Shoushan and Chaishan Cycling Routes in Kaohsiung: An Urban Climbing Training Paradise

Shoushan and Chaishan: Kaohsiung’s Green Lungs

Shoushan (also known by its old name Takao Mountain) sits on the western edge of Kaohsiung City, with a summit elevation of roughly 356 meters. Despite its modest height, the mountain is packed with steep, concentrated climbs and offers sweeping views over downtown Kaohsiung and the harbor, making it a favorite training ground for cyclists across southern Taiwan.

Main Routes

Route 1: Gushan Road Climb

• Start: Gushan District (near the zoo)
• Finish: Shoushan summit
• Distance: approx. 4-5 km
• Elevation gain: approx. 300 m
• Average gradient: 6-7%
• Difficulty: ★★★

Several switchbacks along the way exceed 10% gradient, making this an excellent spot for interval training.

Route 2: Makadao Road Loop

• Start/Finish: Shoushan Zoo
• Distance: 8-12 km loop (can be extended flexibly)
• Elevation gain: approx. 400-500 m
• Highlight: Can be ridden repeatedly to stack up elevation gain

Route 3: Chaishan Extension

From Shoushan you can extend into Chaishan, which offers a more untouched natural setting. Some sections are gravel service roads, best suited to road bikes with wider tires or gravel bikes.

Scenic Highlights

Best Times to Ride

• Early morning: 5-7 AM, coolest temperatures, most riders on the road
• Evening: 5-7 PM, beautiful sunset scenery
• Avoid: 10 AM - 3 PM (high summer heat)

Training Applications

Although Shoushan isn’t a tall mountain, it lends itself to several training methods:

Climbing interval training:

• Pick a continuous 1-2 km climbing segment
• Ride it at maximum effort x 3-5 repeats
• Recover by descending between efforts

Cumulative elevation training:

• Climb steadily at a sustainable rhythm
• Target: 1,000-2,000 m of total elevation gain (requires multiple laps)
• Great preparation for major climbs like Wuling

Things to Note

• Shoushan is home to protected Formosan macaques — do not feed them
• Some sections have access restrictions, so watch for posted signs
• Weekends draw larger crowds; the road is shared with hikers and pedestrians

Extended Route: Exploring Downtown Kaohsiung

After finishing your Shoushan training ride, you can extend into downtown Kaohsiung:

• Love River waterfront: Flat and comfortable, with beautiful night views
• Zuoying Lotus Pond: Historic sites and a scenic lake
• Qijin Peninsula: Ferry ride + coastal riding
• Dashu Old Railway Bridge: A historic landmark

Related Reading

• Complete Guide to Kaohsiung Shoushan Ring Road: A Training-Friendly Hill Loop Analysis
• Kaohsiung Shoushan to Qijin: A Diverse Urban Training Route
• Kaohsiung Shoushan and Chaishan’s Military Restricted Zone Perimeter: The Complete Harbor City Hill Route Guide
• Kaohsiung Shoushan and Qijin Cycling Path: Planning a Relaxed Urban Ride