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

• Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/246886378
• Velodash: https://velodash.page.link/zLuP
• komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1443888570

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

• Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/248551477
• Velodash: https://velodash.page.link/dzuu
• komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1443911973

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

• Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/249557607
• Velodash: https://velodash.page.link/vrhi
• komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1443928807

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.

• 旗哥牛肉湯 Qi Ge beef soup
• 阿安牛肉清湯 Ah An Beef Soup
• 文章牛肉 Win Chang Beef Soup
• 鴻品牛肉湯 Hong Pin Beef Soup

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

• Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/249558602
• Velodash: https://velodash.page.link/JNcn
• komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1443943520

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.

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

• Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/144774721
• Velodash: https://velodash.page.link/z4rc
• komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1024244045

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

• Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/237480848
• Velodash: https://velodash.page.link/ot63
• komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1388722602

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

• Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/237558993
• Velodash: https://velodash.page.link/Pqg1
• komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1388726498

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

• Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/333415907
• Velodash: https://velodash.page.link/fd86
• komoot:  https://www.komoot.com/tour/2065762574
  

Changhua to Sun Moon Lake South – by Eddie Chen

• Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/333547906
• Velodash: https://velodash.page.link/z3Zh
• komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2065764449
  

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

• Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/144775646
• Velodash: https://velodash.page.link/YwzL
• komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1024245596

Alternate Route 1 Sun Moon Lake to Chiayi

• Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/239111469
• Velodash: https://velodash.page.link/5BUQ
• komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1388990275

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:

• Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/239512810
• Velodash: https://velodash.page.link/dWSo
• komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1388990907

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:

• Garmin: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/239512106
• Velodash: https://velodash.page.link/vgkA
• komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1388992273

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.