Taiwan8 days
Taiwan's East Coast by Bike: Fulong to Taitung — 8 Days
Taiwan's eastern seaboard, from coastal cliffs through the East Rift Valley to the Pacific.
This eight-day cycling journey traces Taiwan's east coast from the beach town of Fulong south to Taitung with a support van, experienced guide, and overnight stays in hot spring hotels and rural homestays. The route moves through several distinct regions: the dramatic Qingshui Cliffs and Taroko Gorge in the north; the agricultural heart of the East Rift Valley, where rice paddies and indigenous farming communities dominate the landscape; and the coastal mountains and beaches of the south. Riders experience hot spring soaks in Su'ao and Ruisui, swim stops at coastal breaks, and daily meals sourced from local suppliers. The route follows quiet roads, rural lanes, and former railway corridors rather than main highways.
Highlights
- Cycling through the Caoling Railway Tunnel to emerge on Taiwan's northeast coast near Fulong
- Riding alongside the Qingshui Cliffs and receiving views into Taroko Gorge from the northern approach
- Pedaling across the East Rift Valley's rice paddies, with Jade Mountain visible on the western horizon
- Soaking in hot springs at Su'ao and Ruisui after day's riding
- Following the Xiuguluan River east to the Pacific on the final coastal approach to Taitung
- Traversing Sanxiantai Arch Bridge, a coastal landmark between emerald mountains and turquoise water
Day by day
1Arrival in TaipeiTaipei · Taoyuan International Airport · your hotel in Taipei
Meet at Taoyuan International Airport and take a private transfer to your hotel in Taipei. The afternoon is free to visit the city—temples, night markets, or the observation deck at Taipei 101. An orientation briefing for the week's cycling and a welcome dinner are provided in the evening.
2Fulong to Su'ao: Opening the Coastal Route (57 kilometers, 210 meters elevation)Su'ao · Taipei · Caoling Railway Tunnel · Wai'ao · Su'ao hot spring hotel
Transfer from Taipei to the northeast beach town of Fulong to begin riding. The route heads south through the Caoling Railway Tunnel—a former tunnel now open to cyclists—emerging onto the exposed east coast. Ride through the surf community of Wai'ao, stopping for a swim and local snacks before reaching Su'ao, a fishing village tucked into the northeast corner. Overnight at a hot spring hotel with dinner provided.
3Su'ao to Shoufeng: Taroko Gorge and Entry to the East Rift Valley (31 kilometers, 370 meters elevation)Taroko Gorge · East Rift Valley · Qingshui Cliffs · Liyu Lake · homestay
After breakfast, a scenic transfer takes you south with stops at the Qingshui Cliffs—sea-facing rock faces rising sharply from the water—and sections of Taroko Gorge's dramatic canyon walls. From Hualien, ride through farmland to Liyu Lake, then turn south into rural lanes that open into the fertile East Rift Valley. Overnight in a homestay; dinner is provided at a nearby venue.
4Shoufeng to Yuli: Crossing the East Rift Valley's Rice Fields (80 kilometers, 840 meters elevation)Shoufeng to Yuli · rice paddies · historic hot spring hotel in Yuli
From the homestay, ride through quilt-like rice paddies with views of mountains on both sides. Stop for local red-rice dishes and pineapple ice—regional specialties. Cross the tectonic plate boundary that runs through this valley before arriving at a historic hot spring hotel in Yuli. Soak in the hot springs and have dinner at the hotel.
5Yuli to Taitung: Coastal Mountains and Turquoise Water (61 kilometers, 480 meters elevation)coastal mountains east of Yuli · Sanxiantai Arch Bridge · coast with emerald peaks and turquoise ocean · coast into Taitung
Cycle over the coastal mountains east of Yuli, then ride south along the coast with emerald peaks on one side and turquoise ocean on the other. Stop at Sanxiantai Arch Bridge—a distinctive rock formation rising from the water—for refreshment and a walk around the scenic area. The afternoon follows an easier coastal route into Taitung.
6Taitung to Chishang: Southern End of the East Rift Valley (55 kilometers, 660 meters elevation)Taitung · Chishang · East Rift Valley
Leave Taitung heading west into rural landscapes at the southern reaches of the East Rift Valley. Mountains frame both sides of the route as you ride quiet backroads. The day concludes with an easy traverse across the rice paddies of Chishang—a region known for its postcard-worthy agricultural vistas and local millet farming.
7Chishang to Ruisui: Jade Mountain and Hot Springs (56 kilometers, 310 meters elevation)Chishang · Ruisui · old Japanese shrine in Yuli
Head north from Chishang with Jade Mountain visible on the horizon. Visit the ruins of an old Japanese shrine in Yuli, then stop for a dumpling lunch. Roll into Ruisui for a final soak in hot springs and a group dinner to celebrate the week's riding.
8Ruisui to Jiqi to Taipei: Return to the Pacific (62 kilometers, 970 meters elevation)Xiuguluan River · coast · Baxi Rest Stop
Ride east following the Xiuguluan River back toward the coast on a low-traffic, winding route. Once at the coast, head north with a final 5-kilometer climb before reaching the Baxi Rest Stop, where the support van transfers you back to Taipei.
Where you go
- 1Taipei
Included
- 8-days of support van with supplies and basic bike repair service
- 7-nights accommodation (B&Bs, 3-4 Star Hotels / Hot Spring Hotels)
- 1-2 experienced bicycle tour guide throughout trip (group dependent)
- 14 meals
- Route and Daily Custom GPX Files
- Taxes, gratuities and $3,000,000ntd Daily Liability Insurance
- Bike rentals available upon request (additional costs apply)