Strongest Cold Wave Hits – Traffic Control Summary for Three Major Snow-Viewing Spots

▲ Strongest cold wave hits, with snowfall forecasted in mid-to-high altitude mountainous regions. (Photo / Screenshot fromTaipingshan. Forest Century Series Event official fan page, photo by Lai Lifen, archival image)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

A strong cold wave has arrived, and with sufficient moisture, snow is expected in mid-to-high altitude areas. To ensure public safety, traffic controls have been implemented on certain roads. Before heading out, the public must check for any road restrictions to avoid disappointment,Ettoday EVA Air Travel Cloudhas compiled the following traffic control details to help travelers head out safely and reach the mountains without issues.

1. Yangmingshan
(1) During consecutive holidays, Yangde Boulevard restricts non-permitted passenger vehicles from ascending the mountain from 8 AM to 3 PM at the Fuxing Bridge entrance.
(2) County Highway 101A (Balaka Highway) is narrow and winding. In case of snowfall, traffic control points will be set up at the entrance of Yangjin Highway leading to County Highway 101A and at Datun Nature Park. Vehicles equipped with snow chains may be allowed through depending on traffic conditions, while all other vehicles are prohibited from entering.
(3) Datun Mountain Road is closed to all motor vehicles except government and media vehicles.

If snowfall occurs in Yangmingshan, bus services will be adjusted as follows:
(1) Sanzhong Bus leisure routes 111 and 128 will be suspended.
(2) Danan Bus leisure routes 129, 230, Mini 8, and Mini 9 (Taiwan Good Trip – Beitou Zhuzihu) will be suspended.
(3) Guanghua Bus route 681 will be suspended.
(4) Taipei Metro Bus leisure route 108 (including district service) and Capital Bus Mini 15 route adjustments:
(i) Route 108: Suspended.
(ii) Route 108 shuttle service will be adjusted to Route 108 Left: Yangmingshan Terminal – Xiaoyoukeng – Yangmingshan Terminal, and Route 108 Right: Yangmingshan Terminal – Lengshuikeng Service Station – Yangmingshan Terminal. (See attachment; bus operators will display signs on the front of buses for passengers to identify left and right routes.)
(iii) Capital Bus Mini 15 will operate from MRT Jiantan Station to Lengshuikeng Service Station and then turn back.
Both operators will turn back in advance based on the actual snow line, with Route 108 Left adjusting to turn back at Zhuzihu, and Route 108 Right and Mini 15 turning back at Jing Mountain Recreation Area.

▲ Taipingshan’s snow-covered white landscape makes you feel like you’re in a pure white world. (Photo / Screenshot fromTaipingshan. Forest Century Series Event official fan page, archival image)

2. Taipingshan
The 25.3-kilometer-long “Yizhuan No. 1 Road” experiences icy road conditions above the 8-kilometer mark, which can cause vehicles to skid. The Taipingshan ticket station will implement flexible traffic control measures on passable sections, guiding visitors first to the “Jiuzi Swamp Hot Spring Area” located at the 4.3-kilometer point of Yizhuan No. 1 Road, where they can wait for area sections to reopen. Additionally, the Cuifeng Scenic Road from Taipingshan Villa to Cuifeng Lake will undergo segmented ice-breaking and traffic control depending on weather conditions, with on-site announcements made accordingly. Visitors should still prepare snow chains and cold-weather gear.

▲ Hehuanshan, which sees auspicious snowfall every year, is expected to receive an extraordinary amount of snow this year due to the strongest cold wave. (Photo / FromHehuanshan Snow Viewing Mobile Group fan page)

3. Hehuan Mountain
(1) From January 23 to 24, the following traffic control measures will be in place: On Provincial Highway 14A, from kilometer 7.5 (Qingjing National Guesthouse) and above, all Class A large buses are prohibited from traveling, except for large passenger buses which may be allowed depending on actual road conditions.
(2) Visitors are advised to bring their own snow chains. Snow chain installation services are currently available at the Yuanfeng Visitor Service Center. It is recommended to purchase them at lower prices in the plains before ascending the mountain. Avoid buying from roadside or illegal mobile vendors to ensure your own rights and safety.
(3) When entering the Hehuan Mountain area, please comply with all National Park prohibitions. Additionally, due to limited food and accommodation options, please plan and reserve in advance, and prepare your own food for emergencies. It is strongly advised that individuals in poor health, children, and those with a history of altitude sickness avoid visiting the mountain to prevent the onset or worsening of symptoms caused by sudden changes in temperature, air pressure, and oxygen levels.

Other sections expected to be closed:
1. Section of Provincial Highway 7 (Xiabaling) to (Xicun), closed as a precaution from 6:00 PM on the 22nd to 7:00 AM on the 23rd.
2. Section of Provincial Highway 14A (Cuifeng) to (Dayuling), closed as a precaution from 7:00 PM on the 22nd to 7:00 AM on the 23rd. The reopening or permission for vehicles with snow chains only will be determined the next day based on weather and road conditions.
3. Section of Provincial Highway 20 (South Cross-Island Highway) (Lidao) to (Xiangyang), closed as a precaution from 6:00 PM on the 23rd to 8:00 AM on the 24th. No vehicles will be allowed to pass.

Other sections subject to traffic control as needed are as follows:
1. Provincial Highway 9 (Beiyi Highway): Pinglin (38K) to Ercheng (68K)
2. Provincial Highway 7A (Yilan Branch): Nanshan (30K) to Shengguang (54K)
3. Provincial Highway 8 (Central Cross-Island Highway): Bilüxi (109K) to Cien (132K)
4. Provincial Highway 21 (New Central Cross-Island Highway): Caopingtou (110K) to Tataga (145K)
5. Provincial Highway 18 (Alishan Highway): Xiding (52K) to Alishan Forest Recreation Area (88K)