Riding into the International Spotlight: Taiwan’s Cycling Tourism Promotion Strategies and Classic Routes

Taiwan, an island covering just 36,000 square kilometers, boasts an astonishing diversity of terrain: from sea-level coastlines to peaks approaching 4,000 meters, from bustling cities to tranquil countryside—all of these landscapes can be connected by bicycle. In recent years, Taiwan has actively promoted cycling tourism, turning “Exploring Taiwan by Bike” into a highlight brand for international travel.

The Development History of Cycling Tourism in Taiwan

The Budding Period (2007-2012)

The turning point for cycling tourism in Taiwan was 2007. Giant founder King Liu completed a round-island ride at the age of 73, a story widely covered by the media that sparked a “round-island” craze across Taiwan. That same year, the iconic line from the film Island Etude—“Some things, if you don’t do them now, you’ll never do them in your lifetime”—elevated round-island cycling to a nationwide movement.

The government began to recognize the potential of cycling tourism, and counties and cities across the island invested in building cycling paths. Major routes such as the Sun Moon Lake Lakeside Cycling Path, the East Rift Valley Cycling Path, and the West Coast Cycling Path were completed or upgraded during this period.

The Growth Period (2013-2019)

During this phase, Taiwan’s cycling tourism expanded from the domestic market to the international stage. The Tourism Administration established a dedicated cycling tourism promotion program, set up cycling-themed exhibition areas at international travel fairs, and invited international cycling media to experience Taiwan firsthand.

CNN named the Sun Moon Lake Lakeside Cycling Path one of the “World’s 10 Most Beautiful Cycling Paths,” and this international recognition significantly boosted the global visibility of Taiwan’s cycling tourism. More and more international travelers added “Cycling Around Taiwan” to their bucket lists.

The Transformation Period (2020-Present)

During the pandemic, international tourism suffered severe setbacks, but domestic cycling travel in Taiwan actually grew against the trend. Many Taiwanese chose to explore their own homeland by bicycle, unexpectedly discovering many beautiful sights they had previously overlooked.

In the post-pandemic recovery phase, Taiwan’s cycling tourism has returned to the international market with greater maturity. The government has invested more resources in upgrading cycling infrastructure, while private-sector operators have developed a more diverse range of cycling tourism products.

International Promotion Strategies

Government Level

Tourism Administration’s Promotion Plans:

• International promotion of the “Taiwan Cycling Festival” brand
• Setting up promotional booths at international cycling and travel expos
• Inviting international cycling media and KOLs to ride and experience Taiwan
• Producing multilingual cycling travel guides and videos
• Partnering with international cycling travel platforms to list Taiwan routes

Sports Administration’s Event Promotion:

• Upgrading the international event status of the Tour de Taiwan
• International promotion of the Wuling Summit Challenge
• Collaborating with the UCI to host internationally certified events

Local Government Specialty Marketing:

• Hualien: Featuring Taroko Gorge and the East Rift Valley
• Taitung: Combining hot springs and Indigenous culture with riding experiences
• Sun Moon Lake: Attracting international visitors with lake scenery and the lakeside cycling path
• Penghu: Highlighting island-hopping rides and maritime culture

Private Sector Operators

Cycling Travel Agencies:
Taiwan has seen the emergence of several travel agencies specializing in cycling tourism, offering itineraries ranging from one-day trips to ten-day round-island tours. These agencies typically provide full logistical support, including bicycle rental, luggage transport, accommodation arrangements, and guided rides, allowing international travelers to enjoy their rides with peace of mind.

Bicycle Brand Initiatives:
Giant and Merida are both actively involved in promoting cycling tourism. Giant has set up rental stations at multiple tourist attractions, offering high-quality bicycle rental services. Merida has also launched tourism itineraries that combine factory visits with riding experiences.

Taiwan’s Top Ten International-Grade Cycling Routes

1. The Round-Island Route (Approximately 900-1,000 km in Total)

Cycling around Taiwan is the most classic cycling tourism route. Circling the entire island clockwise or counterclockwise typically takes nine to twelve days. Passing through cities, countryside, coastline, and mountainous areas along the way, it is the best way to experience Taiwan’s diverse facets.

Route Highlights: Sunsets on the west coast, the magnificent ocean views along the Suhua Highway, the pastoral scenery of the East Rift Valley, and the tropical charm of Kenting.

International Traveler Reviews: Many foreign cyclists who have completed the round-island trip say Taiwan’s convenience is second to none worldwide—with a high density of convenience stores, easy resupply, excellent public safety, and friendly people.

2. Sun Moon Lake Lakeside Cycling Path (Approximately 30 km)

Named by CNN as one of the world’s most beautiful cycling paths. Riding along the lake shore, passing through Shuishe Dam and Xiangshan Visitor Center, the morning mist and sunset over the lake are both stunning scenery.

3. Wuling Highway (Puli to Wuling, Approximately 55 km)

Climbing from Puli at an elevation of about 500 meters all the way up to Wuling at 3,275 meters, this is the highest highway pass in Southeast Asia. For international cyclists, this is the ultimate climbing experience.

4. East Rift Valley Cycling Path (Approximately 150 km)

From Hualien to Taitung, traversing the vast farmlands of the East Rift Valley. Flanked by the Coastal Mountain Range and the Central Mountain Range, with endless rice paddies in between, the “Heaven Road” on Brown Boulevard is a must-visit photo spot.

5. Taroko Gorge Route (Approximately 40 km)

Passing through the magnificent marble gorge of Taroko National Park, this is one of the world’s rare gorge-road cycling experiences. Note: Some sections require a park entry permit.

6. North Coast Route (Approximately 80 km)

Starting from Taipei and riding along the north coast, passing through Jinshan, Wanli, and Yehliu Geopark, before finally reaching Tamsui. The sea-eroded rock formations and fishing village scenery along the way are highly distinctive.

7. Alishan Highway (Approximately 75 km)

Riding up to Alishan from Chiayi City, passing through changes in tropical, subtropical, and temperate vegetation zones along the way. Sunrises and seas of clouds are the bonus rewards upon reaching Alishan.

8. Hengchun Peninsula Route (Approximately 90 km)

Circling the Hengchun Peninsula at Taiwan’s southernmost tip, passing through Kenting, Eluanbi, Jialeshuei, and other attractions. Tropical vibes and azure seas are the greatest charms of this route.

9. Southern Cross-Island Highway (Approximately 170 km)

Running from Yujing in Tainan to Haiduan in Taitung, the Southern Cross-Island Highway crosses the Central Mountain Range and is one of Taiwan’s most challenging and spectacular road rides. After years of repairs, it has reopened with greatly improved road conditions.

10. Penghu Island-Hopping Route

A unique travel experience combining ferries and bicycles. Ride between different islands, admiring basalt geology, coral reef coastlines, and traditional fishing villages.

Practical Travel Information

Best Riding Seasons

• Spring (March-May): Mild weather makes this the most comfortable riding season. The rapeseed flowers and daylilies in Hualien and Taitung are an extra visual feast
• Autumn (October-November): Clear and crisp weather, ideal for long-distance riding. Autumn colors begin to appear in the mountains
• Winter (December-February): The south remains warm and pleasant, suitable for the Hengchun Peninsula and Hualien-Taitung routes
• Summer (June-September): Hot with typhoon risks, but early morning and evening rides are still feasible. Mountain routes are actually cooler during this season

Bicycle Rental

• Giant and Merida have rental stations at major tourist attractions
• Prices range from a few hundred to several thousand NT$ per day, depending on the bike model
• Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons and holidays
• Some operators offer one-way rental services (pick up at one location, drop off at another)

Transportation Transfers

• Taiwan Railway’s “Bike & Rail” trains allow bicycles to be brought on board
• Taiwan High Speed Rail offers bicycle carriage service, requiring a dedicated bike bag
• Buses and MRT systems in major cities allow folding bicycles during off-peak hours

Accommodation Recommendations

• The round-island route offers abundant accommodation options along the way, from hostels to boutique hotels
• Some B&Bs and hotels offer “cyclist packages” that include bicycle washing and secure storage spaces
• Advance booking is recommended, especially in the Hualien-Taitung area, where accommodations tend to fill up on holidays

Future Outlook

The development of Taiwan’s cycling tourism is moving toward several important trends:

• Sustainable Tourism: Promoting low-carbon travel, with bicycles being the most eco-friendly mode of transportation
• In-Depth Experiences: Shifting from “riding through” to “experiencing,” integrating local culture, cuisine, and human stories
• Digital Services: Developing cycling travel apps that provide real-time road conditions, resupply point information, and navigation services
• Accessible Riding: Developing electric-assist bicycles and accessible paths so more people can enjoy cycling travel

Taiwan’s cycling tourism is not just an industry—it is a way to showcase the beauty of Taiwan to the world. Every international traveler who comes to ride in Taiwan is Taiwan’s best tourism ambassador.

Related Reading

• The Golden Age of Road Cycling in Taiwan: The Cycling Craze from the 2000s to Today
• Cycling Tourism in Taiwan: Package Tours Combining B&Bs, Cuisine, and Attractions
• Taiwan’s Cycling Path Construction: The Government-Invested Round-Island Cycling Network
• A Tour of Taiwan’s Bicycle Industry: Giant, Merida, and World-Class Manufacturing Prowess