Cherish Taiwan: Taroko Gorge Music Festival to Kick Off with Drum Performances at Qingshui Cliff on the 20th

▲2014 Gorge Music Festival Press Conference – Chang Cheng-chieh and Lin Hui-chen. (Photo / Taroko National Park)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The breathtaking beauty of Taroko National Park is world-renowned. Stepping into Taroko National Park, you’ll encounter stunning flora and fauna, majestic mountains, rivers, and streams—an experience that’s a feast for the senses, engaging sight, sound, smell, and touch. Now in its 13th year, the Taroko Gorge Music Festival embraces this multi-sensory philosophy, combining music with nature to offer a unique way to experience the beauty of a national park. The festival willtake place on September 20andSeptember 27. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration.

Due to the unfortunate events of the Penghu air disaster and the Kaohsiung gas explosions during the planning period, this year’s Taroko Gorge Music Festival has adopted the theme“Cherish Taiwan”, aiming to encourage people to show more love and care for Taiwan’s land, and hoping that through the healing power of music, visitors can find solace and rejuvenation in nature.

The two-day, three-session program will kick off with “Drumming and Strings” under the Qingshui Cliff, by the Pacific Ocean at Banshan Fishing Ground. This will be followed by the “Zen Rhythm” concert and the “Strings” concert, both held in the Liwu River Valley at Changchun Temple, featuring diverse musical styles to accompany audiences throughout the event.

On the day of the event, Taroko National Park Headquarters has also arrangedfree shuttle busesto transport attendees between Xincheng (Taroko) Station and the festival venue according to performance schedules. The Taiwan Railways Administration has also coordinated additional train services or stops at Xincheng Station. Attendees only need to drive or take the train to Xincheng Station and then transfer to the free shuttle bus to easily reach the Taroko Gorge Music Festival.

Performance Details:

September 20, 15:00–17:00
“Drumming and Strings”: Features a striking contrast between Eastern and Western percussion instruments, with special guest Professor Lin Hui-chen from the Atayal tribe.
Performing musicians: Percussion/Zhang Sangxiang, Xylophone/Lu Qianqian, Cello/Zhang Zhengjie, Soprano/Lin Hui-chen, Piano/Shen Meiling.

September 27 (Morning Session), starting at 10:30
“Zen Rhythm” Concert: Focuses on traditional Eastern instrumental music.
Performing musicians: Erhu/Wang Ying, Guzheng/Guo Minqin, Dizi/Ren Zhong, Sheng/Li Lijin, with contrasting Western instruments: Cello/Zhang Zhengjie, Violin/Lin Tianji.

September 27 (Afternoon Session), starting at 14:30
“Strings” Concert: Features performances primarily by Western string instruments, piano, and soprano.
Performing musicians: Violin/Wu Tingyu, Violin/Lin Tianji, Viola/He Junheng, Cello/Zhang Zhengjie, Soprano/Jiang Qizhen, Piano/Shen Meiling.

Free Shuttle Bus Information:

September 20
Outbound: 13:20–14:45 Xincheng Station → Qingshui Cliff Banshan Fishing Ground
Return: 17:00–18:00 Qingshui Cliff Banshan Fishing Ground → Xincheng Station

September 27 (morning session)
Departure: 09:00–10:15 from Xincheng Station → Changchun Shrine (via Taroko Visitor Center)
Return: 11:40–12:20 from Changchun Shrine → Xincheng Station (via Taroko Archway)

September 27 (afternoon session)
Departure: 13:00–14:15 from Xincheng Station → Changchun Shrine (via Taroko Visitor Center)
Return: 16:00–17:15 from Changchun Shrine → Xincheng Station (via Taroko Archway)