2025 Taiwan Cycling Festival Complete Calendar: From the Tour de Taiwan to the Sun Moon Lake Carnival

Taiwan is known as the “Kingdom of Bicycles,” not only because it is home to the world’s top bicycle manufacturing industry, but also because of its year-round abundance of cycling events. In 2025, from the beginning to the end of the year, dozens of exciting cycling festivals will be held across Taiwan. Whether you are a road bike enthusiast, a mountain bike rider, or a family cyclist looking for a leisurely ride, there is an event for everyone.

January to March: New Year Warm-Up Season

Taiwan Cycling Festival

The big opening event of the year, the Taiwan Cycling Festival, usually kicks off in January. Organized by the Sports Administration, this series of events features certified rides along multiple classic routes across Taiwan, including the Sun Moon Lake loop, the East Rift Valley, and the West Coast. The theme for 2025 is “Ride into Taiwan, Ride Toward Sustainability,” with a newly added carbon footprint calculation feature, allowing cyclists to contribute to environmental protection while enjoying the fun of riding.

Merida Cup International Mountain Bike Race

The Merida Cup in February is the annual highlight of Taiwan’s mountain biking scene. The race is held at a professional off-road venue near the company’s headquarters in Changhua, with categories for Elite, Challenge, and Experience riders, attracting competitors from across Asia. In 2025, a new e-MTB category has been added, reflecting the growing popularity of e-MTBs in Taiwan.

Kaohsiung Love River Cycling Carnival

March in Kaohsiung is already warm as spring, and the Love River Cycling Carnival combines riding, food, and live music performances, making it the most representative recreational cycling event in southern Taiwan. Along the dedicated bike paths on both banks of the Love River, cyclists can enjoy a leisurely ride while taking in the riverside scenery, with a local food market waiting at the finish line.

April to June: Spring Challenge Season

Tour de Taiwan

The Tour de Taiwan in April is the highest-level international cycling event in Taiwan, classified as a UCI 2.1 road race. The 2025 edition spans five days, starting in Taipei and passing through Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, and Kaohsiung before finishing in Taichung. The thrilling competition among professional teams, combined with Taiwan’s stunning mountain and coastal scenery along the route, makes the Tour de Taiwan a highlight on the international cycling calendar.

Taitung Luye Cycling Tour

In May, Taitung’s hot air balloon season has not yet begun, but the Luye Highlands are already lush and green. The Luye Cycling Tour takes riders through the pastoral scenery of the East Rift Valley, with opportunities to taste local pineapples, sugar apples, and other fruits—a wonderful event that combines food and sport.

Wuling King of the Mountain Challenge

The Wuling King of the Mountain Challenge in June is Taiwan’s most iconic climbing race. Starting from Puli, the route climbs all the way to Wuling at an elevation of 3,275 meters, covering 55 kilometers with an elevation gain of over 2,700 meters. The event attracts top climbers from around the world and is hailed as one of “Asia’s toughest climbing races.” In 2025, a separate prize purse has been added for the Elite Women’s category to encourage more female riders to participate.

July to September: Summer Endurance Season

Hualien Taroko Gorge Cycling Race

The Taroko Gorge race in July is Taiwan’s most visually stunning cycling event. Riders weave through the magnificent marble gorge, where tunnels and bridges alternate, and every turn offers a breathtaking view. Due to the unique terrain of the gorge, the race is held on closed roads, offering a rare opportunity to ride freely on the Taroko highway.

Sun Moon Lake Come! Bikeday

The Sun Moon Lake loop ride in September is one of Taiwan’s most popular cycling events. The approximately 30-kilometer lakeside route has been named one of the “World’s 10 Most Beautiful Bike Paths” by CNN. Riding amidst the lake and mountain scenery with a gentle breeze on your face makes all worries fade away. In 2025, a special sunrise session has been planned, allowing cyclists to experience the stunning beauty of Sun Moon Lake in the morning light.

Penghu Island-Hopping Cycling Festival

The Penghu island-hopping ride in August combines cycling with outlying-island sightseeing. Riders take ferries to move between islands, cycling over coral reef and limestone terrain while admiring the unique columnar basalt formations and the azure sea and sky of Penghu Bay.

October to December: Autumn and Winter Finale Season

Taipei International Cycle Show (Taipei Cycle)

Although not a riding event, the Taipei International Cycle Show in October is the world’s second-largest bicycle exhibition, bringing together bicycle brands and component manufacturers from Taiwan and around the globe. The 2025 edition focuses on three major themes: smart cycling, electric bicycles, and sustainable materials, making it the best window into industry trends.

Tainan Ancient Capital Cycling Tour

In November, Tainan enjoys pleasant weather, and the Ancient Capital Cycling Tour takes riders through the city’s historic landmarks. From Chihkan Tower to Anping Fort, from Shennong Street to Hayashi Department Store, explore four hundred years of Tainan’s history on two wheels, with stops along the way to enjoy authentic local snacks.

Taiwan Cycling King of the Mountain Year-End Ceremony

The year-end ceremony in December is an awards event for cyclists who have completed multiple certified rides throughout the year, honoring those who performed exceptionally in various challenges. It also serves as the launch event for next year’s activities, allowing riders to plan their cycling goals for the year ahead.

Event Participation Tips

Registration Notes

• Popular events such as the Wuling King of the Mountain Challenge and the Sun Moon Lake loop often sell out within hours of registration opening, so it is recommended to follow official social media channels in advance
• International events require UCI-related credentials, while amateur categories require basic fitness certification
• Most events offer finisher souvenirs (medals, cycling jerseys, etc.), and early-bird registration usually comes with discounts

Gear Recommendations

• For summer events, be sure to bring plenty of water bottles and sunscreen
• Mountain events have large temperature fluctuations, so bringing a windbreaker is recommended
• Helmets are mandatory for all events, and some races require compliant bike lights

Transportation Planning

• For events in the Hualien-Taitung area, you can use the TRA’s bike-friendly trains for convenient bicycle transport
• Round-island events usually offer luggage transfer services
• It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, as local hotels tend to fill up quickly during event periods

The 2025 Taiwan cycling festival calendar is packed with exciting events. No matter your riding ability, you can find your own stage on this cycling island. Start planning your annual riding plan now!

Related Reading

• Complete Guide to Taiwan Cycling Carnival: A Comprehensive Participation Guide for the Annual Cyclist Gathering
• Cycling Festival Culture: Cycling Carnivals and Group Rides Across Taiwan
• Cycling Music Festivals and Race Culture: Major Cycling Festival Events in Taiwan
• Taiwan Cycling Road Race Annual Calendar: Full-Year Event Overview and Preparation Tips