Zhuoshui River

Zhuoshui River

The Zhuoshui River is located in central Taiwan, stretching approximately 186.6 kilometers in length, making it the longest river on the island. Its drainage basin covers an area of 3,156.90 square kilometers, second only to that of the Gaoping River. The main upper stream of the Zhuoshui River is called the Wushe River, which originates from the southern side of the Sakuma Saddle between the main peak and the eastern peak of Hehuan Mountain. The source sits at an elevation of 2,880 meters. Flowing eastward to Chunya, it receives the Taroko Creek, then continues downstream until it merges with the Wanquan River at Wanquan, after which it is officially named the Zhuoshui River.

The upper reaches of the Zhuoshui River feature rugged terrain, with the river channel largely forming the Wanquan River Valley. The river has a significant drop in elevation, experiences high rainfall, and boasts abundant hydropower resources. Several hydroelectric power plants have been built here, including the Wanquan Dam, Daguan Power Plants I and II, Mingtan, and Ju Gong. In addition, there are the Tou She Reservoir, Wushe Reservoir, and Sun Moon Lake Reservoir, all used for hydropower generation. Beyond its energy contributions, the Zhuoshui River also offers outstanding tourism potential. Visitors crossing the Zhuoshui River via Longshen Bridge and heading south along the Chenyoulan River upstream are greeted by a classic alpine valley landscape: to the east lies the majestic Yushan Mountain Range, to the west the imposing Alishan Mountain Range, and in between a deep, straight river valley formed along fault layers with minimal meandering. Within the Chenyoulan Valley and the surrounding mountain gullies, there are several famous waterfalls and cliffs that are highly captivating, attracting large numbers of domestic and international tourists for sightseeing and vacation every year.

Zhuoshui River

Must-visit reason: Taiwan’s longest river