Sanzhan South River
Sanzhan South River, which flows down from Patuolu Mountain (3102m), is one of Hualien's most popular rivers for cooling off in the summer. The lower section of the river is home to the following canyons: the Golden Grotto, the Platinum Grotto, and the Black Grotto. The Golden Grotto is one of Taiwan’s easier and most rewarding full-day river traces. The entrance to the Platinum Grotto section of the main river is guarded by Canbao Waterfall. For more information check out this Sanzhan Trip Report.
Location: Xiulin Township, Hualien County (Taroko National Park)
Time Required: 4-8 hours for a day trip to the Golden Grotto (4.5 kilometers upriver); 1-3 days for Platinum Grotto (8 kilometers upriver)
Seasons: Year-round
Weather: Sanzhan South River Weather (Windy)
Directions: River Access
Sanzhan South River Map (Lower Section)
S = Parking
A = Popular Camp Area
B = Golden Grotto Tributary
C = Camping Area
D = 50-100 Pool
E = Gorge + False Canbao Waterfall
F = Canbao Waterfall
Sanzhan North River Tracing Destinations
The Golden Grotto
River tracing up the Sanzhan South River for 4.5 kilometers will bring you to the Golden Grotto, a multi-tiered slot canyon located in an unnamed tributary. This beautiful canyon is likely Hualien's most popular river tracing destination that doesn't require an overnight trip. During the summer it can be quite a busy place. This is especially true on weekends when both tour groups and self-organized teams will be taking their times at each waterfall climb. The best time to navigate the gorge is during the brief moment each day that the sun shines down and illuminates the walls and pools. This can be between 10 AM and 12 PM depending on the season.
Warning: The entire area of the Golden Grotto is a long canyon with extremely tall vertical walls. Falling rocks are commen. Accidents and deaths have occured and timely rescue is impossible. Helmets are absolutely necessary but may not be effective in the case of large rocks.
Golden Grotto River Tracing Map
The entrance to the gorge is through a pile of boulders and talus that jam up the confluence of the tributary. After this, there are there pools and three waterfalls that must be climbed on the way to the final waterfall.
The Platinum Grotto
Another popular destination visited by multiple teams each year is the Platinum Grotto. Platinum Grotto is a section of the main river that begins around 8 kilometers upriver from Sanzhan Village. Although it's possible to get to the base of the long gorge before Canbao Waterfall in around 6 hours, this route is best done over multiple days.
Platinum Grotto River Tracing Map
Canbao Waterfall
Canbao Waterfall blocks the entrance to the Platinum Grotto. It is marked on the map above as the 4 meter waterfall with chockstone (4M CS). Canbao Waterfall and the pool directly above it is one of the principle cruxes in progressing out of the lower reaches of Sanzhan South River. During high flow, fins may be crucial in approaching the waterfall due to the length of narrowness of the gorge pool leading up to it. It has been climbed on the right side with pitons and ladders during high flow; beneath the chockstone at moderate flow; and walked up during low flow.
Warning: Be aware that entrapment may be possible in the section of the pool that is behind the main waterfall.
This video shows Canbao Waterfall at moderate-to-high flow.
