Notes:
Adjusted to adapt modern commercial & expedition canyoning routes, specifically referring to Taiwan, China & Asia. Variated from the French System.
Vertical Character（Vertical Difficulty）
V1 (Very Easy):
• Rappels <10m
• Very easy climbing or down-climbing
V2 (Easy):
• Anchors easily accessible
• Rappels <30m
• Easy climbing or down-climbing
V3 (Moderate):
• Anchors easily accessible
• Max rappel height <45m
• Adequate spacing between drops for team reorganization
• Low-flow vertical water features
• Pools at the base of rappels are calm
• Systems are easy to rig
• Climbing difficulty up to 5.6, with potential rope protection at minor exposed sections
V4 (Difficult):
• Anchors not easily accessible
• Rappels may exceed 45m
• Rigging is technical but manageable
• Multiple-pitch rappels (ample stance platforms for anchors)
• Sharp edges require rope protection
• Low to moderate flow vertical waterlines that may affect balance or cause entrapment
• Pools at the base may be dynamic
• Climbing difficulty up to 5.8 (exposed sections require rope protection)
V5 (Advanced):
• Multiple-pitch rappels (hanging belays/anchors)
• Rappels may require crossing dynamic waterlines
• Moderate to high vertical flow (requires precise rappel line, balance, and line selection)
• Difficult rope retrieval or may require swimming with rope recovery
• Climbing difficulty up to 5.9
V6 (Expert)：
• Anchors are very difficult to reach
• Traverse lines are extremely difficult to rig
• High to very high vertical flow
• Rappelling through waterlines is very challenging (requires efficient execution, balance, and route-finding)
• Pools at base in dynamic and strong current
• Climbing difficulty up to 5.10a
V7 (Extreme):
• Extremely poor visibility and multiple obstacles on route
• Continuous waterfalls with no breaks
• Holding breath underwater may be necessary
• Pools at base in violent hydraulics and very strong currents
• Climbing difficulty exceeds 5.10b
Aquatic Character（Aquatic Difficulty）
A1 (Very Easy):
• Dry or calm water
• Optional swims only
A2 (Easy):
• Swim across calm water <10m
• Standard jumps <3m
A3 (Moderate):
• Swim across calm water <30m
• Swimming in some sections with moving water
A4 (Difficult):
• Extended exposure to cold water
• Swimming in moderate currents in certain areas
A5 (Advanced):
• Extended exposure to cold water causing rapid heat loss
• Currents may alter swim trajectory
• Dangerous currents such as recirculations, hydraulics can shortly trap swimmers
A6 (Expert):
• Strong currents make it difficult to reach target swim lines
• Dangerous currents (recirculations, hydraulics) may trap swimmers for moderate durations
A7 (Extreme):
• Very strong currents make it extremely difficult to reach target swim lines
• Dangerous currents may trap swimmers for extended periods
Time Commitment
T1 (2h)
• Escape from flash flood zone is very quick & easy
• Retreat routes throughout the canyon
• Total duration <2 hours
T2 (4h)
• Escape from flash flood zone is quick
• Quick retreat in some sections of the canyon
• Total duration 2~4 hours
T3 (6h)
• Escape from flash flood zone may require a moderate amount of time
• Retreat is uneasy & may require a moderate amount of time
• Total duration 4~6 hours
T4 (8h)
• Escape from flash flood zone may require a long time
• Retreat is difficult & may require a long time
• Total duration 6～8 hours
T5 (10h)
• Escape from flash flood zone may require a very long time
• Retreat may require a large amount of time & advanced skills
• Total duration 8～10 hours
T6 (1~2days)
• Escape from flash flood zone may require a large amount of time
• Retreat route may require a large amount of time & expert skills
• Total duration 1~2 days
T7 (3 days or more)
• Escape from flash flood zone may require a extreme amount of time
• Retreat route may require an extreme amount of time & skills
• Total duration 2～3 days
Note: Time grading assumes a group size of 6~8 people. Larger or less experienced teams may require significantly more time.
Quality Rating
⭐️ – Entry-level canyon with an easy and accessible experience, suitable for beginners
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⭐️2 -Above-average quality canyon with a stable and consistently enjoyable experience
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⭐️3 – A classic canyon with high appeal and strong revisit value
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⭐️4 – A regionally significant route worth traveling for
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⭐️5 – A wide-area representative canyon with strong multi-visit value
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⭐️6 – A national-level classic route featuring efficient access, distinctive terrain, and a well-rounded experience (balancing fun and technical challenge)
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⭐️7 – A world-class benchmark canyon with exceptional scenery and unique value, worthy of international travel