Camp under the stars in the canyon valley this summer—4 must-do experiences in Taroko!

 ▲ Taroko Elegance Hotel features an incredibly beautiful infinity pool set amid the canyon landscape (Photo by reporter Tsai Wen-jun)

Reported and photographed by Tsai Wen-jun / Hualien

Taroko isn’t just about admiring its dramatic cliffs and mountain scenery—you can now also have a picnic on the Buluowan Grassland. Taiwan’s only five-star hotel located within a national park, “Taroko Elegance Hotel,” boasts a stunning infinity pool nestled in the canyon. This summer, it introduces four family-friendly experiences, allowing guests to stargaze from tents on the hotel rooftop, while kids can become little hunters, learning indigenous life skills and enjoying a unique adventure in Taroko!

▲ The vast green grasslands of Buluowan in Taroko.

▲ The “Tribal-style Picnic Set” offered by Taroko Elegance Hotel.

1. Have a Picnic in Taroko
Besides experiencing the majestic mountain views, having a picnic among the canyon grasslands offers a unique charm. This summer, Taroko Elegance has specially launched two different styles of picnic sets. The “Tribal-style Picnic Set” combines a summer-themed rattan picnic basket filled with bamboo tube rice, wild boar meat, apei (traditional Paiwan snack), seasonal mountain vegetables, millet wine, and juice, offering an authentic indigenous flavor. The Western-style picnic set includes club sandwiches, burritos, homemade natural jams, and drinks.

Wang Shuxuan, deputy manager of marketing and PR at Taroko Elegance, said the picnic baskets are available in a couple set (NT$1,200) and a happy family set (NT$1,800). Guests can book one day in advance, turning any spot in Taroko into their picnic destination. The most recommended spot is Buluowan, where you can lay out your picnic mat on the green grass surrounded by layers of mountains. The hotel also provides toys like frisbees and hacky sacks to enhance your dining and chatting experience, allowing you to fully enjoy a relaxing holiday.

▲ The micro-camping area created on the rooftop lawn of Taroko Elegance Hotel has a different vibe during the day and night.

▲ The nighttime micro-camping area is perfect for stargazing and relaxing. (Photo provided by Taroko Elegance)

2. Rooftop Micro-Camping to Stargaze
With camping tourism becoming increasingly popular, Taroko Elegance has set up two bright tents on the rooftop lawn area, complete with lounge chairs. Guests can crawl into the tents or lie on the chairs, gazing up at the blue skies and white clouds during the day or the light-pollution-free starry skies at night. It’s a serene way to slow down and enjoy a holiday.

Wang Shuxuan explained that the rooftop tents are open from 4 PM to 8 PM. No registration is required—you can use them as long as they’re available, with no time limit. The tents also come with small items like board games for entertainment, or guests can bring their own book, lie back on the lounge chair, read, and enjoy the gentle summer breeze.

▲ There are board games to play inside the micro-camping tents. (Photo by reporter Tsai Wen-jun)

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