Taroko National Park may charge fees of NT$200 to NT$500; Hualien residents support the idea: 'User pays, very reasonable'

▲ Taroko National Park may start charging fees next year (2017). (Photo / Screenshot from the Taroko National Park website)

Reporter Lin Yuying / Comprehensive report

Taroko "Taroko National Park" in Hualien may start charging entry fees next year (2017)! Kuomintang legislator Hsu Chen-wei proposed that with up to 6.6 million visitors entering Taroko each year, maintenance costs are high and have become a heavy burden on national finances. She suggested charging an appropriate entrance fee to supplement maintenance expenses. The initial proposal......is NT$200 per person for locals and NT$500 for foreigners, while local residents would be exempt.Many local Hualien residents expressed support for the plan, saying, "User pays, very reasonable." They also mentioned that many national parks and protected areas abroad charge fees.

According to a report by the United Daily News, KMT legislator Hsu Chen-wei recently stated during a Legislative Yuan question session that the annual safety maintenance costs of Taroko National Park are high, creating a financial burden. She suggested charging foreign visitors NT$500 per person and domestic tourists NT$200 per person, while exempting residents of Hualien County. This could generate an estimated annual revenue of NT$1.4 billion to supplement maintenance costs, eliminating the need for additional central government budget allocations. The remaining funds could be used to promote green energy and environmental protection, allowing future visitors to take green-energy-powered trains into the park.

▲ Xiaozhui Lu Trail. (Photo / Screenshot from the official Taroko National Park website)

Minister of the Interior Chen Wei-jen responded positively during the questioning, expressing hope that starting from 2017, major scenic spot-based areas will begin charging fees. He also said relevant departments would be asked to plan for "green energy buses," banning exhaust-emitting vehicles from entering. This move is not only for environmental protection but also for visitor safety. Hsu and Chen had exchanged views on this matter and both considered it a feasible direction.

This news was posted to the Facebook group"Hualien Scoop King"and received an overwhelmingly positive response from netizens, with many commenting "Support," "Very reasonable." Some said, "The Grand Canyon in the U.S. also charges an entrance fee—US$12 for adults." Many national scenic areas and protected areas around the world also have fee-based management systems. However, some felt the fees might be a bit high. One netizen replied, "Even visiting Taipei 101’s observation deck costs at least NT$500 for the cheapest option!" Others also suggested, "Fair enough on the fees, but please also provide supporting measures such as environmental safety, visitor quotas, rest areas, etc."

▲ Many Hualien residents believe "Taroko’s beauty is worth paying for." (Photo / Screenshot from the official Taroko National Park website)

* Taroko National Park
Address: No. 291, Fushi Village, Xiulin Township, Hualien County