Southern Cross-Island Highway Cycling Journey: Taiwan's Most Magnificent Transversal Highway Riding Experience

Introduction to the Southern Cross-Island Highway

The Southern Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 20) crosses the Central Mountain Range in southern Taiwan, connecting Tainan (Yujing) with Taitung (Guanshan), with a total length of approximately 203 km. Severely damaged by Typhoon Morakot in 2009, it took years of repairs before the full route was reopened to traffic.

Route Data

• Total Length: Approximately 203 km (Yujing to Guanshan)
• Highest Point: Yakou (elevation 2,722m)
• Western Section Climb: Approximately 2,700m (Yujing → Yakou)
• Eastern Section Descent: Approximately 2,400m (Yakou → Guanshan)

Route by Section

Western Section: Yujing → Yakou

Segment 1: Yujing → Jiasian (35 km)

• Gentle grades, following the Nanzihsian River valley
• Jiasian taro ice is a must-eat delicacy
• Resupply: Jiasian is the last major resupply point

Segment 2: Jiasian → Baolai (25 km)

• Entering the mountainous area
• The Baolai hot spring area offers a chance to rest and soak
• Grades gradually increase

Segment 3: Baolai → Meishankou (30 km)

• A section with poorer road conditions
• Construction controls in place; pay attention to passage times
• The Bunun tribe village at Meishan offers resupply

Segment 4: Meishankou → Yakou (40 km)

• The most challenging section
• Continuous climbing, with elevation rising from 1,000m to 2,722m
• Scenery along the way transitions from broadleaf forest to coniferous forest

Eastern Section: Yakou → Guanshan

Segment 5: Yakou → Lidao (35 km)

• Magnificent downhill through the high mountains
• Some road surface damage; control your speed
• The Lidao tribe village is the first settlement on the eastern section

Segment 6: Lidao → Wulu (15 km)

• Passing through Wulu Gorge, with breathtaking scenery
• Tianlong Suspension Bridge is a popular photo spot
• Wulu has hot springs for soaking

Segment 7: Wulu → Guanshan (23 km)

• Gradually descending into flat terrain
• The Bunun Cultural Museum in Haiduan Township is worth a visit
• The rice in the small town of Guanshan is especially delicious

Itinerary Suggestions

Three Days, Two Nights (Recommended)

• Day 1: Yujing → Baolai (60 km) — stay at Baolai Hot Spring
• Day 2: Baolai → Lidao (105 km) — the toughest day
• Day 3: Lidao → Guanshan (38 km) — an easy descent

Important Notes

Traffic Controls

• Some sections still have construction controls
• Be sure to check the latest passage information before departure
• Control periods may vary from day to day

Resupply

• Resupply points are extremely scarce after Jiasian
• It is recommended to carry at least one day’s worth of food and water
• Stream water along the way is not recommended for direct drinking

Weather

• Mountain weather is changeable; fog and rain can occur at any time
• Carrying a waterproof windbreaker is a must
• Temperatures at Yakou may be 15-20°C lower than in the lowlands

Accommodation

• Baolai: many hot spring hotels
• Meishankou: tribal homestays (contact in advance)
• Lidao: limited homestay options; be sure to book ahead
• Wulu: a few homestays available

Related Reading

• Southern Cross-Island Highway Cycling Challenge: An Epic Ride Across the Central Mountain Range
• Southern Cross-Island Highway Reopens: Current Cycling Conditions After Provincial Highway 20 Resumed Traffic
• Taiwan Long-Distance Cycling Routes: Mountain Riding Exploration on the Southern Cross-Island Highway
• First Ride After the Southern Cross-Island Highway Reopened: A Firsthand Account of the Historic Provincial Highway 20 Restart