This drive would be the main highlight of the entire Taiwan trip. Uncertainties on weather and road conditions almost derailed the plan. By the stroke of luck and blessed by good weather, we were able to cross the Taiwanese central mountain ridges from East to West via the notorious route – Highway 8 and 14A.
Taroko (8) to Dayuling (14A)
We liked Taroko so much that we have another trail along the way through the mountains. But we decided that we should spend more time up at the summit. The whole route has two distinct characteristics. Highway 8 was pathed along the Taroko valley, all the way up. So you would see rock cliffs and waterfalls. Some rock falling from the cliff are expected during rainy days. but it was deemed safe during our drive.
Windy and tunnels. Every turn was a new sight. Every end of tunnels there was light.
Midpoint, we see meadows. Skies cleared up during the mid-morning.
As and when we just stop, rest and simply enjoy the sights. Interestingly, there were cyclist and adventurers riding scooters doing the same things as we were.
We had light lunch and tea at the 2150 m above sea level at Bilu Devine Tree cafe. The temperature there was a cool 20 Degrees C, quite a far cry from 30+ down at Hualien.
As we were crossing into Highway 14A, we have to pass a few construction sites, repairing rocks damaged by rockfalls and landslides. For this particular one shown below, we have to wait for about 30mins. (15 mins pass, at every hour, get it?). Good opportunity to stretch legs and walk around.
He Huan Mountain
Once we passed the clouds, it meant that we are crossing from the rocky cliffs in the valley to the mountain plateau. The sights were vastly different. We started to see mountain peaks and grasslands and roads were straighter.
By far, the drive up Hehuan mountain was the most satisfying drive. It was also the highest pathed Highway in Taiwan. Driving through the peak along the ridges was quite exciting. Being an avid cyclist as well as hiker, This would be the ideal place. We did not plan for road cycling nor Hiking up the peak, but certainly, this would be in my to-do list for future plans.
Hehuanshan Service Station 
The trail up the North peak amongst the pink flowering plants
Highway 14A – 3275m
This was the peak of our trip, and also the highlight, mid-point for our holiday. For us, time momentarily stopped here,
gobassky
- Join Airbnb. It is still the best choice for a big family like mine.