Jiucyudong (Tunnel of Nine Turns)

Jiucyudong or Tunnel of Nine Turns is one of the most interesting sites in Taroko Gorge. This is where the sheer cliffs are facing each other. During the expedition stage, it is the difficult and dangerous part to visit. When the wind comes from the river valley, it becomes the dangerous situation.


The Tunnel of Nine Turns was constructed in 1996. So if you walk down there, you will still see some rock folds, joints and faults of the marble cliffs. Those 2 cliffs are close to each other. It looks like they are joining each other from afar. The distance between cliffs is only about 10 m wide. This is such a nice site since you can see the narrow Kelan River’s formed by the small gap in the rocks showing the “Fish leaping across the dragon gate” look. Have you seen the fish swimming upstream? Take your camera and shoot it.
The tortuous course cut by the river has produced wide range of gorge curves. It is the open heavens which is called as “a thread of sky.”

The marble cliff face the opposite highway varies in incredible color from deep gray to pure white in such aerodynamic changing designs. Such walk through the Tunnel of Nine Turns needs about 30 minutes and give access to the visitor the fascinating scenes of the river, stone strata, the tunnel, and the surrounding vegetation. This is one of the most scenic parts of the gorge.