'Everyone is too scared to come': Taiwan's earthquake deals a blow to top tourism hotspot

As a bed and breakfast owner in Taiwan's Hualien County, Chen Rei-jia was used to the minor tremors that sometimes disturbed her work. But this time, something felt different.

"The shaking grew stronger and lasted longer, and as rescue vehicles arrived, I became frightened," she said. "We heard rocks falling everywhere and saw smoke and dust all around. There were massive landslides in front and behind us."

Emerging from her house to survey the damage, Chen had just survived the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan on April 3 — the largest tremblor to rock the island in 25 years.

"I've never experienced such a strong earthquake in my life. It was truly terrifying," the 60-year-old said.

Now, survivors like Chen are facing a new challenge. Tourists have canceled their trips en masse, and tour groups have disappeared.

For many residents of Hualien, which relies on tourism for 70% of its economy, the situation is quickly becoming an existential threat.

"It's dire; there are no tourists," said Chen. "Everyone is too scared to come."

The brunt of the earthquake's damage occured in Hualien County, which attracts millions of visitors per year to the towering peaks and waterfalls of its main draw, Taroko Gorge.

But now the previously packed mountain roads and walking paths to the gorge are now blocked with rubble, and vast swaths of Taroko National Park remain closed.

A woman named Lai, who owns a restaurant near the entrance to the gorge, said her once full restaurant now sits empty. 

"We really hope the national park can reopen, but if it doesn't, there's nothing we can do," she said. "It feels like there's no end in sight."

Damage to the area also presents a problem for local tour guides like Liang Shiun-chu.

"Our usual tour