Mukumugi Valley

Mukumugi, or Mqmgi, is a stretch of the Sanzhan river in Truku territory where the water runs an intense blue-green over pale marble boulders between steep walls. It became well known through photographs and the pressure was heavy enough that the Tongmen community imposed a permit system with capped daily numbers, closed days and rules about what visitors may do. Entry now goes through the village, which is how the valley has survived.

The landscape

• The turquoise water - blue-green river running over pale marble boulders.
• The marble gorge - the same rock as Taroko, in a much smaller valley.
• The community permits - the capped access system the village imposed.
• The Truku territory - the valley as land belonging to and managed by the community.

When to go

October to April is the driest and clearest. Permits are limited daily and must be arranged with the village in advance. Typhoon season closes the valley entirely.

Before you go

Entry without a permit is trespassing and the community enforces it. Numbers are capped and permits sell out. The river rises fast after rain and people have been caught out.

Nearby

Hualien city is northeast, and Taroko is north.

Key facts