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Category: Cycling Route No. 1

  • The Classic 9-Day Cycling Around Taiwan: Along Cycling Route No. 1 or Alternative Routes

    The Classic 9-Day Cycling Around Taiwan: Along Cycling Route No. 1 or Alternative Routes

    A day-by-day itinerary plan complimenting the official Cycle Route No. 1 with additional suggestions and alternate routes to enhance your experience and ensure a smoother ride.

    Vast Paddy field bike path

    While the Tourism Bureau’s Cycle Route No. 1 provides an excellent framework for planning our cycling trip around the island, many fellow cyclists have identified areas that can be improved. One common issue is the numerous traffic lights along the route, particularly in urban areas on the west side, which can be quite disruptive and significantly slow down the journey. 

    Through meticulous planning and routing, we can achieve a smoother and more enjoyable ride. Here, I’ve put together a 9-day itinerary that incorporates quieter alternate routes to enhance your cycling experience. It’s important to note that these alternative routes often involve smaller roads with less supply stops.

    It’s worth mentioning that the government is prompt in repairing roads damaged by earthquakes, typhoons, and monsoons. However, the priority for reparies doesn’t necessarily favour smaller roads. So, if you find that these routes are not in ideal conditions, it’s advisable to switch to the main road as recommended by Cycle Route No. 1.

    I recommend an anti-clockwise direction because we drive on the right-hand side of the road (with the driver’s seat on the left side of the car). In this direction, cyclists can enjoy better views of the sea along coastal routes, and most attractions are conveniently located on the seaside. This eliminates the need to cross the road when stopping to visit these places. 


    This classic 9-Day itinerary aims to showcase various facets of the island, including the Riverbank Bikeways, the seafront, small towns, and farmlands, with optional detours to Sun Moon Lake. Some cyclists may find the frequent interruptions caused by unavoidable traffic lights in small towns, particularly at the end of Day 2, Day3, and Day 4, somewhat exhausting. If you prefer an uninterrupted, long straight route without frequent stops, consider using the ‘Speed Up on the West Coast’ itinerary for Day 1 to Day 4.”

    Day 1: Songshan Station (Taipei) to Hsinchu County

    Follow the rivers to reach Taoyuan and ascend for a brief climb to reach Hsinchu on the west coast.

    Cycle Route No. 1 officially begins at Songshan Station. The official GPS route directs you through Nanjing EAst Road, guiding you across Taipei.From there, you’ll enter the serene Riverside Bikeway via Dadaocheng Pier Plaza, offering 20k of dedicated bike paths without traffic lights, leading you to the city’s outskirts. Once outside the city, you’ll share the road with other vehicles, which is manageable since traffic is lighter. However, the cycling experience might be hindered by occasional traffic light stops, particularly within city limits. 

    I have devised this alternative route with the goal of maximising the utilisation of the Riverside Bikeways, thereby minimising interruptions caused by traffic lights. The protected bike path on the first half of your journey offers a safer environment for you to familiarise yourself with your bike’s setup. Rather than cycling along Nanjing East Road, you will access the Riverside Bikeways via the Raohe Evacuation Gate, ensuring a smoother ride through Taipei. While the official route directs you towards Provincial Highway 3 upon reaching Sanxia, this alternative route provides an additional 20 km of cycling on dedicated bike paths until you reach Sankeng, where it merges with the official path.

    Official Route (blue):

    Alternative Route (green): 

    NOTE: To use the routes, please install the App on your smartphone. The App will launch and load the route automatically after you tap the above links on your smartphone’s browser. For Garmin Connect, you can then use the APP to send the route to your garmin device. If your Garmin device is not purchased in Taiwan, you will also need make sure you have the Taiwan map on your device. Here is our blog post on this topic.

    Day 2: Hsinchu County to Changhua City

    Explore the west coast for a day and soak in the stunning sea views. Experience a long, flat stretch with minimal traffic lights, allowing for uninterrupted cycling. At the last part, from Taichung to Changhua, there will be more more towns and traffic lights as you travel inland.

    Hsinchu is situated in the western edge of the island, where the Taiwan Strait is at its narrowest. During the period of north prevailing winds (September – February), wind speed intensifies due to the Venturi effect as winds pass through this channel. Consequently, Hsinchu is renowned, or sometimes infamous, for its robust winds. In the autumn and winter months, cyclists are aided by the wind’s push along the coast. From June to August, the wind direction changes, though it’s typically not excessively strong.

    There are numerous picturesque bike paths along this segment of the west coast. It would be a missed opportunity to solely stick to the main road. Hence, I’ve charted an alternative route that includes some detours, leading you to the coastal edge for quieter surroundings and shaded areas. Keep in mind that our pace might be somewhat slower than on the main road due to the narrower paths and interactions with other road users, especially during holidays. While these detours add 20 km to the overall distance, they decrease total ascents from 665 meters to 320 meters. In case reaching Changhua City becomes challenging, there’s a range of hotels available for an overnight stay in Wuqi District of Taichung. This would be advisable as the following day’s route is shorter, 85 km long.

    Official Route:

    Alternate Route:

    Day 3: Changhua to Chiayi 

    An inland route offering a mix of townships in the first half and rustic countryside in the second.

    Red Iron Bridge Xiluo

    The southern part of Taiwan’s main island boasts a larger expanse of flat land. Although we’ll be cycling closer to the hills, the total ascent is only 301 meters over 80km. The first 35 km pass through five townships: Huatan, yuanlin, Yongjing, Beidou, and Xizhou. The roads are broad with a designated slow lane for scooters and bicycles, but be prepared for more traffic lights that might disrupt your rhythm. As you approach the picturesque Xiluo Bridge, conditions will improve. This bridge then leads to Yulin County, renowned for its agricultural products. The second part of the route offers more pleasant riding, with rustic views prevailing. If you wish to bypass the townships, you can opt to take a train to Shetou. Before departing Changhua, make sure to visit the Changhua Roundhouse, a notable attraction in the area.

    Xilou Bridge is currently closed for maintenance, reportedly until the end of December 2026.

    Cycling Route No. 1 provides an option to cycle to Sun Moon Lake, but this would require an extra day to rejoin the main route.

    Upon reaching Chiayi, consider visiting the restaurant known for its fish head soup, as featured in Netflix’s ‘Street Food: Asia’.

    Official Route

    Day 4: Chiayi to Kaohsiung

    Cycle through Taiwan’s vast Chiayi-Tainan Plain, also known as the Jianan Plain, on a leisurely day’s ride that concludes in Kaohsiung, the country’s third-largest city.

    Flower of Dragon Fruit

    Covering a distance of 100km, this route entails a total ascent of 725 meters. The roads are spacious, featuring an additional slow lane for added comfort. You’ll encounter fewer townships along the way, allowing for the enjoyment of scenic country views throughout the journey.  If you’re making good progress, consider a detour to the Old Waterworks Museum in Shangshang District of Tainan. This historical water process plant, constructed during the Japanese Occupation period, is worth a visit, adding only 3 kilometers to your route. Keep in mind that exploring this beautiful museum might require at least and hour of your time. 

    Continuing along the route and departing from Xin Hua Old Street, you’ll find yourself beneath the High-Speed Railway. Following the Dahu Train station, each town you traverse will progressively grow larger and busier until you arrive at Nanzi district in Kaohsiung. While the official route concludes here for the day, it’s advisable to cycle into the city center for a wider range of hotel options and to avoid morning commuting traffic the following day. More details about hsi can be found in the Day 5 itinerary.

    Official Route:

    Alternate Route:

    Day 5: Kaohsiung to Checheng, Pingtung

    Embark on a day of cycling through Kaohsiung to reach Pingtung, the southernmost county of the island, marking the conclusion of the west coast leg.

    Kaohsiung stands among Taiwan’s major cities, and I’ve sought advice from fellow cyclists on navigating it seamlessly. For those lodging in  Nanzi District, Kaohsiung resident Vivian Wong suggests using the MRT to Xiaogang Station, effectively bypassing the city’s traffic. Bicycles are permitted on the MRT throughout its operating hours, at a fare of NTD 60. If cycling is preferred, Vivian proposes taking County Highway 186 eastward, then transitioning to Provincial Highway 29 to head south. This route enables escape from traffic after Renwu District, with fewer traffic lights. Alternatively, for those open to some climbing, County Highway 186A (186甲) offers an even better options. The suggested route (Alternate Route) is available at the end of this section.

    Eddie Chen, a renowned cycling writer and Vlogger, recommends accommodations near Kaohsiung Train Station, central to the city. As the locals predominantly commute towards the city center for work, cyclists heading in the opposite direction in the morning experience less crowding. Eddie also suggests a detour to Qijin District by ferry from Gushan Ferry Pier. This allows cycling along the picturesque bike paths tracing the elongated island’s southern tip. Upon taking the ferry from Zhong Zhou Ferry Pier to Qianzhen District, the city outskirts come into view. Note that bikes are prohibited in the tunnel at the island’s southern tip.

    Here are the time schedules for Gushan Ferry Pier and Zhong Zhou Ferry Station, respectively.

    Post departure from Fangshan Township, two routes beckon: Provincial Highway 9 and County Highway 199. These routes lead you over the hill and onto the east coast. Provincial Highway 9 comes first. Should this be your preference, consider staying over in Fenggang. Personally, I recommend continuing further south to Checheng, offering more hostel and restaurant options. County Highway 199 also provides ideal for cycling due to lighter traffic, particularly on weekends.

    Most readily available official GPX routes guide you onto Provincial Highway 9. Here the official route is modified slightly to lead you to Checheng.

    Official Route

    Alternate Route

    D6: Pingtung County to Taitung County

    Climbing over to Shoukatiemayi Station and descending to the beautiful east coast

    Today, we take on the challenge of climbing County Highway 199 to Shouka, reaching an altitude of 450 meters to transition from the west coast to the east coast. Due to some ups and downs upon reaching the peak, the total accumulated ascent will be 1300 meters. County Highway 199 is a tranquil road with a moderate gradient. Along the route, you’ll encounter settlements of the Paiwan people, one of the 16 indigenous tribes of Taiwan. Restaurants and stores are still accessible along the route. In case they’re closed as you pass, make sure to stock up on supplies and water at the convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Hi-Life in Mudan.

    Upon completing the climb, you’ll be rewarded with an exhilarating descent and captivating panoramic views of the azure Pacific Ocean along the route from Daren to Taitung. A few more 100-meter climbs are in store. Take breaks and replenish supplies when you reach small towns. If you encounter strong headwinds, it is a good idea to stay in one of the towns like Jinlun or Taimali.

    Following this classic 9-day itinerary, you’ll move on to Provincial Highway 9 for further progress into the Huadong Rift Valley. For more lodging options, consider staying in hot spring hotels in Zhiben or Beinan. If Taitung City is your choice, switch to Provincial Highway 11 for a more direct route. 

    A heads-up

    Day 6 is considered one of the more challenging days. The climb to Shouka is just an appetizer. The South Bound Highway, while stunningly beautiful, is fully exposed to the prevailing northeast wind and features several hilly climbs. Riding against the wind during this season can be exhausting. 

    If you have extra time, it’s a good idea to plan an additional night in one of the small villages along the route, such as Jinlun.

    Train Services:

    • Only four trains from Dawu Station to Taitung Station allow unbagged bikes onboard
    • Departure times from Dawu Station are 07:25, 08:48, 10:50, and 19:23
    • These trains also stop at Longxi, Jinlun, Taimali, Zhiben, and Kangle stations, where cyclists can board with their unbagged bikes.

    Official Route

    D7: Taitung to Hualien County (Ruisui Township)

    Embark on a leisurely cycling journey through Taiwan’s scenic beauty in the Huadong Rift Valley. 

    There are two cycling routes from Taitung to Hualien City: the rift valley route (Provincial Highway 9) and the coastal route (Provincial Highway 11). This classic itinerary suggests taking the rift valley route due to more supply stops and towns for overnight stays. Additionally, the rift valley provides some shielding from the north east prevailing winter winds, making northward cycling easier. 

    Navigation on this route is straightforward. Follow the Provincial Highways northward. Two attractions worth visiting are the Brown Boulevard in Chishang and the Old Dongli Train Station, which serves as the starting point of the Yuli-Fuli Bike Path, exclusively for bikes and running parallel to Provincial Highway 9. Along this bike path, you’ll be led to the Junction of the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate (temporarily closed due to the earthquake on September 18, 2023, expected to reopen by June 6, 2024). Detours to these attractions and the bike path are included in the Alternate Route 1 in this section. 

    However, we still need to cycle on the highways sharing the road with the motorised traffic when there are no bike paths. If you prefer a route with less traffic, Eddie Chen recommends heading west after visiting Brown Boulevard in Chishang, using the Zhuofu Industrial Road (花75) to Yuli. This road offers a close view of the paddy fields with minimal traffic. From Yuli, you can follow County Highway 193 to Ruisui, as suggested in the following route:

    Official Route

    Alternate Route 1 Yuli-Fuli Bike Path

    Yuli-Fuli Bike Path is closed for maintenance after the earthquake on 2022. Expected to open in 2024 Summar

    Alternate Route 2 花75 193

    Andrew, one of the user of Alternate Route 2 in March 2024, reported that the Yuzhang Bridge connecting 花75 to Yuli is blocked. There is another bridge, Zhoufu Industry Road, on the west side for us to cross the river

    D8: Ruisui Township, Hualien to Yilan

    We will continue our scenic journey along the rift valley, from Ruisui to Xincheng, and then opt to take a train to Suaoxin Station (not Suao Station) or (further north stations in Yilan) to bypass the challenging Suhua Highway. 

    Below are the daily train options, allowing you to bring your bikes on board by purchasing a bike ticket which costs half the adult fare at any station with ticketing staff available. Here is more information regarding taking a bike onto a train.

    When heading north from Ruisui, the most straightforward route is via Provincial HIghway 9. While County Highway 193 remains a good choice, it becomes hillier beyond Ruisui. Covering a distance of 63 km, the total ascent reaches 700 meters on County Highway 193, whereas on Provincial Highway 9, covering 65 km, the total ascent is a more manageable 314 meters. Upon arriving at Hualien Station, you won’t need to cycle to Xincheng Station to catch the train, as there are direct trains to various stations in Yilan.
    If you prefer not to take the train, you’ll face the challenging Suhua Highway, for which I’ve written a post about it to assist you in deciding whether to take on this formidable route. In the case of cycling on Suhua Highway, you may need to cover more distance the preceding days and commence your ride from Hualien City or further north.

    Official Route

    Part 1: Total distance 96.77 km | Total ascent 348 m | Total descent 455 m

    Part 2: Total distance 14.29 km | Total accent: 19 m | Total descent 41 m

    D9: Yilan to Taipei

    This is the last day of the Classic 9 day around the Island. We would cycle through Yilan and get back to Taipei.

    The official route suggests you head northwards on Provincial Highway 2 to the north east point of Sandiaojiao where you would find lots of beautiful attractions like Sandiaojio Lighthouse, Maoao Fishing Harbour connected by a bikeway loop separated from the main road. One of the highlights is the  2-kilometre Old Caoling Tunnel converted from an old train tunnel. 

    However, before reaching the entrance of the bikeway, you will need to share Provincial Highway 2 with lots of heavy trucks for 20 km after Toucheng. There should be fewer heavy trucks during weekends or holidays. At the entrance of the bikeway, heading north, the Old Caoling Tunnel provides a shortcut to Fulong Station, offering a cool and surreal cycling experience. Heading east, the separated bikeway running along Provincial Highway 2 provides beautiful views of the coast and other attractions. 

    At Fulong Station, the heavy trucks will continue their journey on Provincial Highway 2 until they reach Ruifang. We will be parted with them and witch to Provincial Highway 2C (2丙)and 5 to get back to Taipei. While Provincial HIghway 2C (2丙), a wide and flat road, offers an enjoyable route with serene views of the green hills, Provincial Highway 5, connecting Keelung to Taipei, has more urban traffic, especially during rush hours. Looking at the elevation profile of Garmin route, you may notice a sharp peak of 525 meters on Provincial Highway 2C. Please note that you don’t need to climb that hill; there’s a tunnel. Komoot provides a more accurate elevation profile. 

    If you’d like to avoid the traffic on Provincial Highway 5, you can switch to County Highway 106 at Shifen. However, this County Highway is also popular among motorcyclists, so it might be noisy during weekends. After passing this 7-Eleven, you can then Climb County Highway 109 to get back to Nangang, Taipei.

    Another route to return to Xindian District of New Taipei involves climbing two peaks of over 500 meters, with a total ascent of 107 meters, via Provincial Highway 9 through Pinglin District. However I wouldn’t recommend taking this route during weekends or holidays, as it’s usually crowded with high-speed motorcycles. The roaring engines make it nosy, and some of them may try to pass each turn at maximum speed, increasing the risk of accidents.
    Upon reading Taipei, you can use these two posts to plan your route within the urban area of Taipei: Navigate the Riverside Bikeways in Taipei and New Taipei and How to Get Around Taipei Urban Area by Bike

    Official Route

    Alternate Route 1 County Highway 106

    Alternate Route 2 Provincial Highway 9

    Tips from our customer

    Levke completed her cycling journey around Taiwan in April 2024. Despite their twists, turns and narrower paths, she found it more enjoyable to cycle on the riverside bikeways from Badu to Taipei. It was particularly meaningful with Taipei 101 becoming closer and larger in front of her eyes when she was riding towards the starting point of Cycling Route No. 1 in Songshan. Here, she generously shares her route with us.

  • Speed Up on the West Coast – A Strategy to Cover the West when Cycling Around Taiwan

    Speed Up on the West Coast – A Strategy to Cover the West when Cycling Around Taiwan

    The Classic 9-Day Cycling Around Taiwan (referred to as the Classic 9-Day itinerary hereafter) offers a comprehensive route allowing cyclists to experience various facets of Taiwan, including the Riverside Bikeways, coastal areas, inland towns, farmlands, and the rift valley. However, some cyclists may find it less appealing to navigate through numerous small towns in the last 20 km of Day 2, the entire Day 3, and Day 4, as Cycle route No. 1 directs riders into the more populous areas on the west side of the island. The increased traffic and lengthy traffic lights during these three days could disrupt our tempo, test our patience, and impede our progress.

    If the itinerary of these two day doesn’t appeal to you and you’re not planning to make a detour to Sun Moon Lake, consider sticking to the less populous coast for reduced traffic and fewer traffic lights. Along this route, roads stretch forward into the limitless horizon, offering uninterrupted cycling with splendid sea views. You can stop at both big and small fishing harbours for breaks and overnight stays. During seasons with north prevailing winds providing tailwinds, it is possible to cover more than 200 km a day by combining two days or more into one. If you’re up for the challenge of cycling around the island in fewer days, this is the route to take.

    Day 1 Songshan to Hsinchu Hugging the West Coast

    Embark on a riverside bikeway journey to Guandu, then trace the west coast from Bali for an uninterrupted cruise to Hsinchu on a flat, wide route.

    In contrast to the Day 1 route in the Classic 9-Day itinerary, which follows the river to Taoyuan followed by a brief climb and descent to Hsinchu, this route takes you to Bali Old Street on the west coast. This area boasts a sparse population, allowing for a seamless seafront cruise with minimal interruptions at traffic lights. Most of the traffic is on the elevated Provincial Highway 61, leaving the ground level for bicycles and creating a quieter atmosphere. Along the way, enjoy scenic spots like the Caota Sand Dunes. After passing Yongan Fishing Harbour, consider taking the Xinwu Green Corridor, a popular bikeway. small hotels dot the coast of Hsinchu, and additional options are available in the city center, just 10 km from the coast.

    Route

    When using this route for navigation, please note that there are two highways overlapping on the west coast: the elevated Western Coastal Expy 61 and roads on the ground level (mainly Provincial Highway 15 or 15A). Bikes are not allowed on the Western Coastal Expy 61. Please stay on ground level at all times unless there is a river to cross where Provincial Highway 15  rises to the same level as Expy 61.

    NOTE: To use the routes, please install the App on your smartphone. The App will launch and load the route automatically after you tap the above links on your smartphone’s browser. For Garmin Connect, you can then use the APP to send the route to your garmin device. If your Garmin device is not purchased in Taiwan, you will also need make sure you have the Taiwan map on your device. Here is our blog post on this topic.

    Day 2 Hsinchu to Taichung or Lukang

    Cycle southward on the long, flat road along the seafront to witness the mesmerising wind farms and scenic beauty of Gaomei Wetlands. Spend the night in either the Wuqi District of Taichung or the historic port city of Lukang, renowned for its rich historical heritage.

    While the last 20 km of Day 2 in the Classic 9-Day itinerary guides you toward populous inland areas, this route directs you to the coast further south, offering thrilling speed rides. The route concludes in Lukang, providing an array of hotel and restaurant choices for dinner. Lukang, once a bustling trading port for deer skins and hides during the Dutch Period, has evolved into a popular tourist destination featuring numerous temples and traditional buildings. 

    If reaching Lukang seems challenging, the Wuqi District in Taichung also offers hotel accommodations.

    In the the suggested route for Day 2, I have included a section to go from Hsinchu Station to the Coast via a dedicated bikeway in case you stayed in near the train station the previous night.

    Route

    NOTE: To use the routes, please install the App on your smartphone. The App will launch and load the route automatically after you tap the above links on your smartphone’s browser. For Garmin Connect, you can then use the APP to send the route to your garmin device. If your Garmin device is not purchased in Taiwan, you will also need make sure you have the Taiwan map on your device. Here is our blog post on this topic.

    Day 3  Taichung or Lukang to Budai

    Bid farewell to Lukang and continue along the endless, straight, flat road until you reach teh small island of Budai.

    If you’re making good progress, consider a short detour to the lighthouse in Fangyuan, where tourists often ride tractors to visit oyster farms and experience oyster harvesting. Returning to the main route, further south, another brief detour to Dongshi offers plenty of restaurants serving fresh oysters.

    As you travel past Dongshi, you’ll pass the Tropic of Cancer, entering Taiwan’s tropical area where temperature rises.

    Upon reaching Budai, the fish market awaits, offering delicious seafood to reward your day of hard work. Please be aware that they close early.

    Route

    NOTE: To use the routes, please install the App on your smartphone. The App will launch and load the route automatically after you tap the above links on your smartphone’s browser. For Garmin Connect, you can then use the APP to send the route to your garmin device. If your Garmin device is not purchased in Taiwan, you will also need make sure you have the Taiwan map on your device. Here is our blog post on this topic.

    Day 4 Budai to Kaohsiung

    Day 4 marks another day of non-stop cycling along the west coast. We’ll depart from Chiayi, pass through Tainan, and converge with Day 5 of the Classic 9-Day itinerary in Kaohsiung. Along the way, you may notice many ponds with water wheels in Tainan. these are likely farms cultivating the ubiquitous milkfish and clams found in Taiwanese supermarkets and restaurants.

    The lengthy Provincial Highway 17 will guide us to the west side of the urban area of Tainan City. Though traffic is bustling, it’s a short distance before we exit the city on our way to Kaohsiung. In addition to oysters and milkfish, beef soup is a beloved dish in Tainan. To explore local options, search for “牛肉湯” on GoogleMaps in Tainan, and you’ll find a plethora of restaurants offering beef soup. Here are four closed to Provincial Highway 17.

    The GPS route will lead you to Nanzi Station but you may stick to Provincial Highway 17 to get to Kaohsiung Station if that’s your destination. The location to stay over will impact how we cycle through the sprawling urban area of Kaohsiung the next day. Please refer to Day 5 of the Classic 9-Day itinerary for the strategies to deal with the busy traffic in the city.

    Route

    NOTE: To use the routes, please install the App on your smartphone. The App will launch and load the route automatically after you tap the above links on your smartphone’s browser. For Garmin Connect, you can then use the APP to send the route to your garmin device. If your Garmin device is not purchased in Taiwan, you will also need make sure you have the Taiwan map on your device. Here is our blog post on this topic.

    So, these are the coastal branches for you to cover the west. Please follow the itinerary outlined in the Classic 9-Day for the rest of the trip.

  • Cycling Routes to Sun Moon Lake: Scenic Alternatives and Travel Tips

    Cycling Routes to Sun Moon Lake: Scenic Alternatives and Travel Tips

    Sun Moon Lake is one of the popular cycling destinations among enthusiasts and tourists in Taiwan. The lake, located in the central part of the country in Nantou County, is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and offers a scenic route that attracts cyclists from various parts of the world.

    There are various ways to cycle to Sun Moon Lake, including a detour from the Classic 9-Day Cycling Around Taiwan or taking a train to different train stations to start the ride. Here, I suggest several routes for you to consider. Given that most fellow cyclists would prefer routes with less traffic, I have chosen those routes along the small roads, mainly on the County Highways. These roads are enjoyable to cycle, but navigating them can be tricky in the dark. The road surface may deteriorate under unfavourable weather conditions. In such circumstances, please switch to the main roads, such as the Provincial Highways.

    Changhua to Sun Moon Lake

    Cycling from Changhua to Sun Moon Lake is one of the most popular routes, serving as a detour from the Classic 9-day Cycling Around Taiwan itinerary. On Day 2, we arrive at Changhua with the option to cycle to Sun Moon Lake or Chiayi the next day. The Official Cycle Route No. 1 (Day 3+1) suggests cycling mainly along Provincial Highway 14 and 21, which are well-maintained and the shortest with less climbing. However, some may find the road too busy, with heavy trucks, making it a rather unpleasant experience, especially after Caotun Township.

    So, here, I suggest an alternative route mainly on county highways. We start from Chunghua Station and soon cycle on County Highway 139, which is recognized as one of the most popular cycling routes in central Taiwan, according to a local cycling magazine. After County Highway 139, we would have covered one-third of the route, having cycled 33 km with a total ascent of 550 meters.

    The second third of the route is from Mingjian Township to Shuili, covering approximately 28 km with a total ascent of 310 meters. Mingjian Township is known for its numerous tea plantations. In Jiji Township, there is a small road that runs alongside the railways.

    The final leg to Sun Moon Lake on County Highway 131 is 21 km, with a total ascent of 523 meters, placing you on the northern side of the lake. If your hotel is closer to the other side, Provincial Highway 21 is also an alternative choice, covering a distance of 15 km with a total ascent of 582 meters.

    In addition to incorporating this route into the around Taiwan itinerary, another option is to take a train directly to Changhua Station and start the ride from there. Here is a list of trains that accommodate unbagged bikes traveling from Songshan Station in Taipei to Changhua Station on a typical weekday. For details on checking train schedules for bikes, please refer to our blog post on how to ride with your bike on public transportation.

    Official Route Changhua to Sun Moon Lake

    Alternate Route 1 Changhua to Sun Moon Lake (Northern Side)

    Alternate Route 2 Changhua to Sun Moon Lake (Southern Side)

    Routes with Less Climbs

    The Alternate Route 1 and 2 from Changhua to Sun Moon Lake that I suggest includes more climbs (1,400 m ~ 1,435 m) than the official route (866 m). One of our customers chose the official route to avoid the climbs. She mentioned that while the first portion was nicer, there were significantly more trucks and cars passing by, with limited space on the road. 

    I consulted Eddie Chen for another route with less climbing and lighter traffic. He suggested taking County Highway 137 from Changhua, followed by County Highway 152 to Jiji. From there, you can take County Highway to Shuili and reach the northern side of Sun Moon Lake via 投66. If your hotel is on the southern side of the lake, you can take Provincial Highway 21 after reaching Shuili. 

    By using these routes, we only need to climb 933 metres to 973 metres and can avoid heavy traffic.

    Changhua to Sun Moon Lake North – by Eddie Chen

    Changhua to Sun Moon Lake South – by Eddie Chen

    Sun Moon Lake to Chiayi

    After visiting Sun Moon Lake, Day 3+2 of the official Cycle Route No. 1 primarily follows Provincial Highways. This route is more direct and involves less climbing, offering a convenient and efficient option for cyclists. However, some riders may still prefer a quieter road, even if it means taking a longer route with more climbing. Here, I suggest this Alternate Route to get to Chiayi from Sun Moon Lake.

    Official Route Sun Moon Lake to Chiayi

    Alternate Route 1 Sun Moon Lake to Chiayi

    Taichung To Sun Moon Lake

    Taichung is another starting point for cycling to Sun Moon Lake, and you can also take a train to Taichung Station to commence your ride.

    Here, I suggest a route that follows county highways to Sun Moon Lake. This route includes three main climbs. The first climb is on County Highway 136, a popular training route for cyclists in Taichung, with a total ascent of 690 meters in 21 km. Most of the ascent occurs as we approach the top, making it progressively steeper.

    After descending 10 km to Guoxing Township, another climb on County Highway 147 is necessary, with a total ascent of 470 meters in 20 km.

    Following a short descent, the final climb, mainly on County Highway 131, is shorter with a total ascent of 281 meters in 10 km. Upon completing these three climbs, you will find yourself on the northern side of the lake.

    If you prefer to take the train to Taichung from Taipei, here is the train schedule that accommodates unbagged bikes on a typical weekday from Songshan station in Taipei.

    Route:

    Ershui Station to Sun Moon Lake

    Ershui Station is the train station closest to Sun Moon Lake and is accessible with bicycles. While there is a Jiji Line connecting Ershui Station to Checheng Station, which is even closer to Sun Moon Lake, unbagged bikes are not allowed on this line. Although it is stated that bagged bikes are allowed, the smaller size of the train makes it impractical to board with your bike. Additionally, the segment from Jiji Station to Checheng Station was destroyed after a typhoon or earthquake in 2022. Passengers heading to Checheng Station need to transfer to buses after Jiji Station. Consequently, it is not advisable to travel with your bikes on the Jiji Line.

    Cyclist YouTuber Eddie Chen has documented his single-day trip from Ershui to Sun Moon Lake with his wife on his video, and this is the route he shared with us.

    Route:

    More Options

    Sending your Bike Beforehand

    Changhua Station and Ershui Station provide bike shipping services. You can utilize these services to send your bike to the respective stations, allowing you to collect your bikes upon arrival and commence your ride. Here is a list of stations with bike shipping services. Typically, it takes 1 to 2 days for the bike to reach its destination. Here is a full list of train station that have bike shipping service.

    Update in June 2025: Bike shipping service in Ershui Station is currently suspended due to construction work.

    High Speed Railway (HSR)

    If you find the train ride too long, you may consider taking the High-Speed Railway (HSR) to Taichung or Changhua. The HSR Taichung Station is just 8.5 km away from Taichung Train Station, and the HSR Changhua Station is 9.5 km from Ershui Station. While a train ride from Taipei to Taichung and Changhua takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours, the HSR takes around 1 hour. To board the HSR, it’s necessary to bag your bikes with two wheels off.

  • Cycling the Suhua Highway: Evaluating Challenges, Experiences, and Factors to Consider

    Cycling the Suhua Highway: Evaluating Challenges, Experiences, and Factors to Consider

    Farewell to the section of Daqingshui to Horen (Provincial Highway 9D 64K to 69K)

    The 403 Earthquake in 2024 and the subsequent typhoons brought severe damage to the 5km section of Provincial Highway 9D (9丁) between Daqingshui (大清水) and Horen 和仁. The government announced in January 2026 that they won’t be repairing this section (Provincial Highway 9D 64K to 69K) anymore. all traffic is now redirected through Provincial Highway 9 between Daqingshui and Horen.

    To avoid the heavy traffic on Provincial Highway 9 and cycle only on Provincial Highway 9D, you may take a train to Heping Station, cycle to Nan’ao Station, and then take a train to Dong’ao Station to resume cycling from there.

    The Suhua Highway is a treacherous and narrow roadway that winds along the edge of a steep cliff, connecting Hualien to Yilan. It navigates through hilly terrain, featuring three major climbs and noisy tunnels. Cycling on this route is considerably more challenging compared to other sections of Cycle Route No. 1. As a result, it is often recommended to take the train with our bikes to bypass this segment.

    However, cycling on Suhua Highway offers stunning coastal views, challenging terrain, a sense of adventure, and a refreshing experience in nature. Some cyclists embrace the opportunity for the breathtaking views and the exhilarating experience of tackling the challenging terrain.

    We had customers wondering if they should do it. Here are my thoughts about whether to cycle on this part.

    Challenging: long with lots of climbing

    The Suhua Highway from Xincheng to Su’aoxin is not an easy one. We have 82 km to cover with several peaks to climb, resulting in a total ascent of 1,675m according to Garmin Connect. We need to estimate our strength and decide how challenging we want our day to be.

    Risks posed by Mother Nature

    There are also some risks involved in cycling on this route. First, the risk posed by mother nature. Landslides and falling rocks on the road, though not common, can occur, particularly after earthquakes, heavy rains, and typhoons.

    Risk posed by other vehicles

    Secondly, there is a risk posed by other road users such as heavy trucks, coaches, and cars. The road is narrow, leaving less space for those vehicles to overtake bicycles.

    Another challenge is cycling through the tunnels with those vehicles. Along the route, there are several narrow tunnels where the noises produced by heavy vehicles can be trapped inside, making it unpleasant to the ears.

    New Suhua Highway 

    The situation has improved after the Directorate General of Highways finished building the new Suhua Highway (Provincial Highway 9) in 2021. The new highway has diverted more traffic from the old one (Provincial Highway 9丁), making some of the sections more like a road exclusively for bikes. Which are shown on the map below in blue:

    • Daqingshui to Hezhong: 10.7km, Total Ascent 252m
    • Heping to Nanao: 25.9km, Total Ascent 453m
    • Dongao to Suaoxing: 18.84km, Total Ascent 420m

    Sections with Combined Traffics

    However, there are still some sections where the two highways merge and the traffic combine (shown on the map above in red). These sections are:

    • Xincheng to Daqinshui: 12.66km, Total Ascent 323m with 4 tunnels
      • 崇德隧道 (Chongde Tunnel): Length 325m, Width 7.5m
      • 匯德隧道 (Huide Tunnel): Length 1460m, Width 7.5m
      • 錦文隧道 (Jinwen Tunnel): Length 406m
      • 大清水隧道 (Daqingshui Tunnel): Length 521m, Width 7.5m
    • Hezhong to Heping: 3.63km, Total Ascent 24m
    • Nanao to Dongao: 10.94km, Total Ascent 275m with 1 tunnel
      • 新澳隧道 (Xinao Tunnel): Length 1267m, Two pipes (northbound pipe has two lanes)

    Update on January 2026: Since the Provincial Highway 9D between Daqinshui to Horen Station is severely damaged and there is no plan to repair it, the Overlapping Sections from Xincheng to Daqinshui is extended to Horen Station. The total distance from Xincheng to Horen Station is 15.6km, Total Ascent Estimated 300m (Data shown on Garmin route is exaggerated because the software failed to recognise the tunnel).

    Strategies and Tips

    If you are well-informed and decide to cycle on this part, here are some tips I would like to share with you:

    Cycle Only in Favorable Weather

    • Riding in poor weather conditions is both risky and unpleasant. Always choose to cycle when the weather is clear and stable.

    Be Mindful of Heavy Trucks

    • Although heavy trucks can be loud, their drivers are experienced and familiar with the route. They usually wait patiently for a safe opportunity to overtake cyclists. To make it easier for them, it’s best to ride in pairs rather than forming a long line, which can make overtaking more difficult.

    Cycling Northwards Is More Advantageous

    • Traveling northward (anti-clockwise around the island) offers several benefits. Most attractions are located on the sea side, and since Taiwan follows right-hand traffic, this direction allows for better coastal views without needing to cross the road. Additionally, it’s easier to spot falling rocks on this side.

    Plan Your Ride Timing Carefully

    • For Northbound Riders: Start early to pass through the four tunnels between Chongde and Daqingshui before traffic builds up. Beyond Daqingshui, most tunnels are located along the Old Suhua Highway (9丁 or 9D), where traffic is lighter. The final shared section of the new and old routes, from Nanao to Dongao, spans 11 km with a total ascent of 275 m and a 1.2 km tunnel. Assess your stamina, traffic conditions, weather, and time of day. If needed, you can take a train without bagging your bike to Dongao or Suaoxin.
    • For Southbound Riders: Start early to get through the Nanao–Dongao section before traffic increases.

    Use the Truck Drivers’ Lunch Break to Your Advantage

    • Between 12:00 and 1:00 pm, most truck drivers take their lunch break, leading to lighter traffic. Utilize this window to cycle through the busier sections more safely.

    Take the Train to Skip the Busy Sections

    If you only want to cycle on the best part of Suhua Highway (Provincial Highway 9D)  and skip those sections with heavy traffics, you can take a train from Xincheng Taoroko Station to Heping Station and then enjoy the  ride to Nan’ao Station on Provincial Highway  9D. Then take a train to Dong’ao Station and then ride all the way to Su’ao on Provincial Highway  9D. There are plenty of trains that allow you to push the bikes onboard after buying a ticket for your bike at half the adult fare. You can learn more about this from our blogpost on How to Ride with Your Bike on Public Transportation in Taiwan.

    Experience sharing from our customer

    Kevin, who did the around-the-island in September 2023, rode the Suhua Highway. He set off at 5:00 am from Xincheng and found the overlapping sections in Chongde very manageable in the early morning. When he reached Nan’ao around 10:00 am, there were heavy trucks. He said the heavy trucks usually came in waves. His strategy was to stop at the roadside to give way to the trucks first. Then he would have a window of about 10 minutes or so without the trucks. It would be long enough to cover a tunnel.

    During the Lunar New Year in 2026, JM and co. cycled north from Nan’ao and enjoyed favourable weather. They reported that the section from Nan’ao to Dong’ao was safe and wide enough for cycling, likely due to a reduced number of heavy trucks during the holiday. Furthermore, the route from Dong’ao to Su’ao was described as an “absolute dream for a cycler,” potentially ranking among the top ten cycling roads globally.

    Route – Xincheng (Taroko) Station to Su’aoxin Station

  • Cycling Route No. 1 – 25 Taichung-Changhua-Nantou Circular Route

    Cycling Route No. 1 – 25 Taichung-Changhua-Nantou Circular Route

    Cycling Route No. 1 - 25 Taichung-Changhua-Nantou Circular Route
    Cycling Route No. 1 – 25 Taichung-Changhua-Nantou Circular Route

    Route Overview

    Total distance 65.3 km | Total ascent 776.42 m | Total descent 833.79 m

    Taichung Station (Fuxing Road) → Dazhi Road → Jiancheng Road → Provincial Highway 3 → Dali Bridge South End → Beihu Street → Dafeng Road → Caohu Road → Provincial Highway 3 → Shengfu Road → Zuci Road → Provincial Highway 3 → County Road 139 → Provincial Highway 1 → Cycling Route No. 1

    GPX Routes

    NOTE: To use the routes, please install the App on your smartphone. The App will launch and load the route automatically after you tap the above links on your smartphone’s browser. For Garmin Connect, you can then use the APP to send the route to your garmin device. If your Garmin device is not purchased in Taiwan, you will also need make sure you have the Taiwan map on your device. Here is our blog post on this topic.

    Disclaimer

    We DO NOT own the graphic and information in this post – it all came from the Taiwan Cycling Single Portal built and maintained by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Taiwan Government. This website is the authoritative source of information for all those who plan to do the around-the-island trip in Taiwan. It’s very useful, but unfortunately not very user-friendly in our opinion. Therefore, what we are trying to do here is to re-organize the information in a way that we find handy and mobile-friendly.

  • Cycling Route No. 1 – 24 Gukeng-Meishan Branch Route

    Cycling Route No. 1 – 24 Gukeng-Meishan Branch Route

    Cycling Route No. 1 - 24 Gukeng-Meishan Branch Route
    Cycling Route No. 1 – 24 Gukeng-Meishan Branch Route

    Route Overview

    Total distance 36.8 km | Total ascent 398.66 m | Total descent 383.79 m

    Provincial Highway 3 (Douliu → Zhuqi) → Luming Road → County Road 159 → Zhongxiao Road → Cycling Route No. 1

    GPX Routes

    NOTE: To use the routes, please install the App on your smartphone. The App will launch and load the route automatically after you tap the above links on your smartphone’s browser. For Garmin Connect, you can then use the APP to send the route to your garmin device. If your Garmin device is not purchased in Taiwan, you will also need make sure you have the Taiwan map on your device. Here is our blog post on this topic.

    Disclaimer

    We DO NOT own the graphic and information in this post – it all came from the Taiwan Cycling Single Portal built and maintained by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Taiwan Government. This website is the authoritative source of information for all those who plan to do the around-the-island trip in Taiwan. It’s very useful, but unfortunately not very user-friendly in our opinion. Therefore, what we are trying to do here is to re-organize the information in a way that we find handy and mobile-friendly.

  • Cycling Route No. 1 – 23 Kaohsiung Chaozhou Branch Route

    Cycling Route No. 1 – 23 Kaohsiung Chaozhou Branch Route

    Cycling Route No. 1 - 23 Kaohsiung Chaozhou Branch Route
    Cycling Route No. 1 – 23 Kaohsiung Chaozhou Branch Route

    Route Overview

    Total distance 60.4 km | Total ascent 189.50 m | Total descent 196.02 m

    Bo’ai 1st Road → Provincial Highway 1 (Fengshan-Chaozhou)

    GPX Routes

    NOTE: To use the routes, please install the App on your smartphone. The App will launch and load the route automatically after you tap the above links on your smartphone’s browser. For Garmin Connect, you can then use the APP to send the route to your garmin device. If your Garmin device is not purchased in Taiwan, you will also need make sure you have the Taiwan map on your device. Here is our blog post on this topic.

    Disclaimer

    We DO NOT own the graphic and information in this post – it all came from the Taiwan Cycling Single Portal built and maintained by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Taiwan Government. This website is the authoritative source of information for all those who plan to do the around-the-island trip in Taiwan. It’s very useful, but unfortunately not very user-friendly in our opinion. Therefore, what we are trying to do here is to re-organize the information in a way that we find handy and mobile-friendly.

  • Cycling Route No. 1 – 22 National Museum of Marine Science & Technology Branch Route

    Cycling Route No. 1 – 22 National Museum of Marine Science & Technology Branch Route

    Cycling Route No. 1 - 22 National Museum of Marine Science & Technology Branch Route
    Cycling Route No. 1 – 22 National Museum of Marine Science & Technology Branch Route

    Route Overview

    Total distance 36.9 km | Total ascent 724.83 m | Total descent 750.23 m

    Provincial Highway 2 (National Taiwan Ocean University in Fulong) → Keelung Station – Provincial Highway 2 (Xiangfeng Street, Provincial Highway 2)

    GPX Routes

    NOTE: To use the routes, please install the App on your smartphone. The App will launch and load the route automatically after you tap the above links on your smartphone’s browser. For Garmin Connect, you can then use the APP to send the route to your garmin device. If your Garmin device is not purchased in Taiwan, you will also need make sure you have the Taiwan map on your device. Here is our blog post on this topic.

    Disclaimer

    We DO NOT own the graphic and information in this post – it all came from the Taiwan Cycling Single Portal built and maintained by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Taiwan Government. This website is the authoritative source of information for all those who plan to do the around-the-island trip in Taiwan. It’s very useful, but unfortunately not very user-friendly in our opinion. Therefore, what we are trying to do here is to re-organize the information in a way that we find handy and mobile-friendly.

  • Cycling Route No. 1 – 21 Pingtung Mountain to Sea Branch Route

    Cycling Route No. 1 – 21 Pingtung Mountain to Sea Branch Route

    Cycling Route No. 1 - 21 Pingtung Mountain to Sea Branch Route
    Cycling Route No. 1 – 21 Pingtung Mountain to Sea Branch Route

    Route Overview

    Total distance 42.1 km | Total ascent 116.73 m | Total descent 242.98 m

    Provincial Highway 24 (Sandimen → Changzhi → Pingtung) → Provincial Highway 27 (Pingtung, Wandan, Xinyuan, Donggang Provincial Highway 17)

    GPX Routes

    NOTE: To use the routes, please install the App on your smartphone. The App will launch and load the route automatically after you tap the above links on your smartphone’s browser. For Garmin Connect, you can then use the APP to send the route to your garmin device. If your Garmin device is not purchased in Taiwan, you will also need make sure you have the Taiwan map on your device. Here is our blog post on this topic.

    Disclaimer

    We DO NOT own the graphic and information in this post – it all came from the Taiwan Cycling Single Portal built and maintained by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Taiwan Government. This website is the authoritative source of information for all those who plan to do the around-the-island trip in Taiwan. It’s very useful, but unfortunately not very user-friendly in our opinion. Therefore, what we are trying to do here is to re-organize the information in a way that we find handy and mobile-friendly.

  • Cycling Route No. 1 – 20 Kenting Circular Route

    Cycling Route No. 1 – 20 Kenting Circular Route

    Cycling Route No. 1 - 20 Kenting Circular Route
    Cycling Route No. 1 – 20 Kenting Circular Route

    Route Overview

    Total distance 83 km | Total ascent 1585.65 m | Total descent 1860.08 m

    Provincial Highway 26 (Hengchun) → Dawan Road → Provincial Highway 26 → County Road 200A → County Road 200 → Provincial Highway 26 → County Road 199A → County Road 199

    GPX Routes

    NOTE: To use the routes, please install the App on your smartphone. The App will launch and load the route automatically after you tap the above links on your smartphone’s browser. For Garmin Connect, you can then use the APP to send the route to your garmin device. If your Garmin device is not purchased in Taiwan, you will also need make sure you have the Taiwan map on your device. Here is our blog post on this topic.

    Disclaimer

    We DO NOT own the graphic and information in this post – it all came from the Taiwan Cycling Single Portal built and maintained by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Taiwan Government. This website is the authoritative source of information for all those who plan to do the around-the-island trip in Taiwan. It’s very useful, but unfortunately not very user-friendly in our opinion. Therefore, what we are trying to do here is to re-organize the information in a way that we find handy and mobile-friendly.