South Cross-Island Hwy

Introducing South Cross-Island Hwy

A friend once said that the South Cross-Island Hwy (Nánbù Héngguàn Gōnglù) perfectly illustrates the principle that ‘sometimes the journey matters more than the destination’. With all due respect, we think he needs to get out of his car more often.

The highway bisects southern Taiwan, running from Tainan in the west to Taitung in the east. It passes through the southern section of the Central Mountain Range, skirting the bottom of Yushan National Park. The area is sparsely developed, scenically grand, and blessed with easily accessible old forests, aboriginal villages, fantastic hikes both long and short, and numerous hot springs, including Lisong, which many consider the most beautiful natural spring in Taiwan.

Be aware that, as with all mountain routes in Taiwan, parts of the high, narrow road are frequently washed away during landslides, and falling rocks are all too common. Don’t go after heavy rains or earthquakes. The safest time to visit is in winter, during the dry season. Afternoon fog is a hazard year-round, especially around Yakou: plan to be off the road, or trail, by 3pm or so. Hiking conditions are best October to March when it’s cool, even cold, but dry. Traffic is very light during this time too, especially midweek.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009