Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou)

Swallow Grotto (燕子口) is an obvious stopover for visitors to appreciate the marvel of Taroko Gorge. This older portion of the highway diverges from the new thruway that services vehicular traffic and is meant to be walked to fully appreciate this marvel of nature. The Grotto trail is interspersed with tunnels and overlooks the narrowest portion of Taroko Gorge where the river is most rapid. You'll come to appreciate the awesome power of nature that carved its path eons ago.

There are three spots you should make sure to focus on when visiting Swallow Grotto: the pothole on the cliff faces, the Zhuilu Cliff, and Rock of the Indian Chief

. Due to long-term erosion of Taroko by the Liwu River into an extremely narrow and deep valley, the marble cliff faces were scoured into hundreds of potholes, which have become a natural nesting location for swallows. Hence the name Swallow Grotto.

The Zhuilu Cliff is an exposed cliff face along the Zhuilu Old Trail, part of an ancient cross-island highway. Though hard to fully appreciate this cliff from down here, check out our page on the trail itself to understand just how small you seem right now to those hiking above.

While walking on the Swallow Grotto trail, we challenge you to find the Chieftain's Profile Rock that bares an uncanny likeness to that of an Indian Chief. Can't find it? You're not looking hard enough! Many visitors miss this secret, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Notice:

Be cautious of falling rocks when walking on the trail. Park authorities provide hard hats for visitors free of charge.

Please check the Daily Trail Condition and Daily Road Condition from Taroko National Park website before visiting Taroko. Refer to "Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) Trail".