(A humorous first-person travel essay + practical guide for cycling Taiwan)
If you’ve ever dreamed of a bike ride where 1 minute you’re gliding past turquoise water and the next you’re sniffing freshly roasted sweet potatoes from a roadside stand, welcome to Taiwan bike tour — where every turn comes with scenery, snacks, and occasional existential questions about why you didn’t train harder. (Read more: Cycling in Taipei)
I flew to Taiwan expecting bubble tea, skyscrapers, and maybe a polite stroll through a museum. I did not expect to hop onto a bicycle and suddenly feel like I was starring in my own National Geographic special — minus the dangerous animals, plus a lot more 7-Eleven stops.
But Taiwan surprised me. It is one of the best countries in the world for biking, period. Not “best in Asia.” Not “best for beginners.” Just best, full stop — with smooth cycling paths, friendly locals, breathtaking landscapes, and convenience stores that feel like mini-emergency bike support stations. (More on that later.)
So this is the story — and guide — of my Taiwan bike tour. If you’re considering your own Taiwan bike tour, buckle in: I’ve mapped out the top routes, the pros and cons, the must-see views, the snacks you probably shouldn’t eat right before climbing hills, and how to make the whole thing painless by letting a local travel agency handle logistics. (Spoiler: I used Justaiwantour, and my lungs thanked me.)
And yes — Taroko Gorge is temporarily closed, so we’ll skip that iconic route and go for equally stunning alternatives that are open, spectacular, and easier on the quads.
Let’s ride.
🚴♀️ Why Taiwan Is Quietly Becoming the Cycling Capital of Asia
I knew Taiwan was bike-friendly. I mean, it’s the home of Giant Bicycles — the Beyoncé of bike brands. But I didn’t realize how deeply cycling is woven into daily life until I was actually here.
Within 24 hours of landing, I noticed:
+Dedicated cycling lanes everywhere
+Serious-looking cyclists at 5 a.m. (while I was still attempting to find coffee)
+QR-code bike rentals at MRT stations
+Drivers who don’t honk at cyclists — a miracle in Asia
+Signs saying “Cyclist Friendly Store” outside convenience shops
And here’s something you’ll love:
Taiwan treats cyclists like royalty.
Some hotels have:
+special bike storage rooms
+repair stations
+wash areas
+late check-out for cyclists
+breakfast buffets tailored to “people who burn 1,500 calories before 9 a.m.”
Even the convenience stores (which appear every 2 km like magical oases) offer:
+air pumps
+repair tools
+energy drinks
+bathrooms that are shockingly clean
+and ice cream in case you need emotional support during steep climbs
If you’re bike-curious but not Tour-de-France-material, Taiwan is the perfect place to start. If you’re a cycling veteran, this is island paradise.
So I grabbed a bike — and a helmet that made me look like an optimistic mushroom — and hit the road.
🌅 Route #1: Sun Moon Lake — The Ride That Made Me Fall Back in Love with Cycling
If Pixar ever made a movie about a bike path, it would look like Sun Moon Lake.
I arrived early in the morning, expecting a calm lake, light mist, maybe some birds politely chirping good morning. Instead, I got a full cinematic experience: golden sunrise lighting up the water, mountains stretching across the horizon, and other cyclists who looked alarmingly fit.
But don’t worry — Sun Moon Lake is beginner-friendly. The full loop is about 33 km, but you can shorten it if your knees want to stage a protest.
🚲 The Ride
The path swoops around the lake, sometimes hugging the water, sometimes climbing up the hillside. It’s the kind of ride where you keep stopping not because you’re tired, but because wow, I need a photo of this… and this… okay this too.
Highlights included:
+The iconic Yongjie Bridge, where everyone stops for photos
+The lakeside wooden path that feels like floating over water
+Fishermen in tiny boats who look like they come from an old Chinese painting
+Faint smell of oolong tea drifting from the surrounding hills
At one point, an elderly Taiwanese uncle passed me on an e-bike while sipping a latte. He nodded at me with the serene smile of a man living his best life. I aspire to that energy.
🤣 A Moment of Humility
There is one particular hill — let’s call her The Beast — that nearly destroyed my will to live. I was halfway up, sweating like a dumpling in a bamboo steamer, when a group of senior cyclists casually zipped by me, chatting about lunch.
Humbling? Yes. Motivating? Also yes. Did I reward myself with bubble tea immediately afterward? You bet.
⭐ Verdict:
Sun Moon Lake is easy, gorgeous, atmospheric, and perfect for anyone who wants “scenic Instagram cycling” instead of “vigorous suffering.”
And if you book with Justaiwantour, they can hook you up with:
+lakeside hotel stays
+e-bike rentals
+a private driver to drop you off and pick you up
+and a guide who knows exactly where all the photogenic spots are
Perfect for beginners, families, and riders who want big scenery with minimal pain.
🌾 Route #2: East Rift Valley — Rice Fields, Hot Springs & The Dreamiest Ride of My Life
If Sun Moon Lake is elegant and cinematic, the East Rift Valley is raw, rural, peaceful — like the Taiwanese version of Tuscany but with friendlier people and better snacks.
This valley runs from Hualien to Taitung, framed by the Central Mountain Range on one side and the Coastal Range on the other. It’s basically a giant postcard waiting to be cycled through.
🚲 The Ride
Imagine pedaling past endless rice paddies, farmhouses, coconut trees, rolling hills, and quiet villages where grandmas wave at you like you’re their long-lost grandchild.
This area is famous for:
+Chishang rice fields (the most photogenic rice fields in Taiwan)
+Brown Boulevard — yes, THAT famous straight road from movies and ads
+Danong Dafu Forest Park — wide smooth trails through trees
+Hot spring towns — because life’s about balance
My personal highlight? A moment where I was riding alone on a perfectly straight road with mountains rising on both sides like giant sleeping dragons. The sky was blue, the breeze was soft, and I briefly considered quitting my job and opening a tea shop.
😅 A Small Cycling Mishap
The locals here don’t joke about rice. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally cycled on a road that was slightly too close to a farmer’s field. A man appeared from behind a tractor and shouted something I didn’t understand.
He wasn’t angry — he was telling me I should cycle further down for a better view.
Only in Taiwan do you get scolded for not enjoying the scenery enough.
⭐ Verdict:
This route is perfect for:
+Beginners
+Families
+People who want 0% stress and 100% peaceful vibes
+Anyone who wants to combine “cycling” with “hot springs and snacks”
Justaiwantour organizes 2-day East Rift Valley cycling packages, which include:
+e-bike or bike rental
+pickup from Hualien
+hotel with hot springs
+cultural stops (tea tasting, indigenous handicrafts)
It’s the most relaxing cycling trip I’ve ever taken — and that includes the parts where I forgot I was exercising.
🌊 Route #3: Kenting National Park — Tropical Vibes and Coastal Riding
Welcome to Kenting, the southern tip of Taiwan bike tour, where the weather is warm, the beaches are pristine, and the vibe is “island vacation meets moderate cardio.”
This is the place to channel your inner “cyclist who also wants to tan a little.”
🚲 The Ride
Kenting offers several cycling loops, usually 20–50 km, depending on how ambitious (or sunburn-resistant) you are.
Expect:
+Palm trees
+Rocky cliffs
+Blue ocean as far as the eye can see
+Cute roadside shacks selling coconut water
+A few hills that make you question your life choices
But oh, the views. When you cycle along the South Bay coastline and the wind hits your face just right, you understand why travelers fall in love with Taiwan.
🌴 My Unexpected Kenting Moment
Halfway through the ride, I passed by a beach where a group of teenagers were practicing dance moves. A dog was lounging nearby with sunglasses on (yes, actual sunglasses), staring at them like a disappointed coach.
I have no explanation for this. Taiwan is incredible.
☀️ Important note
Kenting sun is aggressive. Bring sunscreen unless your dream aesthetic is “lobster.”
⭐ Verdict:
Perfect for people who want:
+Beach views
+Tropical scenery
+Short but memorable rides
+A mix of exercise and relaxation
Justaiwantour can arrange for your Taiwan bike tour:
+Breezy seaside resorts
+e-bike upgrades (thank goodness)
+pickup from Kaohsiung
+sunset photography stops
This ride feels like a vacation — because it is.
🏙️ Route #4: Taipei Riverside Bike Paths — The “Easy but Scenic Urban Ride”
Look, not every bike ride has to involve mountains and heroic journeys. Sometimes you want flat, smooth, zero stress, no hills, and a guaranteed access to coffee.
Welcome to the Taipei Riverside Cycling System — over 100 km of connected bike paths running along the rivers. (Read more about Cycling in Taipei: 5 Best Bike Routes & Tips)
🚲 The Ride
You can start almost anywhere:
+Dadaocheng Wharf
+Nangang
+Songshan
+Taipei Zoo
The paths are wide, clean, scenic, and filled with other friendly cyclists who occasionally bring their dogs in baskets. (The dogs always look very proud of themselves.) You might also be interested in【Taipei Day Tour】Top 10 Dog-Friendly Parks and Green Spaces in Taipei
😂 Best moment
I once passed a man cycling with 3 Corgis in a stroller. All 3 were wearing matching raincoats. This alone is worth the trip to Taiwan.
⭐ Verdict:
Perfect for:
+Jetlag riders
+Families
+Couples
+Anyone who wants gentle mileage and beautiful city views
This is also a great warm-up route before attempting longer rides.
🔁 Route #5: Taiwan Cycling Route No. 1 — The Legendary “Round-The-Island” Ride
If you want the ultimate bragging rights, this is it.
Taiwan Route No. 1 is a 968-km official cycling loop around the entire island. People who complete it earn:
+A certificate
+Immense pride
+Leg muscles that could crack coconuts
But don’t panic — you don’t have to ride the whole thing. Many travelers choose:
+A 3-day section
+A 5-day highlight loop
+A 7-day coastal ride
+Or even partial rides with van assistance
My honest review
It’s phenomenal. Coastal cliffs. Fishing villages. Beaches. Forests. Old towns. Temples. Rainforest humidity that tests your deodorant.
It’s beautiful — and challenging — but worth every pedal stroke.
Justaiwantour arranges:
+support vans
+luggage transfers
+scenic detours
+hotel bookings
+custom mileage
This makes the route doable even if you’re not a hardcore cyclist.
🚴 Pro Cycling Tips (From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way)
1. Taiwan weather changes FAST.
Bring a rain jacket unless you enjoy “surprise showers” that feel like nature’s practical jokes.
2. Upgrade to an e-bike.
Trust me. Your butt will write you a thank-you letter.
3. Hydrate often.
You will sweat. A lot. Taiwan humidity does not care about your feelings.
4. Convenience stores are your best friends.
7-Eleven and FamilyMart are basically cycling temples.
5. Don’t race local uncles.
You will lose.
6. Snack strategically.
Scallion pancakes are delicious… but not mid-climb delicious.
🧭 Why You Should Let a Local Expert Plan Your Taiwan Bike Tour
I did one day of DIY planning and immediately regretted it. Taiwan is easy to navigate, but if you want:
+the best routes
+the safest paths
+hotels that welcome bikes
+e-bikes that don’t run out of battery
+a support van for “emergencies” (like when your legs quit)
+a bilingual guide who knows the secret snack stops
Just get Justaiwantour. They’re a top Taiwan DMC and know every ride, trail, scenic corner, and uphill surprise.
They made my trip smooth, safe, and honestly — way more fun than if I had done it alone.
🎉 Final Thoughts: Why Cycling in Taiwan Stole My Heart
By the end of my Taiwan bike adventure, I had:
+taken 600 photos
+eaten way too much oolong ice cream
+met locals who insisted I rest at their shop “because the sun is strong”
+fallen in love with the scenery
+and realized cycling is the best way to see Taiwan
It’s intimate. It’s immersive. It’s slow travel at its finest.
Whether you’re aiming for a gentle lakeside ride or a multi-day challenge, Taiwan has the perfect route waiting for you.
And if your legs start begging for mercy? There’s always an e-bike. And a hot spring. And a convenience store slushy.
So pack your helmet, book your flights, and let Justaiwantour craft your perfect Taiwan cycling story.
You’ll leave with memories, photos, and legs that feel strangely… proud.
