Taiwan Circumcycle — 12 Days, Coast to Coast
810 kilometers around Taiwan by bike, from Taipei through Taroko Gorge, the East Rift Valley, and Kenting to the west coast and back
This 12-day supported cycling itinerary circumnavigates Taiwan, combining road cycling, mountain terrain, and cultural stops across the full arc of the island. The route departs Taipei, heads east to the Pacific coast via Taroko Gorge, descends the East Rift Valley to Taitung, turns south through Kenting, then returns northward along the western lowlands through Tainan, Chiayi, and Lukang before finishing in Taipei. Daily distances range from 52 to 151 kilometers, with elevation gains between 288 and 1,690 meters. A licensed bilingual guide, support van, and accommodation at 3–4-star hotels (including two nights at hot spring resorts) provide the logistical framework. Cyclists typically spend six active riding days, one full rest day, and five partial riding days with optional van transfers for steeper or longer segments.
Highlights
- Cycling from Taipei through Jiaoxi and Su'ao to the East Coast, with views of Turtle Island and the Pacific Ocean across 109 kilometers and 1,710 meters of climbing
- Riding through Taroko Gorge's marble canyon landscape and descending into Hualien on a 52-kilometer day with 750 meters of elevation
- East Rift Valley cycling from Hualien through Yuli across agricultural land and mountain lake terrain, over 108 kilometers and 810 meters of gain
- The Chishang rice paddies and quiet mountain road stage from Yuli to Taitung, 82 kilometers with 730 meters of climbing
- The southern stage from Taitung to Kenting: 151 kilometers with 1,690 meters of elevation, including coastal views and a steep mountain pass to reach the white-sand beaches of Kenting National Park
- Full rest day in Kenting with optional access to Kenting National Forest
- Western return route through Fangliao and Kaohsiung, then north through Tainan's An Ping Old Street and the historic village of Lukang before re-entering Taipei
Day by day
1Arrival in TaipeiTaipei · Ximending
Arrive in Taipei and settle into accommodation. The evening includes a welcome dinner and an unguided stroll through Ximending, a central shopping and entertainment district.
2Taipei to Su'ao: Coastal AscentTaipei · Su'ao · Jiaoxi
Ride eastward from Taipei through Jiaoxi, climbing 1,710 meters to the Pacific coast at Su'ao. Clear days reveal Turtle Island offshore. Support van available throughout.
3Taroko Gorge Marble Climb to HualienTaroko Gorge · Hualien
Transfer to Taroko Gorge and climb through the world's deepest marble canyon on paved switchbacks, gaining 750 meters. After lunch, ride south into Hualien.
4Hualien to Yuli: East Rift Valley CyclingEast Rift Valley
Cycle 108 km through the East Rift Valley past agricultural lands and mountain lakes, climbing 810 m to a historic hot spring resort.
5Yuli to Taitung: Rice Paddies and Mountain Road — 82 km, 730 m elevationYuli to Taitung · Chishang rice paddies
This stage passes through the Chishang rice paddies, a wide agricultural plain between mountain ridges, before joining a quieter mountain road that descends into Taitung on the southeastern coast.
6Taitung to Kenting: Coastal Views and Mountain PassTaitung to Kenting
A queen stage combining ocean vistas with a tough mountain road, descending finally to Kenting's white sand beaches on the southernmost peninsula.
7Rest Day in KentingKenting · Kenting National Park · Kenting National Forest
A full rest day in Kenting National Park allows recovery. The beach is available for swimming or walking. An optional guided visit to Kenting National Forest is offered, and a group dinner concludes the evening.
8Kenting to Kaohsiung: Western Peninsula and Transfer — 63 km, 288 m elevationKenting to Kaohsiung · Kenting Peninsula
A shorter riding day cycles north along the western edge of the Kenting Peninsula, with views across the Taiwan Strait to the west. After approximately 63 kilometers, a van transfer carries the group into Kaohsiung, Taiwan's major southern port city.
9Kaohsiung to Chiayi via Tainan — 116 km, 296 m ElevationChiayi · Tainan · An Ping Old Street
Cycle north through Tainan, stopping for lunch and a walk through An Ping Old Street before continuing to Chiayi.
10Chiayi to Hsinchu via Lukang — 109 km, 284 m elevationChiayi to Hsinchu · Lukang
Departing Chiayi, roll through the historic village of Lukang for lunch, then continue north into Hsinchu, Taiwan's Silicon Valley.
11Hsinchu to Taipei: Foothills and Final Approach — 103 km, 570 m elevationHsinchu to Taipei · Taipei
The final riding day begins in Hsinchu and cycles northwest, passing reservoirs and the foothills of Taoyuan as elevation gradually decreases. A short van transfer completes the return to Taipei in the late afternoon, concluding the circumcycle.
12Departure from TaipeiTaipei
A final breakfast in Taipei is followed by time for last-minute exploration or rest before an airport transfer and departure.
Where you go
- 1Taipei
Included
- 12-days of private van (incl. transfers & 10 days of bike support)
- 11-nights accommodation (3-4 star incl. 2nt in hot spring hotels)
- 12-days of licensed, bilingual cycling guide
- 15 meals (daily breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners)
- Taxes, gratuities and Daily Liability Insurance