dadong Dali being very popular among foreign tourists. Regarding the Lushui Trail, which opened earlier this year, the park is continuing to evaluate expanding the open area as some sections remain severely collapsed, aiming to provide more tourism options while coordinating with the Central Cross-Island Highway traffic control.