Taiwan is famous for night markets, bubble tea, mountains, temples, and friendly people who will somehow help you even when neither side fully understands the language.
But there is another thing Taiwan does extremely well.
Bicycles.
In fact, Taiwan is often called the Bicycle Kingdom, and that is not just a cute marketing phrase someone invented after drinking too much oolong tea. Taiwan is home to two of the world’s most famous bicycle brands: Giant and Merida.
These two Taiwan bicycle brands have shaped the global cycling industry for decades. If you have ever walked into a bike shop in the United States, Europe, Australia, or almost anywhere else, there is a good chance you have seen a bicycle connected to Taiwan.
But this story is not only about factories and frames.
It is also about travel.
Because once you understand how important bicycles are to Taiwan, you start to notice something: Taiwan is not just a place that makes great bikes. It is also one of the most interesting places in Asia to ride one.
From Taipei riverside paths to Sun Moon Lake, from coastal roads to mountain towns, cycling in Taiwan can be as easy as renting a YouBike for one hour or as ambitious as riding around the entire island.
So, let’s look at Giant, Merida, Taiwan’s cycling culture, and how visitors can turn this bicycle story into a real Taiwan travel experience.
Table of Contents
Why Taiwan Is Called the Bicycle Kingdom
Taiwan did not become a bicycle powerhouse overnight.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Taiwan’s manufacturing industry was growing quickly. Many international companies began working with Taiwanese factories because of their technical skills, quality control, and ability to produce bicycles at scale.
Over time, Taiwan moved from simple manufacturing to design, innovation, branding, and high-end production. Today, Taiwan is especially respected for premium bicycles, e-bikes, cycling components, carbon frames, and advanced bicycle technology.
This is why the phrase Taiwan Bicycle Kingdom still makes sense.
It is not only about quantity. It is about know-how.
Taiwan knows how to build bicycles, improve bicycles, export bicycles, and yes, ride bicycles to breakfast for a bowl of beef noodle soup.
Not a bad national talent.
Giant Taiwan: The Bicycle Brand That Became a Global Name
When people talk about Taiwan bicycle brands, Giant is usually the first name that comes up.
Giant Group was founded in Taiwan in 1972 and grew from an OEM bicycle manufacturer into one of the world’s leading cycling companies. Giant’s official company profile describes it as one of Taiwan’s vertically integrated bicycle manufacturers and says it has grown from making bicycle components for others into a global cycling leader.
That is a big transformation.
At first, Giant made bicycles and parts for other international brands. Later, it developed its own brand and became famous around the world. Today, Giant is known for road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, city bikes, performance bikes, and its related brands such as Liv and Momentum.
For travelers, Giant is important for another reason too.
Giant helped make cycling feel more visible in Taiwan. The brand is not just a company name on a frame. It became part of Taiwan’s larger cycling identity.
If you ride around Taiwan, visit bike shops, join cycling events, or even just rent a city bike in Taipei, you can feel how normal cycling has become here.
Taiwan is not Amsterdam. Nobody is pretending Taipei traffic is a calm bicycle fairy tale. Scooters still exist. Many scooters. So many scooters.
You may also like:
Riding a Scooter in Taiwan: 15 Essential Tips + 7 Incredible Scenic Routes (2026 Guide)
But compared with many Asian destinations, Taiwan has made cycling surprisingly accessible.
And Giant is a big part of that story.
Merida Taiwan: The Other Global Bicycle Giant from Taiwan
Giant is not the only major player.
Another one of the most famous Taiwan bicycle brands is Merida.
Merida was also founded in Taiwan in 1972 by Ike Tseng. According to Merida’s own company milestones, Tseng started Merida Industries after seeing negative perceptions of “Made in Taiwan” bicycles during a business trip to the United States. His goal was to improve the quality and reputation of Taiwanese-made bikes.
That origin story is powerful because it says a lot about Taiwan.
Taiwan’s success did not come from saying, “Please trust us.”
It came from proving it.
Merida became known for manufacturing quality, engineering, and international bicycle design. The company has also emphasized its Taiwan production roots, German R&D connection, and more than 50 years of bicycle-building experience.
Today, Merida bikes are sold internationally and used by riders around the world. Like Giant, Merida represents Taiwan’s shift from factory production to global brand power.
If Giant is the name many casual riders recognize first, Merida is the name serious cyclists also respect.
Together, Giant and Merida show why Taiwan has such an important place in the bicycle world.
Giant vs Merida: Which Brand Is Better?
The truth is: both Giant and Merida are excellent bicycle brands.
Giant is often more visible internationally, especially in many consumer markets. Merida also has a strong reputation, especially among riders who know cycling technology, performance bikes, and manufacturing quality.
Instead of asking “Which one is better?” it may be better to ask:
What kind of rider are you?
- For everyday city riding, both brands have practical options.
- For road cycling, both have serious performance bikes.
- For mountain biking, both have strong models.
- For e-bikes, both have kept up with modern cycling trends.
For travelers visiting Taiwan, the bigger point is not choosing sides.
The bigger point is this:
Taiwan produced two world-famous bicycle brands in the same era, and both became symbols of Taiwan’s ability to turn engineering, persistence, and manufacturing skill into global success.
That is honestly more impressive than arguing over which logo looks better on a frame.
Taiwan’s Cycling Culture Is More Than Just Factories
Many travelers know Taiwan for food.
- Some come for hiking.
- Some come for temples.
- Some come for hot springs.
- Some come because they saw a photo of Jiufen and thought, “I need to stand there with tea and pretend I am in a movie.” You may like: “5 Beautiful Jiufen Cafes and Tea Houses with Stunning Mountain Views.”
But cycling is one of Taiwan’s most underrated travel experiences.
Cycling in Taiwan can mean many different things:
- You can rent a YouBike in Taipei and ride along the riverside.
- You can cycle around Sun Moon Lake.
- You can ride through rice fields in Yilan.
- You can explore Tamsui and Bali by bike.
- You can join a serious multi-day Taiwan bike tour.
- You can attempt the famous round-island cycling route if your legs, schedule, and backside are emotionally prepared.
Taiwan is small enough to explore deeply, but diverse enough that every cycling region feels different.
One day you are riding beside a river in Taipei.
Another day you are beside the Pacific Ocean.
Another day you are climbing toward tea plantations and wondering why you packed so many snacks but somehow not enough snacks.
That is Taiwan.
🚴🏻♀️ Taipei Cycling: The Easiest Way to Start
For most visitors, Taipei is the best place to try cycling in Taiwan for the first time.
Taipei has riverside bike paths that are much easier and more relaxing than riding directly through city traffic. These routes are popular with locals, families, casual riders, and travelers who want to see a softer side of the city.
Some good Taipei cycling areas include:
- Tamsui Riverside
- Dadaocheng Wharf
- Xindian Riverside
- Guandu
- Bali Left Bank
- Songshan to Nangang riverside routes
This is where Taiwan surprises many first-time visitors.
Taipei may look dense and busy at first. But once you get onto the riverside paths, the city opens up. You see bridges, parks, temples, families, basketball courts, old neighborhoods, and mountain views in the distance.
It feels less like sightseeing and more like joining local life.
And the best part?
You do not need to bring your own bicycle.
Taipei’s YouBike system makes short rides very easy. If you are new to it, we wrote a full guide here:
https://www.justaiwantour.com/how-to-rent-youbike-in-taiwan/
🚴 Sun Moon Lake Cycling: Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Easy Ride
If Taipei is the easiest place to start cycling, Sun Moon Lake may be the most scenic.
Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan’s most famous destinations, and cycling is one of the best ways to enjoy it. The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area notes that the Xiangshan section has been recognized by CNN as one of the world’s most beautiful bicycle trails, and the route includes a 400-meter waterfront bikeway above the lake.
This is a great cycling experience because it does not have to be extreme.
You can do a short lakeside ride, stop for photos, visit Xiangshan Visitor Center, enjoy lake views, and still have enough energy left for lunch.
That matters.
Not every traveler wants to finish a ride looking like they have just fought a mountain goat.
🚴 Sun Moon Lake cycling is perfect for:
- Couples
- Families
- First-time visitors
- Soft adventure travelers
- Private tour guests
- Corporate incentive groups
For many visitors, this is the sweet spot: active, scenic, cultural, and not too stressful.
🚵♂️ Taiwan Cycling Route No. 1: The Big Island Challenge
For serious cyclists, Taiwan’s most famous challenge is Cycling Route No. 1.
This route circles Taiwan and is often considered the classic round-island cycling route. The Executive Yuan announced the launch of Cycling Route No. 1 in 2015, with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications setting up a dedicated round-the-island cycling website for trip planning, route conditions, and supply station information.
This is not a casual “let’s rent a bike after brunch” situation.
Cycling around Taiwan usually takes several days, often around 9 to 12 days depending on pace, route, weather, fitness, and how many times you stop for dumplings. Some cyclists go faster. Some go slower. Some wisely take rest days.
The west coast is more urban and industrial in parts. The east coast is famous for scenery, ocean views, mountains, and that feeling of “wow, Taiwan is much more beautiful than I expected.”
But riders should also understand that Taiwan’s roads can be busy, weather can change, and some routes require planning.
This is why a custom Taiwan cycling tour can help.
You do not have to ride every kilometer to enjoy Taiwan by bike.
A private itinerary can combine cycling with vehicle support, hotels, luggage transfer, food stops, sightseeing, and safety planning.
That means you can enjoy the best parts without turning your vacation into a survival documentary.
For more details, read our full cycling route guide:
Taiwan Bike Tour & Cycling Routes Guide
💡 Best Cycling Travel Ideas in Taiwan
Here are some of the best ways visitors can experience cycling in Taiwan.
1. Taipei Riverside Bike Ride
Best for first-time visitors, families, and casual riders.
This is the easiest introduction to cycling in Taiwan. Rent a YouBike, follow the riverside path, and enjoy Taipei without fighting city traffic.
Good routes include Dadaocheng to Tamsui, Guandu to Bali, or Xindian riverside routes.
2. Tamsui and Bali Cycling
Best for sunset, snacks, and relaxed sightseeing.
Tamsui is a popular riverside town north of Taipei. You can ride along the river, take a ferry to Bali, enjoy street food, and watch the sunset.
This is the kind of ride where you may start with fitness goals and end with fried squid.
No judgment. This is Taiwan.
3. Sun Moon Lake Bike Trail
Best for scenery.
Sun Moon Lake cycling is one of the most beautiful soft-adventure experiences in Taiwan. It is great for travelers who want nature, photos, and a relaxed pace.
4. Yilan Countryside Cycling
Best for rice fields, families, and slow travel.
Yilan is flat, green, and peaceful compared with Taipei. Cycling here can include rice paddies, local farms, hot springs, and traditional food.
5. East Coast Cycling
Best for ocean views.
Taiwan’s east coast is where many cyclists fall in love with the island. The Pacific Ocean, mountains, tribal villages, and open roads create one of Taiwan’s most memorable cycling regions.
6. Around-Taiwan Cycling Route
Best for serious cyclists.
This is the dream ride. It requires planning, training, and time, but it is one of the most iconic cycling experiences in Asia.
7. Custom Private Cycling Tour
Best for travelers who want comfort and flexibility.
A custom Taiwan cycling tour can include bike rental, private vehicle support, English-speaking guide support, hotel arrangements, route planning, luggage transfer, and sightseeing.
This is ideal for couples, families, corporate groups, school groups, and travelers who want cycling without logistical stress.
Why Taiwan Is Great for Cycling Travelers
Taiwan is a strong cycling destination because it offers many things in a small area.
You get mountains, coastlines, lakes, cities, hot springs, tea farms, night markets, and local villages. You also get a strong cycling industry and a local culture that understands bikes.
For foreign visitors, Taiwan also has several practical advantages:
- Good public transportation
- High safety level
- Friendly locals
- Many convenience stores
- Bike rental options
- Scenic routes close to major cities
- Strong food culture for post-ride recovery
That last point is important.
Cycling in Taiwan is not only about burning calories. It is also about earning the right to eat more.
A proper Taiwan cycling day might include coffee, pineapple cake, beef noodle soup, bubble tea, dumplings, shaved ice, and maybe a night market snack.
Is that sports nutrition?
In Taiwan, yes.
Can Beginners Enjoy Cycling in Taiwan?
Yes, absolutely.
You do not need to be a professional cyclist to enjoy Taiwan by bike.
For beginners, we recommend starting with:
- Taipei riverside paths
- Tamsui and Bali
- Sun Moon Lake short route
- Yilan countryside
- A guided half-day cycling experience
Avoid difficult mountain roads unless you are prepared. Taiwan has serious climbs, and some mountain routes are better suited for experienced riders.
Also, Taiwan can be hot and humid, especially in summer. For casual riders, spring, autumn, and winter are usually more comfortable.
If you are visiting in summer, start early, drink water, wear sun protection, and do not challenge the Taiwan sun unless you enjoy being personally cooked.
How Justaiwantour Can Arrange a Taiwan Cycling Tour
At Justaiwantour, we can help travelers experience Taiwan’s cycling culture without needing to manage every detail alone.
A custom Taiwan cycling tour can include:
- Private vehicle support
- English-speaking guide or driver-guide
- Bike rental arrangement
- Rental bike guidance
- Scenic cycling route planning
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Sun Moon Lake cycling experience
- Taipei riverside cycling
- Family-friendly cycling routes
- Corporate cycling or incentive travel
- Multi-day Taiwan bike tour support
- Food and sightseeing stops
This is especially useful if you are traveling with family, mixed fitness levels, senior travelers, corporate groups, or first-time visitors.
Not everyone wants the same cycling trip.
Some people want to ride 100 kilometers.
Some people want to ride 5 kilometers and then eat lunch with lake views.
Both are valid. We respect both. Honestly, the lunch people may be happier.
Taiwan cycling can be serious, soft, scenic, cultural, or simply fun.
That is what makes it special.
FAQ: Taiwan Bicycle Brands and Cycling Travel
What are the most famous Taiwan bicycle brands?
The two most famous Taiwan bicycle brands are Giant and Merida. Both were founded in Taiwan in 1972 and became internationally recognized bicycle companies.
Is Giant a Taiwanese brand?
Yes. Giant was founded in Taiwan in 1972 and grew from bicycle manufacturing into a global cycling brand.
Is Merida a Taiwanese brand?
Yes. Merida was founded in Taiwan in 1972 by Ike Tseng and became one of Taiwan’s most respected bicycle brands.
Why is Taiwan called the Bicycle Kingdom?
Taiwan is called the Bicycle Kingdom because of its long history in bicycle manufacturing, famous brands like Giant and Merida, strong cycling industry, and growing cycling tourism culture.
Is Taiwan good for cycling?
Yes. Taiwan is one of the best cycling destinations in Asia, with city bike paths, scenic lake routes, coastal roads, mountain routes, and the famous around-island Cycling Route No. 1.
What is the best place for cycling in Taiwan?
For casual travelers, Sun Moon Lake and Taipei riverside routes are among the best choices. For serious cyclists, the east coast and Cycling Route No. 1 are popular options.
Can I rent a bike in Taiwan?
Yes. In Taipei and many cities, visitors can use YouBike for short rides. For longer routes, bicycle rental shops and private tour arrangements are available.
Can Justaiwantour arrange a Taiwan cycling tour?
Yes. Justaiwantour can arrange custom Taiwan cycling tours, including private vehicle support, bike rental assistance, scenic routes, hotel pickup, and sightseeing stops.