Suao to Hualien

Introducing Suao to Hualien

Just past Luodong, Hwy 9 rejoins the coast and begins what is known as the Suao–Hualien­ Hwy. The road stretches for 118km along the coastline and is literally carved into sheer cliff walls. One of the most breathtaking sections is called the Chingshui cliffs, where the highway twists its way around towering walls of marble and granite that loom over 1000m above the rocky seashore.

The beginnings of the route go back to 1874, when China’s Qing government ordered a road to be built along the east coast, with the aim of alleviating some of the isolation of the region. The Japanese widened the road in 1920, battling with landslides and earthquakes the whole time. In fact, the road didn’t officially reopen for public use until 1932.

Most people drive the highway on their way to Hualien and only stop to look at the scenery. If you’re a spring aficionado, consider a break in Suao for a cold spring, and then another in Nanao for a hot spring.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009