2024 Update: On April 3, 2024, a massive earthquake struck the Hualien region. Taroko Gorge is heavily damaged and all of Taroko National Park (including Taroko Gorge and Hehuanshan) is totally closed to visitors. It is expected that the gorge will be closed for a full year.
Trains are now running again from Taipei to Hualien and onward to Taitung. Damage in Hualien city is less serious, but some hotels have closed for repairs.