A veteran photographer shares stunning vistas unfolding along the Central Cross-Island Highway.
After a decade of survey work, planning and construction, Taiwan’s first cross-island highway, Provincial Highway 8, opened officially in May 1960. Commonly known as the Central Cross-Island Highway, the route shortened travel time between central Taiwan’s Taichung on the western plain and Hualien County along the eastern coast.
The road and two other nearby provincial highways aid the local economy by making it easier to transport mountain-grown fruits and vegetables to cities and counties on either side. Equally importantly, they also reveal stunning scenery as they push through the Central Mountain Range. With the establishment of Taroko National Park in 1986 and several forest recreation areas along the route, traveling the Central Cross-Island Highway is one of the most popular vacation experiences for Taiwan residents and visitors alike.
Government photographer Cheng Yuan-ching (鄭元慶) made many working trips to the Central Cross-Island Highway starting in 1982, but it was not until after his retirement in 2018 that he finally had time to fully enjoy the route when he walked it as a backpacker. Hiking with heavy photography equipment was physically demanding but rewarding, as it allowed him whole days to enjoy the panoramic views while breathing in the fresh mountain air.
As a veteran photographer, Cheng documented his new, more leisurely perspective on the Central Cross-Island Highway in the way he knows best.
—by Jim Hwang
Hiking trails cross through the mountains, allowing close contact with nature.
The highways enable local produce like cabbages and fruit to arrive at lowland markets while fresh.
The barred owlet, top, and vinaceous rosefinch, above, are two bird species often spotted in the central range.
The Central Mountain Range is home to many of Taiwan’s indigenous groups such as the Atayal people’s Masitoban tribe.
Children from the Masitoban tribe celebrate their graduation from Fa Shyang Elementary School.
A view from Wushe in Nantou County’s Renai Township
The service station at the trailhead of Snow Mountain, Taiwan’s second highest peak