Taiwan8 days
Taiwan's Southern Coastline & East Rift Valley — 8 Days by Bike
Kaohsiung to Hualien: western and eastern coastlines, mountain passes, and a hot spring stop in the East Rift Valley.
This eight-day supported cycling tour traces southern Taiwan's geography from west coast to east across two distinct coastlines and inland mountain terrain. The route begins in Kaohsiung, moves south through Kenting National Park to Taiwan's southern tip, then cuts eastward across Route 199—one of the island's most technical cycling corridors—before descending to the Pacific coast. From there, the tour follows the eastern seaboard northward through Taitung and into the East Rift Valley, finishing in Hualien. Two overnight stays at hot spring hotels in Zhiben and Yuli break the riding days. The itinerary includes a visit to a Paiwan Indigenous village and a guided tour of Taroko Gorge on the final day.
Highlights
- Ride from Kenting south to Taiwan's southernmost point along the western coastline
- Cycle Route 199 across the island's southern ridge.
- Visit a Paiwan Indigenous community for a guided tour and shared meal
- Soak in overnight accommodations at An Tong Creekside Hot Spring Hotel in Yuli
- Ride through the East Rift Valley's rice paddies on the approach to Hualien
- View Sanxiantai Arch Bridge from the saddle along Taiwan's eastern Pacific coast
- Visit Taroko Gorge's limestone formations and cliff-side lookouts on the final day
Day by day
1Arrival in Kaohsiung and Transfer to FangliaoKaohsiung · Fangliao · coastal hotel
Meet your guide in Kaohsiung and transfer by private van south to Fangliao, arriving at a coastal hotel. After settling in, you have the option to rest, swim in the infinity pool, or join a short shakedown ride to familiarize yourself with your bike. Hotel staff will assist with any bike setup or adjustments needed. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner and route overview.
2Fangliao to Kenting: Coastline ApproachFangliao to Kenting · Kenting
Depart on mostly flat terrain from Fangliao, following Taiwan's western coastline southward. The road runs close to the water as you approach Kenting, a beach town that marks the edge of Kenting National Park. Ride 57 kilometers in approximately four hours, finishing near the beach. The evening includes dinner and time to visit Kenting's night market.
3Kenting to Daren: Crossing the Southern Ridge on Route 199Kenting · Daren · Route 199
Today's 75-kilometer route takes you across the island's southern ridge on Route 199, one of Taiwan's most demanding cycling corridors. Begin in Kenting and climb through curving mountain roads, ascending more than 1,100 meters over the course of roughly six hours. After cresting the ridge, descend to the east coast and the village of Daren. The payoff is a complete coast-to-coast traverse of Taiwan's southern width. A group dinner concludes the day.
4Daren to Zhiben: Paiwan Village Visit and Hot Spring ArrivalZhiben · Taiwan's east coast · Paiwan Indigenous village
A shorter riding morning of 70 kilometers along Taiwan's east coast follows the previous day's exertion. Visit a Paiwan Indigenous village for a guided tour and shared lunch, learning about traditional practices and local history. Continue to Zhiben, a small town known for its hot springs and proximity to a national forest. The afternoon is free for soaking and rest. Group dinner at your accommodation.
5Zhiben to Chenggong: Pacific Coastal RidingZhiben · Chenggong · Sanxiantai Arch Bridge
Leave Zhiben heading north, pass through Taitung, and reconnect with the coastal highway. Eighty-six kilometers of riding with relatively modest elevation gain (369 meters) keeps the pace steady as you roll past palm trees, white sand beaches, and Pacific views. Pass Sanxiantai Arch Bridge, a distinctive rock formation visible from the saddle. Arrive at oceanfront accommodation in Chenggong before heading into town for dinner.
6Chenggong to Yuli: Climbing into the East Rift ValleyChenggong to Yuli · East Rift Valley · An Tong Creekside Hot Spring Hotel
Today's 50-kilometer route climbs 576 meters inland from the coast, transitioning from sea level to the East Rift Valley. Ride over mountain passes and into a green valley marked by rice paddies and quiet roads—terrain that cycling communities often describe as a draw in itself. After lunch, a short final ride brings you to Yuli and An Tong Creekside Hot Spring Hotel, where the evening is yours to relax.
7Yuli to Hualien: Final Ride Through the Rice BasketEast Rift Valley · an ecological park · Hualien City · Dongdamen Night Market
The longest riding day at 102 kilometers features mostly gentle decline as you move north through the East Rift Valley—locally known as Taiwan's Rice Basket for its patchwork of paddies and farmland. Approximately six hours of riding with only 394 meters of elevation gain keeps the pace manageable. Stop for lunch at an ecological park, then continue into Hualien City and your hotel. Evening visit to Dongdamen Night Market.
8Taroko Gorge and Hualien DepartureTaroko Gorge · Hualien · Changchun Shrine · Bulouwun Terrace · cliff-side lookouts · Taiwan's first craft brewery
No riding on this final day. Travel by private van up the east coast from Hualien to Taroko Gorge, exploring the limestone formations, Changchun Shrine, and Bulouwun Terrace. Stop at cliff-side lookouts for views into the canyon system. Return to a group meal at Taiwan's first craft brewery before transferring to the airport or your next destination.
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)
- 17 meals
- Route and Daily Custom GPX Files
- Admissions and activities where indicated
- Taxes, gratuities and $3,000,000ntd Daily Liability Insurance
- Bike rentals available upon request (additional costs apply)