East Asia

Central Cross-Island Highway

Taiwan

In short: Central Cross-Island Highway is a 190 km mountain road trip in Taiwan, typically driven over 1-2 days, best in April-May, October-November. Highlights: Taichung, Dongshi Forest Garden, Lishan Visitor Center.

Distance

190 km

Duration

1-2 days

Best Season

April-May, October-November

IconicModerateMountain

Taiwan’s Central Cross-Island Highway links the west and east sides of the island through the steep spine of the Central Mountain Range. The drive climbs past Taroko Gorge viewpoints, high bridges, and forested passes before descending to lush valleys and small mountain settlements.

Practical notes

Typhoons, landslides, and rockfall can close sections with little notice, especially in summer and after heavy rain. Check current road conditions before departure and avoid night driving on the mountain sections.

Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Stops along the route

Departure

Taichung

Start in Taiwan's lively west-side hub. Urban streets give way quickly to foothill roads.

Hotels

City

Lishan Visitor Center

High-mountain orchards and crisp air mark this alpine village stop. The views open wide over terraced slopes and ridges.

Hotels

Arrival

Hualien City

Finish on the Pacific side in relaxed Hualien. Mountain drama gives way to sea air and easy city streets.

Hotels

Things to Do

Dongshi Forest Garden — Nature — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

Nature
Dongshi Forest Garden
A cool forest stop with trails, pavilions, and tall trees. It is a gentle first climb into the hills.

Wuling Farm — Landmark — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

Landmark
Wuling Farm
A famous high-elevation farm surrounded by peaks and seasonal blooms. It is one of the route's best places to pause and breathe.

Ciqilai Temple — Landmark — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

Landmark
Ciqilai Temple
A hillside temple with sweeping valley views and colorful details. It adds a calm cultural stop on the descent eastward.

Taroko National Park Visitor Center — Nature — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

Nature
Taroko National Park Visitor Center
Enter the marble-walled world of Taroko here. Exhibits and trail info help plan the gorge section safely.

Taroko Gorge — Nature — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

Nature
Taroko Gorge
Sheer cliffs, rushing water, and narrow road cuts define this dramatic stretch. It is the highway's most unforgettable scenery.

Viewpoints in Taroko Gorge — scenic drive — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

scenic drive
Viewpoints in Taroko Gorge
Pull over for cliff views, tunnels, and marble walls. Short stops reveal how narrow and steep the highway can be.

Tianxiang Area — landmark — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

landmark
Tianxiang Area
A scenic river valley stop with temples and rest areas. It is a classic pause point in Taroko.

Bilu Sacred Tree — nature — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

nature
Bilu Sacred Tree
See one of the famous giants of the Central Mountain Range. The short stop adds a forest atmosphere to the drive.

Wuling Farm Cherry Blossom Area — nature — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

nature
Wuling Farm Cherry Blossom Area
Visit for alpine scenery and seasonal blossoms. In spring, the farm is especially photogenic.

Shakadang Trail — hike — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

hike
Shakadang Trail
Walk a short section for clear water and marble scenery. It is one of the easiest ways to experience Taroko on foot.

Where to Eat

Mitsui Outlet Park Taichung Food Court — food court — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

food court
Mitsui Outlet Park Taichung Food Court
A practical place to grab a quick meal before leaving Taichung. Many stalls make it easy to find noodles, rice bowls, or snacks.

Lishan Guesthouse Restaurant — Taiwanese mountain food — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

Taiwanese mountain food
Lishan Guesthouse Restaurant
A likely stop for simple hot dishes in the highlands. Mountain vegetables and local produce are common here.

Wuling Farm Restaurant — Taiwanese — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

Taiwanese
Wuling Farm Restaurant
A convenient meal stop inside the farm area. It is a good place for a warm lunch before the descent east.

Tianxiang Restaurant — Taiwanese — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

Taiwanese
Tianxiang Restaurant
A classic gorge-area stop for a meal or tea. It suits travelers breaking up the Taroko section.

Dongdamen Night Market — street food — Central Cross-Island Highway — Taiwan

street food
Dongdamen Night Market
A strong finish for Hualien snacks and seafood. Come for fried bites, grilled skewers, and dessert stalls.

Explore related routes

Taiwan road trips Iconic Scenic Coastal Drives Mountain Passes Weekend Drives East Asia routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Central Cross-Island Highway drive?

The Central Cross-Island Highway covers 190 km from start to finish.

How long does the Central Cross-Island Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1-2 days on the Central Cross-Island Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Central Cross-Island Highway?

The recommended season for the Central Cross-Island Highway is April-May, October-November.

Where does the Central Cross-Island Highway start and end?

The Central Cross-Island Highway runs from Taichung to Hualien City.

What are the main stops on the Central Cross-Island Highway?

The Central Cross-Island Highway passes through Taichung, Dongshi Forest Garden, Lishan Visitor Center.

Can I drive the Central Cross-Island Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Central Cross-Island Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Central Cross-Island Highway safe to drive?

What scenic tier is the Central Cross-Island Highway?

The Central Cross-Island Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.