Unbeatable value for money！ Top 6 stunning scenic bus routes for traveling across Taiwan

▲Taiwan’s “breathtaking” must-take bus routes. (Photo / Provided by the Directorate General of Highways, same below)

Reported by Lai Wen-hsuan / Taipei

Have you planned where to go during the winter vacation and Spring Festival holiday? In addition to actively promoting Taiwan’s “Top 10 Scenic Routes,” the Directorate General of Highways has also privately recommended six bus travel routes across Taiwan that offer “breathtaking” scenery. These routes, curated from north to south for their unique appeal, allow travelers to avoid traffic jams while creating unforgettable memories.

▲Top 10 scenic bus routes.

The Directorate General of Highways stated that the recommended routes are mostly well-known bus travel options. In addition to the “Taiwan Tourist Shuttle” routes launched since 2010 and the “Top 10 Scenic Routes” actively promoted in recent years, this time the Directorate General has also specially compiled and recommended some worthwhile bus travel routes for people to experience.

1. Wushih Port - Nanfangao 【1766】
First up is the long-standing route traversing northern and southern Yilan, “Wushih Port - Nanfangao 【1766】.” It takes you first to Wushi Fishing Port for fresh seafood, then along the way you can experience hot spring spots such as Tangwei Gully and Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park, before arriving at the renowned tourist destinations of the National Museum of Prehistory, Wujie Pit, and Su’ao Harbor. After taking this route, you’ll likely become an expert on traveling in Yilan.

2. Hualien Yuli - Taitung Changbin 【8181】
This east coast highway bus route connecting “Hualien Yuli - Taitung Changbin 【8181】” spans the Coastal Mountain Range. It allows you to leisurely travel along Taiwan’s southernmost mountain range, admiring the majestic beauty of green mountains, and also offers viewpoints where you can gaze at the vast blue Pacific Ocean from high elevations.

3. Route 【6739】
In central Taiwan, route 【6739】 connects two major attractions: Sun Moon Lake and Alishan. During the winter vacation, it’s the season when cherry blossoms and plum blossoms are in full bloom. Along Provincial Highway 21 (New Central Cross-Island Highway), you can visit Xinyi’s Fengkuidou to admire plum blossoms, Caopingtou for cherry blossoms, and even try fresh local flavors in Shalixian. Plus, you can take in the view of Taiwan’s highest peak, Yushan.

4. Highway Bus Route 【6506】
Route 【6506】, which travels from Fengyuan to Lishan via Provincial Highway 8, lets you experience the thrill of reaching Wuling — the highest point on a Taiwanese highway at 3,275 meters above sea level, beneath the Hehuan Mountain Range. During the snow season, snow lies within arm’s reach along the roadside, making it a rare wintery snow adventure in subtropical Taiwan.

5. Route 【7235】
In southern Taiwan, route 【7235】 from Chiayi HSR Station to Yunlin Beigang is a newly opened cultural bus route. It takes you to the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum and Beigang Chaotian Temple to explore historic sites, as well as to a sugar factory to enjoy the fun of eating ice in winter.

6. Route 【1778】
Route 【1778】, from Kaohsiung Railway Station to Taitung Dawu, is the only bus route that runs the entire length of the South Link Highway. It’s also one of the rare overnight provincial highway bus services in Taiwan. Taking the night bus through winding mountain roads, you’ll arrive in Ren’ai Township just as dawn breaks. From there, you’ll be treated to stunning sunrise views along with coastal scenery — an experience not to be missed.

▲The bus routes recommended by the Directorate General of Highways feature gorgeous scenery along the way, making them perfect travel destinations.

The Directorate General of Highways specifically noted that these routes are well-planned travel options jointly developed by bus operators, local governments, and businesses. In addition to covering famous attractions in the Greater Taipei area, Hualien and Taitung, Yilan, Sun Moon Lake, and Kenting, in 2015 they also added the Kinmen outlying island route “Return to the Ancient Battlefield, Awesome Ancient Ningtou,” where you can visit the Ancient Ningtou Battle History Museum, Cihu Triangle Fort, and Guangqian Temple. Traveling by public transport during the winter vacation and Spring Festival not only helps you avoid traffic but also comes with special discounts.