Destinations in Asia are less often on a list for another cycling adventure. Too far away, infrastructure not up to scratch or sometimes just unfamiliarity. In the case of Taiwan it is partly ignorance. After all: the KOM challenge gives the country a clear positioning. Yet there are still no complete pelotons heading to Taiwan for a cycling holiday. We think that's a shame. Because Taiwan is the perfect cycling paradise for road cyclists in Asia. At least, if we were allowed to choose. Watch and enjoy with us.
Are we dreaming?
Whoever finally created Taiwan seems to be a racing cyclist at heart. As if it was designed by the cycling gods specifically for the two-wheeler. The infrastructure is of an amazing standard, the scenery is insanely beautiful and the challenges are of a different level than a round of Limburg hills. With the icing on the proverbial cake being the ascent of Wu Ling Mountain, the 105-kilometre climb from Hualien. In our search for scenic routes, we soon came upon Bike Route 1. Not only in the US cycling route 1 is one to drool over. Also Eurovelo 1 by the way, is finger-licking good.
Cycling Route 1
This overall route is truly 'quintessential Taiwan'. You can literally do an island tour and ride the entire coast in about 1,100 to 1,200 kilometres. Altogether, you ride a total of 8,000 altimeters and see the most beautiful beaches, pass beautiful temples and really discover Taiwan. Besides the sea, you also have gorgeous lakes and beautiful Asian gardens where you can stop and just enjoy. It sometimes changes from hugely rugged to somewhat friendlier. The advantage of the routes in Taiwan is that they mainly consist of good cycle paths, which are shielded from the rest of the carriageways.
More Lakes
Speaking of lakes, Sun Moon Lake and the bike path that runs through it (some 16 kilometres in total) is more than worth a visit. It is the largest natural lake in Taiwan and the surroundings are absolutely stunning. You'll find this lake south of Nantou and southwest of Taichung.
Any more rounds more? Go for a lake cycling tour in 2024
North side
In northern Taiwan, east of the capital Taipei, you can also go wild when it comes to altitude. From Keelung, you dive straight into the mountains. In about seven kilometres, you go 400 metres above sea level. You can tackle many climbs there. Gorgeous and in terms of steepness, this section is doable.
East coast
Further south, on the eastern side of the island, between Keelung and Hualien, the climbs are a lot steeper. It is also a lot rougher here. The percentages here go rap above 10% But you can create brilliant laps. Check our komoot page for more inspiration
Round the island
This is a road cycling route in Taiwan along the edge of the island.
