THE LOST SU-HUA HIGHWAY FROM THE OLD BANKNOTE
Explore the abandoned Su-hua Highway, climb beneath the elephant-trunk rock arch, and rappel above the Pacific — a coastline once printed on Taiwan’s banknote, now reachable only with professional guides.
Between the cliffs of Taroko and the Su-hua coast hides a road that time forgot. The Elephant Trunk Tunnel of the old Su-hua Highway takes its name from the rock arch that dips toward the Pacific like an elephant’s trunk — a stretch of coastline once printed on Taiwan’s banknotes. Since the highway was rerouted, only waves, rock walls, and rope-access adventurers remain. The day tour meets at Xincheng (Taroko) Station. Led by guides trained in rope systems and rescue (1:6 guide ratio, two guides minimum), you’ll explore the abandoned roadway, climb and rappel the sea cliffs on guide-rigged safety systems, and stand beneath the elephant-trunk arch above the Pacific. Lunch is served beside the tunnel before the afternoon rappel section and the walk back. Gear, lunch, photography, and insurance (Fubon comprehensive mountaineering coverage) are all included. This is an advanced route: the collapsed old road involves uneven terrain and requires decent fitness. Ages 12+. Earthquakes and typhoons keep reshaping this coastline, so the exact route is adjusted by your guides based on conditions — safety always comes first.
Xincheng (Taroko) Station
