From the Taroko Archway (East-West Cross-Island Highway Archway), the first scenic spot you encounter is the Eternal Spring Shrine. Walking up from the parking lot and back down is estimated to take at least 2 hours, even for those with a steady pace. In reality, it often takes longer. The stairs are steep and the heavy humidity makes them slippery, so you need to be very careful to avoid slipping. For those not in a hurry, it might be worth considering the hike. The Changchun Waterfall looks quite impressive from a distance, and there is a small bridge crossing it. Standing on the bridge, the atmosphere is undoubtedly different.
Of course, we didn’t plan to hike up from the beginning, mainly because time didn’t permit. We planned to reach the checkpoint by a certain time. Although the Central Cross-Island Highway was open before, it still had restricted hours (prior to the earthquake on April 3, 2024; the situation afterward is uncertain). Our plan was to mostly view the Taroko scenic area from a distance and reach the checkpoint on time to get to Fushoushan Farm. Otherwise, driving on mountain roads late could be dangerous. On that day, most of the route was shrouded in thick fog, making it quite challenging to drive even during the day. Driving at night would have been even more difficult.
Changchun Shrine, located in Taroko National Park in Hualien County, Taiwan, was built to commemorate the workers who lost their lives during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway.
The Central Cross-Island Highway is an important road connecting the eastern and western parts of Taiwan, constructed between 1956 and 1960. The construction process was extremely arduous and challenging, especially in the Taroko Gorge area. Due to the steep terrain and harsh environment, many workers unfortunately lost their lives during the construction.
To honor these workers who sacrificed their lives for the construction of the highway, the government built the shrine along the highway. The shrine was completed in 1958 and is situated in a scenic location, backed by steep cliffs and facing a rushing river, creating a magnificent view. In front of the shrine, there is a waterfall with a continuous flow of water throughout the year, symbolizing the eternal spirit of the commemorated workers.
In summary, the construction of Changchun Shrine serves to commemorate and mourn the workers who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway, paying tribute to their dedication and sacrifice.
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