The Southern Cross-Island Highway winds through some of Taiwan’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. But the highway’s path through the mountains means it is highly vulnerable to damage by landslides. Thirteen years after Typhoon Morakot washed away entire sections of road, the highway will finally reopen to traffic on Sunday.
These breathtaking views are from Taiwan’s Southern Cross-Island Highway, linking Tainan City in the west to Taitung City in the east. Sections of the mountain road have been closed for repair for the last 13 years. On May 1, the entire length will be open to traffic once more.
Travelers will be able to visit rural locations like the Baolai Hot Springs to wash away the worries of city life.
After a good soak, they can try traditional taro ice cream. This root vegetable may not seem like the natural choice for an ice cream ingredient, but it’s a big hit with many people in Taiwan.
And with people comes money, something that local business owners are looking forward to. Reservations have been made all the way up to August, and that’s despite a recent surge in COVID-19 infections.
Tang Chia-fu from the local tourist association says travelers have already booked about 80% of rooms on weekends and 30% on weekdays.
The Southern Cross-Island Highway is finally accessible all the way through, but some limitations are still in place. The entire length of the road will only be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Despite that, the road seems to be on its way back as one of southern Taiwan’s top tourist attractions.
Tomasz Koper, RTI News