Tianxiang

Tianxiang

Tianxiang is located at the confluence of the Dashaxi River and the Taosexi Stream, a tributary of the Liwu River. It is an expansive river terrace, originally named Tabito, and was the ancestral home of the Atayal indigenous people. It was later renamed in honor of Wen Tianxiang. Situated at the western end of Taroko Gorge, the area boasts stunning scenery and a pleasant climate, making it a very popular scenic spot along the Central Cross-Island Highway. Fuyuan and Meiyuan are two small parks before entering Tianxiang, where visitors are often seen strolling among the plum trees and taking photos; Meiyuan is adjacent to a former palace-style crimson building that served as the Tianxiang Guesthouse—an ideal place to stay. Behind the souvenir shops and restaurants stands a statue of Wen Tianxiang, set against the backdrop of verdant mountains, from which one can overlook the entire area near Tianxiang Railway Station. Crossing the Zhihui Bridge over the road and then the Pudu Bridge leads to Xiangde Temple on the opposite bank, where a towering golden statue of the Earth Store Bodhisattva, over ten feet high, is prominently situated on the mountain. Nearby is a seven-story Tianfeng Pagoda, which provides great views. The area also features the classically designed Tianxiang Youth Activity Center, managed by the National Youth Corps, which has become another highlight of Tianxiang.