Thinking about rafting in the Taiwan rivers? Calling all adrenaline junkies and nature lovers! Have you ever imagined conquering rushing rapids, surrounded by breathtaking scenery? Taiwan, an island nation known for its delicious food and stunning landscapes, might surprise you. Nestled amongst its lush mountains and vibrant cities lie roaring rivers perfect for an epic white water rafting adventure. Maybe consider ditching the usual tourist itinerary and going on an unforgettable water ride. In this post, we will introduce some of the top spots for white water rafting in Taiwan, the best seasons and tours and some tips on planning. If you craving a wet and wild adventure, you’re at the right place.
Rafting Development in Taiwan
Taiwan’s landscape, crisscrossed with numerous rivers, presents an ideal setting for white water rafting. The abundance of flowing water holds immense potential for developing a commercial rafting industry, catering to both locals and adventure-seeking tourists. While the commercial potential remains untapped, rafting is steadily gaining popularity in Taiwan.
If you interested in outdoor activities, you must not miss our post on Hiking in Taiwan – 7 Best Trails to Visit.
Despite its promising prospects, rafting in Taiwan is still in its early stages of development. The lack of comprehensive safety regulations and limited government support have hindered the growth of the industry. However, with careful planning and implementation of safety measures, rafting in Taiwan has the potential to flourish into a thriving recreational activity.
Currently, options for white water rafting in Taiwan may be limited compared to more established destinations. However, the available rafting experiences offer an exhilarating adventure amidst stunning natural scenery. As the industry matures, expect to see an expansion of rafting options, catering to a wider range of skill levels and preferences.
Top Spots for Rafting in Taiwan
Hualien White Water Rafting: Xiuguluan River
The Xiuguluan River offers one of Taiwan’s most thrilling rafting experiences. This is the go-to area for rafting in Taiwan! This approximately 24-kilometer stretch, primarily between Ruisui and Dagangkou of Hualien County, is renowned for its dramatic gorges, towering cliffs, and a series of exhilarating rapids. Rafting enthusiasts can expect to navigate through over 20 thrilling rapids, each offering a unique challenge and adrenaline rush.
Before embarking on your adventure, a visit to the Xiuguluan River Visitor Center, located near the Ruisui Bridge, is highly recommended. The center provides valuable information about the river, its ecology, and safety guidelines.
Xiuguluan River Rafting Tours
A typical rafting journey starts at Xiuguluan River Visitor Center and lasts around 3-4 hours. Typically, rafting trips begin between 7 AM and 12 PM. This timing is ideal to take advantage of the river’s flow and avoid the heat of the day. The river’s course is punctuated by several exciting rapids, including a particularly challenging one near the Qimei Suspension Bridge. After conquering this section, rafters can relax at the Qimei rest area. The subsequent portion of the river reveals a different kind of beauty. It is characterized by deep pools, whirlpools, and more challenging rapids, making it the highlight of the journey. The adventure concludes near the Changhong Bridge, where the river widens and the pace slows, offering a tranquil end to a thrilling journey.
Xiuguluan River Rafting Tips
Rafting in Hualien is best during the peak season between May and October when water levels are high. But the steep geography allows for rafting all year long! There are various vendors that offer rafting tours at Xiuguluan River. They often provide a wide range of rafts, levels and tour packages. Prices can range from NT$800-to NT$1800 depending on the tour you choose. Some even offer transportation to and from Hualien City. Regardless of your choice, rafting at Xiuguluan River will guarantee an unforgettable adventure that combines the thrill of whitewater with the stunning natural beauty of eastern Taiwan. If you want to explore the beauty of eastern Taiwan more, check out 9 Best Taroko Trails: From Beginner to Advanced.
Yilan White Water Rafting: An Nong River
If you are looking for a convenient and beginner friendly option, An Nong River is for you. With its exciting rapids, serene stretches, and breathtaking scenery, the An Nong River offers an unforgettable rafting experience for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers. The An Nong River’s 20-kilometer length provides a diverse rafting experience, catering to a range of skill levels and preferences. The river is typically divided into three distinct sections: the challenge zone, the thrilling zone and the playful water zone.
An Nong River White Water Rafting
The challenge section, stretching from Tian Shan Village’s Xiaohu Bridge to Shuangxian No. 2 Bridge, is aptly named for its challenging rapids and steep slopes. As you paddle through this section, lush reeds line the riverbanks, and the fast-flowing water will keep your heart pounding. Then the thrilling section, from Shuangxian No. 2 Bridge to Wanfuzhen, the river widens, but the excitement doesn’t stop there. Three thrilling weirs and rapids await, guaranteeing an exhilarating ride. The final section, from Wanfuzhen to Zhanggongwei Water Park, offers a more leisurely pace. It allows you to enjoy the serene surroundings and engage in water fights.
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all rafters, the An Nong River rafting experience may be modified depending on water levels. During periods of low water, the Playful Water Zone may be replaced with a 1000-meter upstream float activity. The An Nong River receives its water from the Lanyang Power Plant’s tailrace, making it less susceptible to flash floods. Therefore, rafting activities proceed as scheduled even during rainy weather. An Nong river is beginner friendly as it doesn’t have much protruding boulders and rocks, the classification of the rapid should also not exceed class II-III.
An Nong River Rafting Tours
There are about 2-3 tour agencies in this area. Both Yilan Shang-jiang (上將泛舟) and An Nong River Rafting are highly reputable and recommended. Both participate in extensive insurance programs. With two to three daily departure times – 9 AM, 1 PM, and/or 3 PM, you can easily fit an An Nong River rafting adventure into your itinerary. The 10-kilometer rafting journey takes approximately 2.5 hours and includes an experienced river guide, life jacket, hat, water shoes/booties, changing room and lockers and shuttle service to the starting point, all for a cost of around NT$800 per person. Note that no wet suits are provided as water temperatures aren’t low (since they are not melted snow) and weather is usually pretty warm. The water might also be a little cloudy after rain.
How to Book a Rafting Tour in Taiwan?
While there are plenty of rafting tours around the island, booking them without Mandarin skills can be challenging. The best English options we found are Kkday and Klook, which is what we recommend to most tourists. If possible or needed, do not hesitate to seek help from friendly Taiwanese around you!
Taiwan’s whitewater rafting scene is undoubtedly on the rise. Rivers like An Nong in Yilan and Xiuguluan in Hualien offer thrilling adventures for both novice and experienced rafters. As the country continues to develop its rafting infrastructure and tourism, we can expect even more exciting opportunities to explore Taiwan’s waterways in the years to come. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping rapids or a leisurely float down a scenic river, Taiwan has something to offer every rafting enthusiast. We hope you enjoyed this post! For more water activities, you can also read Surfer’s Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Taiwan, and the nearby island Orchid Island.
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