Suhua Highway hugs the cliffs of Taiwan's east coast

Suhua Highway hugs the cliffs of Taiwan's east coast

Taiwan, asia

Length

118 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Get ready for an epic adventure along the Suhua Highway, one of the most breathtaking drives in Asia! This road carves its way along Taiwan's stunning east coast, connecting Su'ao and Hualien. Imagine yourself hugging dramatic cliffs, high above the vast Pacific Ocean – it's a truly unforgettable experience.

Located where Hualien and Yilan counties meet, this fully paved road stretches for 118km (73 miles) of pure driving bliss (and a little bit of adrenaline!). You'll wind through steep coastal cliffs, treated to some of the most gorgeous scenery eastern Taiwan has to offer.

Now, let's be real, this beauty comes with a bit of a wild side. Expect some seriously twisty curves, and keep an eye out for falling rocks and potential landslides, especially during typhoon season or after an earthquake. Trust me, slow and steady wins the race – both for safety and maximizing your view of the incredible surroundings. Don't miss the iconic Chingshui Cliffs!

While the curves and potential rockfalls might sound intimidating, the stunning scenery makes it all worthwhile. Just remember to share the road with trucks hauling stone and goods, and be extra cautious of those rogue rocks. Pro tip: avoid the rainy season (June-August) when landslides are more common.

Originally opened in 1932, this highway was once considered one of the world's most dangerous. Picture this: sheer drops of over a thousand meters, minimal guardrails, and gneiss and marble cliffs towering above. The road snakes between the cliffs on one side and the ocean on the other – it's a thrilling ride you won't soon forget.

Where is it?

Suhua Highway hugs the cliffs of Taiwan's east coast is located in Taiwan (asia). Coordinates: 23.5105, 120.8482

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Taiwan
Continent
asia
Length
118 km
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
23.5105, 120.8482

Related Roads in asia

A paved road to the summit of Kudi Passhard

A paved road to the summit of Kudi Pass

🇨🇳 China

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Kudi Daban! This epic mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 3,312 meters (that's 10,866 feet!) high in the Kargilik County of China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. You'll find it along the 219 National Road, also called the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway. Construction started way back in 1951, finally wrapping up in 1957. The whole thing was paved as recently as 2013. This "Sky Road," as the Chinese call it, will have you cruising at altitudes over 5,000m, so be aware of altitude sickness! And if you're not a fan of heights, maybe focus on the incredible views ahead instead of looking down. Get ready for some wild scenery on this unforgettable ride!

Hundreds of turns and switchbacks on the road from Chalakudy to Valparaimoderate

Hundreds of turns and switchbacks on the road from Chalakudy to Valparai

🇮🇳 India

Okay, picture this: you're cruising from Chalakudy to Valparai, deep in India's Sholayar Reserve Forest. This drive is pure magic! It's all on State Highway 21 in Kerala, a fully paved road that's super popular with everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Get ready for a serious climb, though – this road is steep! We're talking hundreds of turns and switchbacks that'll keep you on your toes. Clocking in at 107km (66 miles), this epic route connects Chalakudy (practically at sea level at 19m) to Valparai way up high at 1,193m (3,914ft). But the views? Absolutely worth it! You'll wind through lush forests, past endless tea plantations, and get a glimpse of the breathtaking Athirapally waterfall. Trust me, your camera roll will thank you!

Qiyuthard

Qiyut

🌍 Arabian Peninsula

Okay, picture this: you're in Oman, right? Specifically, Ad Dākhilīyah. You're heading to Qiyut, a super cool little town perched way up high—we're talking almost 2,000 meters! Now, getting there? That's where the fun REALLY begins. Forget smooth highways, because the road is a wild, winding, and rocky 22km track that climbs from just a few hundred meters above sea level. Prepare for some steep climbs and hairpin turns. But hey, the views? Totally worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road — it's a bit of an adventure!

Where is Wakan Village?hard

Where is Wakan Village?

🌍 Arabian Peninsula

Okay, picture this: you're in northern Oman, ready for an adventure to Wakan Village. This mountain hideaway, sitting pretty at 1,402m (4,599ft), is all about incredible terraced gardens. Seriously, it's like stepping into a postcard! Just a heads up, you'll need a 4x4 to get there. Wakan is tucked away right on the border between the Al Batinah South and Ad Dakhiliyah regions. Why make the trek? Think lush orchards bursting with pomegranates, apricots, peaches, and dates. Unlike most of Oman's scorching landscape, Wakan's got a sweet climate, with mild summers and winters that actually get chilly – thanks to the altitude! The road to Wakan Village? It's a 32.3km (20.07 miles) ride from Mahalil on the Wadi Mistal Road, and it's an experience! Most of the route got a major upgrade in the 2020s, so it's paved. But, the last 4km are still unpaved, so that 4WD with low range is crucial. Expect a bumpy, winding track with hairpin turns right before you reach the village. There's a small parking area when you arrive. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!