
Suhua Highway hugs the cliffs of Taiwan's east coast
Taiwan, asia
118 km
N/A
hard
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
Road Details
- Country
- Taiwan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 118 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 23.5105, 120.8482
Related Roads in asia
moderateEla Shankou: enjoy a drive among the clouds
🇨🇳 China
Ela Shankou is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.502m (14,770ft) above the sea levele, located in Xinghai County, in the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in the east-central part of Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China. Set high in the Tibetan plateau, the road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called G214 Highway. Always check the weather forecast before you start your journey: adverse conditions are common. Expect strong winds. The pass has been bypassed by the scenic G0613 (Gongyu Expy Toll Road). The pass is 110 km (68 miles) long, running from Wenquan Town to Hekazhen. It features steep sections, hitting a 10% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. There are hot springs just below the pass. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Travel guide to the top of Peacock Mountain Pass Driving the wild Tingri-Penjixiang road Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardDramatic views along the Prithvi Highway
🇳🇵 Nepal
Okay, buckle up for the Prithvi Highway in Nepal! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Nestled in western Nepal, this 175km (109 mile) stretch connects Naubise, near Kathmandu, to the stunning lakeside city of Pokhara, where Himalayan views reign supreme. Named after King Prithvi Narayan Shah, it's a major artery, seeing around 8,000 vehicles daily. Built back in '74, parts of the H04 are paved, but let's just say it's seen better days. Landslides and heavy traffic have taken their toll, leaving some sections unpaved and bumpy – dusty when dry, muddy when wet. Earthquakes and heavy trucks haven't helped either. Expect to share the road with a LOT of buses and trucks, and watch out for some pretty aggressive driving and risky overtakes. The drive, non-stop, will eat up 5-7 hours. But the scenery? Totally worth it... if you dare! Think deep river valleys, ancient stone villages clinging to the hillsides, cascading rice terraces, dramatic rocky gorges, and those heart-stopping suspension bridges over roaring rapids. The Himalayan views are incredible, but keep your eyes peeled—you might spot a few vehicles that didn't quite make it. Just sayin'.
extremePereval Akkyl
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! We're talking about Akkyl Pass in western Kyrgyzstan's Jalal-Abad Region. This bad boy climbs to a lofty 9,599 feet! Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Forget the pavement – you'll be kicking up dust the whole way. Expect hairpin turns that'll test your skills and some seriously steep sections that'll make your engine work. Rock slides? Yeah, they're a real threat, so this pass can be a no-go zone at any time. Definitely bring a 4x4 with high clearance; it's practically mandatory. Some crazy folks tackle it on ATVs. Just a word of caution: never attempt this road solo. But, if you are well-prepared, the views are supposed to be incredible!
hardDriving the 5,486m Samye La: A high-altitude challenge in Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I’ve found a real gem for you: Samye La Pass in Tibet. We’re talking seriously high – almost 18,000 feet (5,486 meters)! This bad boy sits in Zhongba County, part of the Xigazê Prefecture, so it's way out there. Nestled within the Gangdise range – a seriously rugged part of the Himalayas – this place feels like the edge of the world. Think desolate high-altitude deserts, unbelievably clear alpine lakes, and absolutely zero signs of civilization. And did I mention the air? At that altitude, you're breathing about half the oxygen you normally would, so this is not for the faint of heart! The road itself is a beast. It's basically a rough dirt and gravel track, part of the 259 Country Road (aka the West Tibet Highway). It's about 55 miles (88.9 km) stretching from the main G219 highway up to the tiny settlement of Buduoxiang. You'll need a 4x4 with serious clearance and a whole lot of self-reliance. Seriously, you're on your own out here! Heads up: this pass is usually snowed in from September to June. Even in the summer, you're battling potential mudslides from melting glaciers during the monsoon season (late August/early Sept). And the wind? Let's just say it comes at you from every direction, all the time. The scenery is stark but beautiful – lonely alpine lakes and windswept tundra as far as the eye can see. Pack accordingly!