Taroko Gorge is known for its beautiful, craggy canyon faces carved out by the Liwu River. Also hidden in the gorge are ancient trails that make for beautiful hikes. But recently, guides have complained about an unwelcome site on one particular trail.
The serene expression on the Buddha statue’s face is marred by fresh scratches, clearly left by someone who intended to destroy the statue completely. The guide who took a photo of the damage says he hopes future visitors take good care of the statue, because it is a historic sculpture that dates back over 100 years.
The small statue is perched in a nook on the Zhuilu Old Road, an old trail in Taroko National Park. It stands no taller than two feet. The statue was discovered when workers were repairing the old trail between 1949 and 1951.
The national park has decided to slap a NT$3,000 fine on the offenders and on anyone who damages the statue in the future. Upon seeing the scratches on the statue’s face, people are saying this is too light of a punishment, and that those responsible ought to be facing a heavier fine.