Taiwan9 days
Taiwan East Coast by Bike: Mountains, Markets & Thermal Springs — 9 Days
Taipei to Kenting by bicycle through coastal climbs, valley crossings, and hot spring towns
This nine-day supported cycling tour follows Taiwan's eastern seaboard from Taipei southward, combining long-distance coastal riding with sustained mountain climbs and passes through the East Rift Valley. The route moves between established cycling roads like Route 102 and Route 199, both known for their technical ascents and sea views. Riders overnight in small towns and rural centers—Jiufen, Yilan, Lishan, Hualien, Ruisui, Taitung, Mudan, and Kenting—where night markets, hot springs, and local restaurants frame each day's end. A support van carries gear and provides mechanical assistance; guides handle route navigation and pacing for mixed abilities.
Highlights
- Climb Route 102 from Jiufen to Yilan, a long mountain pass descending to Taiwan's northeast coast
- Ride the Taiwan KOM Challenge (north approach) to Lishan in the central highlands
- Cycle through the East Rift Valley rice paddies between Ruisui and Taitung
- Navigate Route 199, a technical coastal mountain road widely regarded as Taiwan's finest cycling route
- Reach Taiwan's southernmost tip before the final descent into Kenting
- Soak in hot springs at Ruisui and Mudan after long riding days
- Visit night markets in Hualien and Taitung, sampling local and Aboriginal food vendors
Day by day
1Taipei to Jiufen: Tea Terraces and the Old StreetJiufen · central Taipei · Beishi River valley
The ride departs from central Taipei on bikepaths, heading south toward Pinglin through quiet roads. A steep climb leads to the Beishi River valley, where tea terraces slope downward on either side—a landscape shift that signals entry into Taiwan's northern tea country. The route descends sharply before leveling into Jiufen, the old mountain town famous for its narrow laneway markets and lantern-lit facades. The day covers 92 kilometers and 2,023 meters of climbing over approximately five hours of riding.
2Jiufen to Yilan via Route 102Yilan · Route 102 · repurposed railway tunnel
Route 102 climbs steeply from Jiufen in the day's first section—a serpentine ascent that gains elevation through forested terrain, resembling what locals call the spine of a green dragon. The descent from the pass is rapid and technical, leading to a repurposed railway tunnel three kilometers long that cuts through the ridge. The road then opens to coastal views as it descends toward Yilan on Taiwan's northeast coast. This day totals 84 kilometers and 1,288 meters of climbing in approximately four and a half hours.
3Yilan to Lishan: The Taiwan KOM Challenge ClimbYilan to Lishan · Lishan
The northern approach of the Taiwan KOM Challenge dominates today's ride. Take your time ascending 2,653 meters over 120 kilometers as mountain views expand across forested ridges. Arrive at Lishan in the afternoon for a celebratory meal and well-earned rest.
4Transfer through Taroko Gorge to HualienTaroko Gorge · Hualien · Lishan · night market
The group transfers by private van from Lishan, descending through Taroko Gorge—a canyon of vertical marble walls that cuts through the central range—and arriving in Hualien on Taiwan's east coast. The afternoon is unscheduled, allowing time to rest, visit the city, and visit the night market, which operates year-round with street food stalls and vendor crowds.
5Hualien to Ruisui: Jungle Roads and the East Rift ValleyRuisui · flat, twisting roads through jungle landscape east of Hualien · coastal mountains
The ride begins on flat, twisting roads through jungle landscape east of Hualien, then climbs sharply over coastal mountains. At the ridge, views open across the Pacific. The route descends to sea level briefly before ascending again over coastal ridges and into Ruisui, a rural town in the East Rift Valley at the day's end. Riders soak in hot springs after the 104-kilometer, 1,731-meter-climbing, four-and-a-half-hour ride.
6Ruisui to Taitung: Rice Paddies and Coastal MountainsTaitung · coastal mountains · East Rift Valley
Starting in the flat rice-growing plains of the East Rift Valley, the route climbs over coastal mountains, then descends to a long coastal road that leads south into Taitung. The city sits on Taiwan's southeast coast and functions as a regional hub with a night market featuring local food vendors and street stalls. The 126-kilometer stage covers 1,570 meters of climbing over five hours.
7Taitung to Mudan: Route 199 and the Southern ClimbTaitung to Mudan · Mudan · Route 199
Nearly seventy kilometers of coastal riding with Pacific views opens the day before the route turns inland to climb Route 199, a technical mountain pass widely considered Taiwan's premier cycling road. The climb is sustained but not extreme, rewarding riders with ridge-line views of both coasts on clear days. Riders descend into Mudan, a small village built around hot springs. The day totals 114 kilometers and 1,012 meters of climbing over five hours. Hot spring soaks are available for muscle recovery.
8Mudan to Kenting: The Island's Southern TipTaiwan's southernmost tip · Kenting beach
The final riding day returns to the coast, passing Taiwan's southernmost tip—a low-elevation marker where the Pacific and Taiwan Strait meet. From there, the route descends to Kenting beach, a coastal resort town where the tour concludes with a seaside gathering. This 77-kilometer stage covers 637 meters of climbing in approximately three hours, leaving most of the day for arrival and celebration.
9Kenting to Taipei: Return TransferKenting · Kenting to Taipei · the ocean
After breakfast and a final swim in the ocean, the group packs and transfers back to Taipei by private van, concluding the tour.
Included
- 8-days of support van with supplies and basic bike repair service
- 7 nights accommodation (B&B, 3-4 star hotels, hot spring hotels)
- 1-2 experienced bicycle tour guide throughout trip (group dependent)
- 15 meals
- Route and Daily Custom GPX Files
- Daily bike washing for guests
- Taxes, gratuities and Daily Liability Insurance
- Bike rentals available upon request (additional costs apply)