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Round-the-Island

The full loop: central mountains, the south, the wild east coast and Taroko

1,672km

24,330m up

18riding days

18stages

18 riding days +4 easier days · +3 rest days.

Summary

Your cycling journey through Taiwan begins at the foot of Taipei 101, where the city's energy fades as you climb into the mountains to the south. After a short first day to Fuxing, the stretch past Neiwan to Nanzhuang is a serious challenge, with steep, quiet roads and sweeping views over the Shimen Reservoir. You can take it easier along Provincial Highway 3, rolling past some traditional towns, or go all in via the legendary Yulao Pass, rewarded with immense panoramas.

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From Nanzhuang the route continues south through forested hills towards Taichung. Enjoy a relaxing night in the city, which you'll leave the next day up the classic Chikan Peak route and down into Puli, gateway to the central highlands. Next, the road winds through Ren'ai and optionally all the way up to Wuling Peak at 3,275 m. Climb against a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery through the Aowanda/Bukai valley to Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan's most iconic destinations.

Take a rest day to loop the lake or simply enjoy its calm waters before tackling one of the country's great ascents: the long, winding climb over the Yushan (Tataka) Pass, cresting at 2,600 m, then descending into the lush tea region of Alishan. Enjoy a local tea tasting and a beautiful morning hike. From Alishan, the descent through the 36 Hairpins of Meishan takes you to Chiayi. From there you can even take an Alishan Forest Railway return trip to the 2,400 m summit!

From Chiayi, you'll continue south through rolling countryside over the Dongshan Coffee Highway and past the Zengwen Reservoir to the cozy Hakka village of Meinong (or, alternatively, to Tainan, Taiwan's cultural heart). The route then moves through dramatic badlands towards Kaohsiung, a vibrant port city where art, industry and oceanfront life blend together. Ride on to Kenting, the tropical southern tip with open coastal roads and palm-lined beaches.

From there, the route traces the wild Pacific coastline to Taitung, following the serene East Rift Valley north through Yuli and on to Hualien, where rice fields and mountain ridges define the landscape. A final challenge awaits in Taroko Gorge, where towering cliffs (optionally) lead to the summit of Wuling Peak at 3,275 m, the highest road in Taiwan. From there, descend through Lishan to Jiaoxi, a convenient stop before your last climbs through Jiufen and over Yangmingshan, returning at last to Taipei. You'll finish where you began, having ridden the full length of the island, from its northern peaks to its tropical southern shores and back again.

Main stops: Taipei – Fuxing – Shimen Reservoir – Neiwan – Nanzhuang – Taichung – Chikan Peak – Ren'ai – (Wuling Peak) – Aowanda/Bukai – Sun Moon Lake – Yushan Pass – Alishan – Fenqihu – Zhangshuhu – Meishan 36 Hairpins – Chiayi – Dongshan Coffee Highway – Zengwen Reservoir – Meinong – Tianliao badlands – Foguangshan – Kaohsiung – (Xiaoliuqiu) – Kenting – Taitung/Dulan – East Rift Valley – Yuli – Hualien – Taroko Gorge – (Wuling Peak) – Lishan – Jiaoxi – Jiufen – Keelung – Yangmingshan – Taipei

Day by day

⑂ Route splits in Hualien

Two ways to Jiaoxi. Pick one; the list below follows your choice.

Total of the stages above: 1,672 km · 24,350 m up. Options per stage are on each stage page.