Cycling in Taiwan: the inside guide

Table of contents

This guide contains a lot of useful information. To help make it more digestible, we’ve broken it down into several sections:

• Cycling Taiwan overview
• Geography
• What are the roads like?
• Best regions and routes
• Road cycling events
• Best hotels for cyclists
• Bike hire
• When to cycle?
• Tips
• How to get to Taiwan?

Cycling Taiwan: what’s it like from a cyclist’s perspective?

In short, Taiwan offers an impressive range of riding. There are gentler routes through valleys and along sections of coast, as well as long mountain roads capable of testing experienced climbers.

Though Taiwan is smaller than many cycling destinations around the world, it offers remarkable variety.

Taiwan is a mountainous island in East Asia bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the East China Sea to the west. The combination of warm coastal waters and high mountains creates an environment that feels constantly varied from the saddle.

One of the most striking things about riding here is how quickly the landscape changes. A route can begin among tropical countryside and rice fields before climbing into cool cloud forests and mountain roads. Within a relatively short distance, cyclists can move between remote valleys, busy urban areas and sweeping coastal roads.

That variety extends to the challenge too. Taiwan has gentle routes suited to leisure riding, but it also has roads capable of putting even very strong cyclists through their paces.

How difficult a ride feels depends heavily on where you choose to go. Distance can also be misleading. Elevation, heat, humidity and remoteness can all make an apparently manageable day considerably tougher.

Geography of Taiwan

Taiwan sits in East Asia, with Japan to the northeast and mainland China to the northwest. On paper it is not especially large – at around 36,000 square kilometres it is roughly one seventh the size of the UK – but size can be misleading here. For cyclists, Taiwan often feels much bigger than the map suggests.

That is largely because the landscape changes so dramatically. Distances that appear manageable can quickly become demanding once mountains enter the picture, and it is perfectly possible to start riding near sea level and find yourself high in the mountains only a few hours later.

The island is home to around 23 million people, with busy cities concentrated around the coasts and western plains, while vast mountain regions dominate much of the interior. It is this contrast between urban life, coastline and remote mountain landscapes that gives riding in Taiwan so much variety.

From a cyclist’s perspective, the main thing to take from Taiwan’s geography is the contrast. The west is more populated and urban, while the east and mountainous interior offer many of the quieter landscapes visiting riders are likely to be looking for.

Mountains

Taiwan owes much of its dramatic landscape to its geology. The island sits where the Eurasian Plate and Philippine Sea Plate meet, creating one of the most mountainous islands in the world.

The figures are striking: Taiwan has 284 peaks rising above 3,000 metres and its highest mountain, Yushan, reaches 3,952 metres. Even riders who arrive with no particular plans to tackle huge mountain days quickly realise how dominant the mountains are here. Roads frequently climb high into forested slopes and cloud-covered ridgelines, and even rides that begin gently can turn into substantial climbing days.

For cyclists, this terrain creates enormous variety. There are long valley roads, twisting mountain descents and climbs that seem to continue around corner after corner before disappearing into the clouds.

Riders planning mountain routes will want to look beyond distance alone. Elevation gain, available services and changing weather can all have a major impact on the day.

Central Taiwan

Central Taiwan is where riders looking for serious climbing usually end up.

The island’s highest mountains sit through the centre, and the roads here can feel very different from the shorter, sharper climbs many cyclists may be used to elsewhere. Around places such as Nantou, roads rise steadily for long periods, creating the kind of sustained efforts more often associated with famous Alpine climbs.

There are also opportunities for memorable multi-day rides through the mountains, linking areas such as Yilan in the northeast with destinations including Sun Moon Lake and Nantou further south.

Part of the appeal of riding here is the feeling of remoteness. Small farming communities and indigenous villages are scattered through the mountains and there are roads where you can ride for long stretches without seeing much traffic at all. Some villages have seen relatively few overseas visitors, giving parts of the region a sense of actual discovery.

That remoteness does require some planning. Accommodation can become surprisingly limited once you move away from larger towns, and shops and services become less frequent too.

The climbing itself also deserves respect. Taiwan’s mountain roads have a habit of looking manageable on a map before turning into long, demanding efforts that continue for hours. Experienced riders often compare some of the toughest routes here with challenges found in the Alps or Pyrenees.

Central Taiwan is likely to appeal most to stronger riders who actively want long climbing days and more remote roads.

East Taiwan

Taiwan’s east coast has a very different feel.

The riding here is generally gentler, with rolling roads rather than relentless climbing, although there are still plenty of hills to keep things interesting. Much of the attraction comes from the scenery itself. In places, you ride with mountains rising on one side and the Pacific Ocean stretching away on the other.

The towns along the eastern side of the island also feel noticeably different from the larger urban areas in the west. Places such as Hualien and Taitung are particularly popular with cyclists because roads often carry less traffic and the atmosphere feels calmer and more spacious.

For first-time visitors looking for a balance of scenery, manageable riding and access to useful towns and services, east Taiwan is well worth considering.

Further north-east around Yilan, the terrain becomes hillier again as broad coastal plains give way to more contrasting landscapes. Some of the towns here also retain links with Taiwan’s Japanese colonial history, including former mining settlements such as Jiufen and Shifen that have since become well-known visitor destinations.

South Taiwan

Southern Taiwan feels noticeably different again, with a more tropical character than much of the island further north.

Large sections of the south coast are protected by Kenting National Park, where quiet roads pass through coastal landscapes and subtropical scenery. Many riders consider this area among the most enjoyable places for a relaxed day on the bike.

South-east Taiwan is also home to the Huadong Rift Valley, a broad plain running between the central and eastern mountain ranges. Formed by tectonic activity, the valley created a relatively flat corridor framed by mountains on either side.

For cyclists, it creates a very different riding experience from Taiwan’s mountainous interior. Roads run through broad agricultural landscapes, past rice fields and gently rolling countryside rather than endless climbing. Beyond the eastern mountains, coastal roads follow the Pacific and pass through fishing villages where seafood remains central to daily life.

The south and south-east are particularly worth considering if you want scenic riding without committing to the sustained climbing found in central Taiwan.

What are the roads like?

Road cyclists visiting Taiwan are often surprised by the quality of the roads.

Surfaces are generally very good, with smooth asphalt and relatively little gravel or broken road surface compared with some other cycling destinations. Provincial highways, county roads, local roads and dedicated cycle routes can all provide enjoyable riding.

One of the more unusual features for visitors is the prevalence of dedicated lanes for two-wheeled traffic. Although commonly described as bike lanes, they are often shared with scooters as well. It can feel slightly chaotic at first, but there is an upside: drivers are extremely used to having cyclists and other two-wheeled vehicles around them.

Road conditions can become more variable in remote mountain regions, particularly after periods of bad weather where landslides occasionally affect routes, but overall Taiwan offers a road riding experience that many visitors find unexpectedly good.

It is worth checking routes rather than assuming every road suggested by a navigation app is legal or suitable for cycling. Some road classifications prohibit bicycles, while weather can also affect access in mountain areas.

What are the best regions (and cycling routes) in Taiwan?

Taiwan may be relatively compact, but where you ride makes a huge difference to the experience. Some regions are defined by big mountain roads and sustained climbing, while others are shaped by coastal scenery, farmland or quieter countryside riding. One of Taiwan’s strengths as a cycling destination is the contrast between regions; you can move from tropical coastlines to mountain roads and broad valleys within a relatively short distance.

Huadong Valley

For many cyclists, Huadong Valley offers some of the most enjoyable and relaxed riding in Taiwan.

Running through south-east Taiwan between the central and eastern mountain ranges, the valley feels very different from the mountain roads elsewhere on the island. Instead of long, sustained climbing days, the riding here is generally gentler, with broad landscapes and rolling roads replacing relentless ascents.

The roads pass through rice paddies and other farmlands, with mountains rising in the distance on either side of the valley. It is the sort of riding where attention often drifts away from power numbers and gradients and towards the scenery itself.

One of the region’s best-known landmarks is Wuhe Terrace, home to a marker denoting the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5° north latitude. It has become a popular stopping point for riders passing through the area and a traditional photo opportunity.

Ruisui also makes a memorable overnight stop. Located roughly a day’s ride south of Hualien, the village sits close to the mountains and is known for its public hot springs. After a day in the saddle, soaking in naturally heated water while looking up at forested mountainsides is not a bad way to finish the ride.

East Coast

Taiwan’s east coast consistently appears among cyclists’ favourite places to ride.

The appeal becomes obvious quickly. Large stretches of road combine expansive Pacific Ocean views with lighter traffic and a more open, less developed feel than parts of western Taiwan. In places, you ride with mountains rising inland on one side while the Pacific stretches away on the other.

Much of the riding follows Highway 11, which traces the coastline southwards. The first 40 kilometres include several longer climbs of around 5–6 kilometres each before gradually easing into shorter rolling hills, creating a steadier ride.

Around Changbin, roads climb towards the Coastal Mountain Range and reward the effort with elevated views over the Pacific. Further south, Dulan offers a noticeably different atmosphere from many of Taiwan’s other towns. Known for its surf culture, beach bars and independent shops, it has developed a laid-back feel that encourages many riders to stop for longer than originally planned.

There are also worthwhile options for leaving the coast and heading inland. Some of the quieter roads crossing through the eastern mountains and into the Huadong Rift Valley pass small indigenous communities and cut through dramatic gorges before opening back into broader landscapes. Traffic can be extremely light and some sections feel surprisingly remote.

One road worth avoiding, however, is the Suhua Highway. Although it links sections of the east coast, it is generally considered unsuitable for cycling because of heavy traffic and numerous long tunnels.

Kenting

Taiwan’s southernmost region feels noticeably different again, with a distinctly tropical atmosphere.

Located on the Hengchun Peninsula, Kenting combines warm weather, coral coastlines and quieter roads that lend themselves particularly well to cycling. Roads pass through Kenting National Park and along stretches of coast where the riding rises and falls over gentle rolling terrain.

Highway 26, connecting Xuhai and Kenting, is especially well known for its coastal scenery and offers some of the most natural and uninterrupted sea views on the island.

The riding here tends to feel different from Taiwan’s mountainous interior. Climbs are generally shorter, the atmosphere more relaxed and the landscape more open. Riders looking to combine cycling with time on the coast often find it makes an appealing contrast to Taiwan’s mountain regions.

Special mention: route 1

For cyclists attracted by long-distance challenges, Taiwan’s famous Route No.1 is difficult to ignore.

The route circles the island over approximately 960 kilometres and includes around 5,420 metres of climbing. Most riders take at least nine days to complete it, although that varies considerably depending on pace and how much time you want to spend exploring along the way.

Despite its name, Route No.1 is not a single dedicated path. It combines roads and cycle paths and navigation occasionally becomes less intuitive through larger towns and cities, so riders should not expect a continuously obvious route from start to finish.

The official starting point sits at Taipei Songshan Station, although the route can realistically be joined from anywhere around the island before eventually looping back to Taipei.

Route No.1 is also only part of a much larger network. Taiwan has numerous additional signed cycling routes linking many of the island’s best-known landscapes and attractions, giving riders plenty of opportunities to build routes of their own.

Street in Taipei at night

What are the key road cycling events in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s cycling scene has grown steadily in recent years and the country now hosts events ranging from large-scale participation rides to some genuinely demanding challenges. For riders who enjoy testing themselves on big terrain, one event in particular has become internationally recognised.

Taiwan KOM Challenge

The Taiwan KOM Challenge has earned a reputation as one of the toughest organised cycling events in the world and is now firmly established on many riders’ bucket lists.

Held annually each October and organised by the Taiwan Cyclist Federation, the event challenges both professional and amateur riders on what is often described as the “longest climb”. The route starts close to sea level on Taiwan’s east coast and climbs continuously for around 105 kilometres, finishing at Wuling Pass on Mount Hehuan, the highest passable road in Taiwan.

Over the course of the ride, cyclists gain approximately 3,275 metres of elevation. The numbers alone make it a significant challenge, but what riders often remember most is how dramatically the surroundings change during the climb. The route gradually leaves behind the warmer subtropical conditions of the coast and climbs into increasingly rugged mountain landscapes before reaching the high-altitude roads of Taiwan’s interior.

Although elite riders race aggressively at the front, for many participants simply reaching the summit is challenge enough. Even among experienced cyclists, the event is regarded as a serious undertaking.

Taiwan Cycling Festival

Taiwan also hosts events that place more emphasis on experiencing the country itself rather than simply climbing as hard as possible.

The Taiwan Cycling Festival combines cycling with tourism and local culture, bringing together rides and events across different regions of the island. Routes and activities vary from year to year, but the festival provides a useful introduction to riding in Taiwan and often gives visitors the opportunity to experience parts of the country they may not otherwise have considered.

What are the best hotels for cyclists in Taiwan?

Cycling is popular enough in Taiwan that many hotels, guesthouses and hostels are familiar with the needs of riders.

Cyclists will often find practical touches that make travelling easier, including bike parking areas, flexible check-out arrangements and, in some places, early breakfasts or breakfast boxes for riders planning early starts. Smaller accommodation providers can often be particularly accommodating, especially in regions where cycle tourism is common.

One thing worth noting is that bike-specific facilities are less common than in some European cycling destinations. Dedicated maintenance areas and repair facilities are not standard, so if you are planning a longer trip it can be useful to identify nearby bike shops in advance.

In Taiwan’s mountain regions, accommodation can also become noticeably less frequent once you leave larger towns behind. Riders heading into more remote areas will generally benefit from planning overnight stops ahead rather than assuming accommodation will appear at the end of the day.

Are there places for bike hire in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s long-standing role as one of the world’s major bicycle manufacturing centres means finding a bike is generally straightforward, particularly in larger cities.

Flat-bar road bikes and leisure bikes are widely available, and an increasing number of specialist hire providers also offer drop-bar road bikes and e-bikes. If you are travelling during a busy period or want a specific model, it is worth booking ahead where possible – particularly for higher-end road bikes.

One practical consideration for international visitors is sizing. Rental fleets are naturally built around local demand, which means frame sizes can sometimes run smaller than riders from Europe or North America might expect. Taller cyclists may find options become more limited and some choose to bring their own bikes instead.

Language can occasionally present another challenge. While cycling is extremely popular across Taiwan, English is less widely spoken in smaller towns and more rural regions. Hiring from larger cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung or Taitung can make the process easier, as larger providers are generally more accustomed to dealing with overseas visitors.

When is the best time to cycle in Taiwan?

Taiwan can be ridden for much of the year, but choosing the right season can make a significant difference to the experience.

As an island with both subtropical and tropical climates, Taiwan experiences hot summers and generally milder conditions throughout the rest of the year. July and August are usually the most challenging months for cycling, with temperatures capable of approaching 40°C in some regions. Long rides can become particularly demanding during midsummer, especially on exposed climbs or lower coastal roads where heat and humidity combine.

For many riders, spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions, with milder temperatures and generally pleasant riding weather. Winter can also work well, particularly in southern Taiwan where temperatures often remain relatively warm.

The mountains require a little more thought. Taiwan’s highest roads experience very different weather from lower elevations and riders heading into the central mountain range generally avoid the middle of winter. During December and January, some of the highest roads can experience snow and ice, making conditions less predictable.

Rainfall patterns also vary around the island. Northern Taiwan tends to see wetter winters than many other regions, but one of Taiwan’s advantages is that weather conditions can differ noticeably between locations. Poor weather in one area does not necessarily mean poor riding across the whole island.

For many visiting road cyclists, spring and autumn are useful starting points when choosing dates. Riders planning high mountain routes will want to pay particular attention to conditions at elevation.

Any tips when planning a cycling trip in Taiwan?

Roads, traffic and route planning

One of the first things many visitors notice is the sheer number of scooters and motorbikes on Taiwan’s roads. They are part of daily life here and cyclists quickly get used to riding alongside them.

Many roads include dedicated lanes for two-wheeled traffic. Although often referred to as bike lanes, they are generally shared by scooters and bicycles alike. It can feel a little chaotic at first, but there is an upside: road users are very accustomed to seeing two-wheeled traffic around them.

In larger towns and cities, buses are also worth paying attention to. Giving them plenty of room and staying alert around bus stops is sensible.

Taipei offers a slightly different experience. The city has an extensive network of cycle paths built along its rivers, creating a calmer way to move around and avoid some of the busier urban roads.

It is also worth remembering that some roads cannot be used by cyclists. Highways marked by the green plum blossom sign and roads marked with red shield-shaped expressway signs are off limits to bikes, so checking routes beforehand is worthwhile.

Everyday life in Taiwan

Go with the wind

If you are planning a longer ride across Taiwan – particularly a multi-day trip or a route around the island – it is worth paying attention to wind direction.

During winter, the northeast monsoon influences conditions and many riders choose to travel from north to south. Between March and November, warmer winds tend to arrive from the south, making south-to-north routes more attractive.

Planning entirely around the wind is not always possible, but avoiding days of stubborn headwinds can make a noticeable difference.

Food, convenience stores and refuelling

One of the pleasures of riding in Taiwan is that convenience stores almost function as part of the cycling infrastructure.

Chains such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are widespread and many operate around the clock. When riding between towns, it rarely feels like you are far from somewhere to refill bottles, buy food or pick up any supplies you may need.

There is also another side to eating in Taiwan. Small towns and villages often have local food stalls serving excellent food and, if you do not mind a small amount of awkward confusion, ordering usually becomes part of the experience. A smile and a bit of pointing often goes a surprisingly long way.

Taiwan’s reputation as a food destination is well deserved. Across the island there are more than 160 registered night markets, many operating from late afternoon through to midnight. They provide an opportunity to experience local life and sample traditional dishes, with each market tending to have its own specialities.

Tree-lined street with cafés and shops in Taipei, Taiwan

Riding in Taiwan’s mountains

Taiwan’s mountains deserve a little respect and usually reward riders who plan ahead.

Accommodation, restaurants and shops become noticeably less common in more remote regions, and internet connections can occasionally become unreliable too. Riders heading into mountain areas are generally better off identifying food stops and overnight options before setting out.

Mountain weather can also change quickly. Taiwan’s varied topography creates countless local microclimates and conditions can shift surprisingly fast, even over relatively short distances.

Road conditions deserve attention too. The mountain slopes are often steep and periods of heavy rain occasionally trigger landslides or temporary road closures.

For riders tackling particularly long or remote routes, some people prefer the reassurance of having support available nearby, particularly if venturing into more isolated areas.

Mountain rides are worth planning differently from a straightforward coastal day. Elevation, weather, road status, food and water availability and likely daylight hours are all useful things to check in advance.

Language

Mandarin and Taiwanese are the main languages spoken in Taiwan and English becomes less common away from larger towns and cities.

In smaller villages and mountain regions, communication can occasionally require patience and improvisation. Fortunately, Taiwan also has a reputation for friendliness and visitors often find locals eager to help despite language differences.

Keeping key addresses, accommodation details and route information available offline can be useful where language or mobile reception makes communication more difficult.

Travelling on public transport with your bike

Taiwan’s public transport system is generally considered bike-friendly and travelling with a bike on trains, high-speed rail services and metro systems is often straightforward.

There are, however, a few practical details worth knowing before setting off.

Many services require bikes to be properly packed in bike bags before boarding. This can catch riders out, particularly if hiring a bike in one city and planning to travel elsewhere by train. The rules are generally enforced, so it is worth checking requirements in advance.

Some railway stations do allow cyclists to board without using bike bags, but this varies between stations and services, making it worth checking the latest guidance before travelling.

Any highway code and travel information I should be aware of?

As ever, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel. For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for Taiwan are here.

You should also read and follow Taiwan’s highway code.

Local customs and things worth knowing

Taiwanese people have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming and visitors are generally given plenty of understanding if they accidentally break unfamiliar customs.

A few small things are still useful to know:

• Do not eat, drink or chew gum on metro systems or buses, as fines can apply.
• Traffic keeps to the right, so cyclists, pedestrians and escalator users should generally do the same.
• When using trains and metros, queues are taken seriously and platforms usually have clearly marked waiting areas.
• If visiting temples or shrines, removing hats is generally considered respectful.

One final point for visitors used to swimming after rides: although jumping into lakes or the sea after cycling is common in some countries, caution is advised in Taiwan, particularly on the east coast. Waters here can become deep very quickly and currents are often stronger than they first appear.

Temple in Taipei

How to get to Taiwan?

For most international visitors, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) will be the starting point for a cycling trip. Located west of Taipei, it is the island’s main international airport and where most overseas travellers arrive.

Getting onwards from the airport is generally straightforward. The Airport MRT connects Taoyuan with central Taipei in around 35 minutes, while buses and rail services provide links to other destinations around the island, including cities such as Taichung and Kaohsiung.

Taiwan’s public transport network can be particularly useful for cyclists travelling longer distances around the island. High-speed rail services connect major cities along the western side of Taiwan, while the conventional rail network extends much more widely and can help shorten transfers if your riding plans begin further south or east.

If travelling with your own bike, it is worth checking airline requirements before departure. Policies on bike boxes, luggage allowances and additional fees vary considerably and can change over time.

Taiwan’s relatively compact geography also works in cyclists’ favour. Distances that initially appear significant on the map are often more manageable than expected, making it possible to arrive in Taipei and reach mountain roads, coastal routes or quieter countryside regions within a few hours.

What’s next?

A huge thank you to Bas for sharing these detailed insights about cycling Taiwan.

Have you cycled in Taiwan before? We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a comment below.

Looking for more mountain inspiration? Don’t miss:

• Taiwan’s Cycling Route 1, a look at what you need to know when attempting this cycling route.
• 7 of the best cycling tours in Asia, featuring Route 1 in Taiwan.
• 10 hardest cycling climbs in the world, including Mount Wuling.

Bas Kragt is a passionate advocate for cycling in South Korea. Originally from the Netherlands - a country where cycling is part of everyday life - he has been based in and around Busan since 2017, exploring the country’s varied terrain on two wheels.

He plays an active role in South Korea’s cycling community, helping to organise events with the Korean Audax Federation (Korea Randonneurs). He also founded Routes Busan, a platform aimed at improving cycling safety and quality in the region, and supports visiting cyclists and expats through the Korea Cycling Community Facebook group.

With his deep local knowledge and enthusiasm for every aspect of the cycling world, Bas is passionate about helping others experience South Korea’s incredible cycling potential – from quiet coastal roads to challenging mountain climbs.

You might also recognise Bas from our social media community, as Bas supports Epic Road Rides with this.

(Photo credit: Garett L. Smith)