Xiuguluan River Introduction
The Xiuguluan River originates from Xiuguluan Mountain in the Central Mountain Range, with its upper reaches at an elevation of 3,200 meters. It flows northward along the Hualien-Taitung Valley, bends east in Ruisui Township, cuts through the Coastal Mountain Range, and empties 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 crosses the Coastal Mountain Range. The Xiuguluan River carves through the Coastal Mountain Range, creating many steep canyons, resulting in well-developed geomorphological features such as meanders and river terraces, making it an excellent classroom for geology and topography. The lower reaches of the Xiuguluan River, particularly the section from Ruisui to Dagangkou, features a canyon that is about 24 kilometers long and passes through over twenty rapids and hazards. The majestic canyon and numerous unique rock formations along the way make it a popular destination for rubber rafting in Taiwan. The Xiuguluan River rafting tourism event held annually in June and July has become the most important rafting activity.
