Bali Nature Spa 惠來谷關
Philip walks up the western end of the central cross island highway
(中部橫貫公路) past Guguan (谷關).
On September 21, 1999 the Chi-Chi earthquake (集集大地震)
caused massive damage to the highway
cutting the road in several places between Dongshih (東勢) and Lishan (李山).
Following the unprecedented damage to the road
there was debate on the feasibility and desirability of maintaining and repairing the road.
Extensive and costly repair work was started to the
earthquake damaged sections and it was due to be re-opened in
2004 when tropical storm Mindulle (敏督利颱風) struck the area
again causing extensive damage to the highway.
The section from Guguan (谷關) to Lishan (李山) remains closed.
The closed section of the highway was the main route used by farmers
in townships of Lishan (李山) and Hoping (和平)
to transport their highland fruits and vegetables to market.
Most indigenous people in the area, including 35 percent of the population of Hoping Township,
make a living as farmers.
The short open section above Guguan runs through poor Atayal villages
interspersed with Taipower work camps.
Signs
