{
  "name": "Taroko Gorge Central Cross-Island",
  "slug": "taroko-gorge-central-cross",
  "url": "https://www.bestdrivingroads.com/roads/taroko-gorge-central-cross/",
  "summary": "A road threaded through a marble canyon: tunnels, overhangs and cliff galleries stacked above the Liwu River. Since the 2024 earthquake it opens only at set times, which somehow adds to the sense of occasion.",
  "roadNumbers": [
    "8"
  ],
  "location": {
    "country": "Taiwan",
    "region": "Hualien County",
    "start": {
      "name": "Taroko",
      "lat": 24.15612,
      "lon": 121.620529
    },
    "end": {
      "name": "Tianxiang",
      "lat": 24.182489,
      "lon": 121.494563
    }
  },
  "measurements": {
    "lengthMiles": 10.8,
    "lengthKm": 17.4,
    "driveMinutes": 25,
    "corners": 180,
    "hairpins": 0,
    "maxGradientPercent": 9,
    "summitMetres": 576,
    "elevationConfidence": "approximate (30 m DEM cannot resolve this line)",
    "difficulty": "demanding",
    "tightnessOutOf10": 8
  },
  "timing": {
    "bestSeasons": [
      "spring",
      "autumn"
    ]
  },
  "conditions": {},
  "hazards": [
    "Active rockfall and landslides",
    "Timed controlled-access gates",
    "Narrow unlit tunnels"
  ],
  "scenery": [
    "gorge",
    "mountain",
    "valley",
    "forest"
  ],
  "pointsOfInterest": [
    "Liwu River Viewpoint",
    "Wanghai Pavilion",
    "Swallow Grotto (Yanziko) Trail exit"
  ],
  "geometry": {
    "pointCount": 151
  },
  "attribution": {
    "source": "Routes - bestdrivingroads.com",
    "citation": "Cite with a link to the road page. Stats are measured from the mapped line, not copied from other lists; where elevationConfidence is \"approximate\" the 30 m DEM cannot resolve that line and the elevation figures are indicative.",
    "roadGeometry": "(c) OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL",
    "terms": "Facts are free to cite with attribution; bulk reproduction of the catalogue requires permission (simon@keane.studio)."
  },
  "updated": "2026-07-25"
}