Xiuculan River Introduction
The Xiuguluan River originates from Xiuguluan Mountain in the Central Mountain Range, rising at an altitude of 3,200 meters. It flows northward along the Hualien-Taitung Valley, turns east in Ruisui Township, cuts through the Coastal Mountain Range, and drains into the Pacific Ocean at Dagangkou. With a total length of approximately 104 kilometers, it is the largest river in eastern Taiwan and the only river that penetrates the Coastal Mountain Range. The Xiuguluan River cuts through the Coastal Mountain Range, creating many steep canyons, resulting in well-developed meandering and river terrace features, making it an excellent classroom for geology and geomorphology. The downstream section of the Xiuguluan River, from Ruisui to Dagangkou, features the Xiuguluan River Gorge, which is about 24 kilometers long. It passes through more than twenty rapids and perilous areas, with majestic gorges and unique rock formations along the way. This section is a popular destination for kayaking in Taiwan; the annual Xiuguluan River rafting tourism activity held in June and July has become the most important rafting event.
