Xiuguluan River Introduction
Xiu Gu Luan River originates from Xiu Gu Luan Mountain in the Central Mountain Range, rising from an elevation of 3,200 meters. It flows north through the Hualien-Taitung Valley, making a turn in Ruisui Township, cutting across the Coastal Mountain Range, and finally draining into the Pacific Ocean at Dagangkou. The river is approximately 104 kilometers long and is the largest river in eastern Taiwan, as well as the only river that cuts through the Coastal Mountain Range. The Xiu Gu Luan River has carved steep gorges, creating a variety of geomorphological features such as meanders and river terraces, making it an excellent natural classroom for geology and topography. The lower section of the Xiu Gu Luan River, stretching about 24 kilometers from Ruisui to Dagangkou, traverses over twenty rapids and dangerous shallows, with magnificent gorges and remarkable rock formations along the way. It is a popular destination for rubber boat rafting and hosts the Xiu Gu Luan River rafting tourism event, held annually in June and July, which has become the most significant rafting activity in the region.
