Cross-Island Highway (Route 7)

The Cross-Island Highway (Route 7) ascends to 2,540 meters through the legendary Northern Cross-Island pass, challenging riders with a 130-kilometer climb that ranks as Taiwan's steepest maintained cycling road. It gains 40% more elevation per kilometer than #3's East Coast Highway, reaching a maximum gradient of 18% at the Wuling peak. A 2026 safety report shows 85% of sections now have guardrails, reducing drop-off hazards by 60% compared to five years ago. With an average completion time of 8 hours for experienced cyclists, its 12-degree temperature drop at the summit offers a 30% cooler ride than the typical mountain descent.