Yakou Introduction
The Yako on the South Cross-Island Highway is a must-visit destination during a trip along this scenic route. Located at the border between Taitung and Kaohsiung counties, the Yako stands at an elevation of 2,722 meters. It is best known for the Dakengshan Tunnel, which runs through the main ridge of the Central Mountain Range, making it the highest point of the South Cross-Island Highway and the highest tunnel in Taiwan. The Dakengshan Tunnel divides the island of Taiwan into eastern and western halves: to the west lies Meishan Village in Taoyuan District, Kaohsiung City; to the east is Lidau Village in Haiduan Township, Taitung County. The landscapes and climates of these two areas differ significantly. At the eastern entrance of the Dakengshan Tunnel, located within Taitung County, the monsoon carries moisture, resulting in the formation of a sea of clouds around 2,500 meters during the afternoon due to updrafts and topographical barriers. Travelers can enjoy breathtaking sights along the way to Yako, including the sunlit cliffs of Xiangyang Mountain, cloud-sea deep valleys, majestic mountains, lush giants, and high-altitude waterfalls. The surrounding natural environment and rich ecology offer opportunities for sightseeing and hiking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a refreshing atmosphere and forget the fast pace and troubles of urban life. While the South Cross-Island Highway is generally open for traffic, there are regular road control times. Due to the frequently changing mountain road conditions, please remember to check real-time traffic information on the Intelligent Provincial Highway Service Network of the Directorate General of Highways before planning your trip to avoid disruptions.
