Xiu Gulun River Introduction
Xiuguluan River originates from Xiuguluan Mountain in the Central Mountain Range, stemming from the upper reaches at an elevation of 3,200 meters. It flows northward through the Hualien-Taitung Valley, bends eastward in Ruisui Township, cuts across the Coastal Mountain Range, and pours into the Pacific Ocean at Dagangkou. With a total length of about 104 kilometers, it is the largest river in eastern Taiwan and the only river that traverses the Coastal Mountain Range. The Xiuguluan River's passage through the Coastal Mountain Range has created numerous steep canyons, resulting in well-developed meanders, river terraces, and other geomorphological formations, making it an excellent classroom for geology and topography studies. The downstream section of the Xiuguluan River, from Ruisui to Dagangkou, features a gorge approximately 24 kilometers long, crossing over twenty rapids and dangerous shoals. The majestic canyons and numerous unusual rock formations along the route make it a popular destination for rubber rafting in Taiwan. The annual Xiuguluan River rafting tourism event, held regularly in June and July, has become the most important rafting event.
