Central Cross-Island Highway Cycling Tour: The Magnificent Crossing from Taroko to Lishan

Central Cross-Island Highway Introduction

The Central Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 8) is Taiwan’s first trans-island highway, opened in 1960, connecting Dongshi in Taichung and Taroko in Hualien. The Taroko to Dayuling section passes through the Taroko Gorge, making it one of the most spectacular road landscapes in Taiwan.

Route Data

• Taroko → Dayuling: Approximately 80 km
• Dayuling → Lishan: Approximately 30 km (Provincial Highway 8)
• Highest Point: Dayuling (elevation 2,565m)
• Total Climbing: Approximately 2,500m (eastbound)

Route Segments

Segment 1: Taroko Arch → Tianxiang (18 km)

• Follows the Liwu River Gorge
• Passes through Swallow Grotto, Nine Turns Tunnel, and Cimu Bridge
• Gentle gradient (average 2-3%)
• Note: Multiple tunnels; front and rear lights are essential
• Spectacular scenery with a deep gorge

Segment 2: Tianxiang → Bilu Sacred Tree (25 km)

• Gradient increases, averaging 5-6%
• Leaves the gorge and enters the mountain area
• Vegetation transitions from subtropical to temperate
• The Bilu Sacred Tree is a 3,000-year-old incense cedar

Segment 3: Bilu Sacred Tree → Dayuling (12 km)

• Continuous climbing
• Elevation exceeds 2,000m, with a noticeable drop in temperature
• Air becomes thinner
• Arrive at Dayuling, the junction of the Central Cross-Island Highway and Provincial Highway 14A

Segment 4: Dayuling → Lishan (30 km)

• Descends first, then rolling terrain
• Passes through Hehuan Mountain Tunnel
• Lishan is an important settlement on the east-west crossing
• A good place to rest and resupply

Itinerary Suggestions

Two Days, One Night (Recommended)

• Day 1: Taroko → Tianxiang or Bilu (45-55 km)
  • Tianxiang has hotels and homestays
  • Bilu requires bringing your own tent or staying in a mountain hut
• Day 2: → Dayuling → Lishan (25-55 km)
  • Option to stay overnight in Lishan
  • Or continue via Wuling Farm down to Yilan

Extended Routes

Island Tour + Central Cross-Island Highway Classic Route:

1. Hualien → Taroko → Central Cross-Island Highway → Dayuling → Wuling → Puli
2. Approximately 200 km, with about 5,000m of climbing
3. Requires 2-3 days to complete
4. One of the ultimate challenges in Taiwan’s cycling community

Resupply Notes

Resupply points on the Central Cross-Island Highway are very limited:

Recommendation: Carry at least 4-5 hours’ worth of food and water when departing from Tianxiang.

Safety Precautions

1. Falling Rocks: Rockfalls are frequent in the Taroko Gorge section; do not stop while passing through
2. Tunnels: Several tunnels lack lighting; bright front and rear lights are essential
3. Large Vehicles: Tour buses and dump trucks are common; stay alert
4. Weather: Mountain weather is changeable; waterproof gear is a must
5. Mobile Signal: No signal on many sections; inform others of your itinerary
6. Park Entry Permit: Some sections require a Taroko National Park entry permit

Related Reading

• Central Cross-Island Highway Cycling Tour: Taiwan’s Most Classic Cross-Island Ride
• Central Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 8) Cycling Challenge: Full Guide from Lishan to Taroko
• Central Cross-Island Highway Lishan Section: The Epic Trans-Island Highway from Guguan to Dayuling
• Mountain Route from Guguan, Taichung to Lishan: The Cycling Version of the Central Cross-Island Journey