Taiwan Is a Climber’s Paradise
Although Taiwan is small, its diverse terrain features numerous world-class cycling climbs. With large elevation differences, good road quality, and spectacular scenery, Taiwan has become a pilgrimage site for cycling enthusiasts across Asia.
Ranking Criteria
This ranking takes into account:
- Scenic beauty
- Challenge level
- Road quality
- Historical and cultural significance
- Popularity among cyclists
No. 1: Wuling (Provincial Highway 14A)
“The summit of Taiwan’s highways, a sacred destination every cyclist must visit”
| Item | Data |
|---|---|
| Summit elevation | 3,275 m |
| Most common starting points | Puli (55K) or Qixingtan (105K) |
| Elevation gain | 2,700m (west approach) / 3,200m (east approach) |
| Average gradient | 4.9% (west approach) |
Wuling is not just the highest point—it is the spiritual icon of every Taiwanese cyclist.
No. 2: Hehuan Mountain (Provincial Highway 14A)
On the same route, Hehuan Mountain offers scenery distinct from Wuling’s. Azaleas in spring, maple leaves in autumn, and occasional snow in winter—beautiful in all four seasons.
No. 3: Alishan (Provincial Highway 18)
- Summit elevation: 2,200m
- Distance: 75K (from Chiayi)
- Highlights: tea plantations, sea of clouds, sacred trees
No. 4: Taiwan KOM Route (Provincial Highway 8)
The epic 105K route from Taroko Gorge to Wuling, Taiwan’s most iconic King of the Mountain route. The magnificent gorge terrain is unrivaled worldwide.
No. 5: Taipingshan (Provincial Highway 7A)
- Summit elevation: 2,000m
- Distance: 55K (from Yilan)
- Highlights: coniferous forests, clouds and mist, Cuifeng Lake
No. 6: Tataka (Provincial Highway 21)
- Summit elevation: 2,610m
- Distance: 80K (from Shuili)
- Highlights: the gateway to Yushan, leading to Taiwan’s highest peak
No. 7: Lishan (Provincial Highway 7, Northern Cross-Island Highway)
- Summit elevation: 2,000m
- Distance: 100K (from Daxi)
- Highlights: the hometown of pears, magnificent Northern Cross-Island Highway
No. 8: Yangmingshan Fengguizui
- Summit elevation: 612m
- Distance: 8.5K (from the National Palace Museum)
- Highlights: the closest climbing training ground to downtown Taipei—convenient yet scenic
No. 9: Dasyueshan
- Summit elevation: 2,600m
- Distance: 55K (from Fengyuan)
- Highlights: Taiwan beech primeval forest, a lesser-known hidden gem route
No. 10: Cingjing Farm (Provincial Highway 14)
- Summit elevation: 1,750m
- Distance: 40K (from Puli)
- Highlights: alpine farm scenery, European-style architecture, a waypoint before Wuling
Difficulty Comparison of All Routes
| Route | Distance | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wuling (west approach) | 55K | 2,700m | 10/10 |
| Wuling (east approach, KOM) | 105K | 3,200m | 11/10 |
| Alishan | 75K | 2,200m | 8/10 |
| Taipingshan | 55K | 2,000m | 7/10 |
| Tataka | 80K | 2,500m | 9/10 |
| Yangmingshan Fengguizui | 8.5K | 500m | 4/10 |
Recommended Progression Order
Beginner → Intermediate → Advanced
- Yangmingshan (weekend training) →
- Cingjing Farm (the precursor to Wuling) →
- Taipingshan or Alishan →
- Hehuan Mountain / Wuling (milestone) →
- Taiwan KOM Route (ultimate challenge)
Related Reading
- Taiwan’s Top 10 Highway Climbing Routes Ranked: The Perfect Blend of Difficulty and Scenery
- Taiwan’s Top 10 Classic Road Cycling Climb Recommendations
- A Tour of Taiwan’s Highest Highways: Conquering the Island’s Highest Paved Roads
- Conquering Taiwan’s Five Classic Climbs: Wuling, Tataka, Alishan, Hehuan North Peak, and Taipingshan
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