Yakou Introduction
The Yaco Pass on the South Cross-Island Highway is an essential stop on the journey through the southern region. Located at the border between Taitung and Kaohsiung counties, at an altitude of 2,722 meters, the Yaco Pass is widely known for the Daguanshan Tunnel, which traverses the main ridge of the Central Mountain Range. It is the highest point of the South Cross-Island Highway and also the highest tunnel in Taiwan. The Daguanshan Tunnel divides the island of Taiwan into eastern and western halves: to the west belongs to Meishan Village in Taoyuan District, Kaohsiung City; to the east belongs to Lidau Village, Haiduan Township, Taitung County. The landscapes and climates of the two areas show significant differences. The eastern exit of Daguanshan Tunnel, located in Taitung County, often experiences the formation of sea of clouds at around 2,500 meters in altitude in the afternoon, due to the monsoon carrying moisture and the uplift of air currents inhibited by the terrain. Visitors can enjoy spectacular sites along the way to the Yaco Pass, including the sun-facing mountain cliffs, sea of clouds valleys, towering mountains, lush giant trees, and a cluster of high-altitude waterfalls. The surrounding natural environment and rich ecology provide opportunities for sightseeing and hiking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the refreshing ambiance, forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city. The South Cross-Island Highway is conditionally open to traffic, yet there are set times for road control. Due to changing conditions in the mountainous areas, it is recommended to check the real-time traffic conditions on the Highway Bureau's Intelligent Provincial Highway Information Service platform before your trip to avoid any impacts on your travel plans.
