Taitung · South Cross-Island
Bortle 2 · Pristine dark sky ｜ Elevation 2320m ｜ SQM ~21.7 ｜ Best view South
Around the Xiangyang Forest Recreation Area on the Taitung side of the South Cross-Island Highway (~2,320 m), ringed by no towns — one of eastern Taiwan's purest dark skies. Facing south toward the Central Range, the rising Milky Way has almost no ground glow.
🌌 Tonight the Milky Way core climbs to a shootable altitude around 20:12, sinks back near 03:02, and peaks around 22:52 at roughly 38° in the South.
The Xiangyang section of the South Cross-Island Highway (Highway 20); mountain conditions and opening hours change often — check road closures and night-time restrictions before going.
Forest recreation area, mountain huts (permit required) and parking; limited night-time supplies — come prepared.
Mar–Oct Milky Way season; watch for seasonal South Cross-Island access rules.
See the nearby city's stargazing calendar
Bortle class and SQM are estimates for well-known sites, used to compare darkness — not on-site measurements.
Related tools: Taiwan Dark-Sky Map · Stargazing & Moon Viewing Score · Meteor Showers