It's not hard to see why a 1986 rockslide that killed 28 visitors closed Taichi Gorge to the public for over two decades. The precipitously high, narrow and rocky terrain just doesn't allow for easy trail development. Kudos to the forestry bureau for the wall-hugging wooden steps and the thrilling 136m Ladder to Heaven (天梯, Tiāntī) – it's one of Taiwan's longest suspension bridges, and certainly the only one with built-in steps (to help you descend faster). You'll need a few hours here if you want to explore some of the narrower chasms, as well as the waterfall pools at the bottom of the gorge.
Taichi Gorge is 15km south of the town of Jhushan (竹山, Zhúshān) – itself about 20km southwest of Jiji – on Township Rd 49. It’s best to have your own vehicle to get there but public transport is also possible. Yuanlin Bus Company has three buses (each direction) running between Jhushan and the entrance of Taichi Gorge (NT$71, 50 minutes) daily at 8.20am, 12.50pm and 4.20pm. Buses back from the gorge to Jhushan depart at 9.10am, 1.40pm and 5.10pm. Jhushan itself is connected by buses to and from Jiji, Sitou, Douliu and Taichung.
Should you want to stay in Jhushan, Min Sheng Hotel has very decent rooms. From Yuanlin bus station, walk north for one block and turn right on to Jhushan Rd. The hotel is opposite a 7-Eleven.
