Taiwan North Coast 200km One-Day Challenge: A Double Century Ride from Taipei

North Coast 200K: The Classic Challenge for Taipei Riders

The 200-kilometer one-day North Coast challenge in Taiwan is one of the most popular long-distance routes for cyclists in the greater Taipei area. Starting from Taipei City, the route follows the Keelung River bikeway to Xizhi, passes through Pingxi and Shifen to the Northeast Coast, then returns to Taipei along the magnificent North Coastline. The total distance is approximately 200 kilometers with about 2,000 meters of elevation gain, covering three distinctly different riding experiences: riverside bikeways, mountain roads, and coastal highways.

Route Overview

Start/Finish: Taipei City (recommended to start from Dadaocheng or Shezi)
Route: Taipei → Xizhi → Ruifang → Northeast Coast → Keelung → Wanli → Jinshan → Shimen → Sanzhi → Tamsui → Taipei
Total Distance: Approximately 195-210 km (depending on specific route variations)
Total Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,800-2,200 meters
Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Moderately High)
Recommended Riding Time: 8-12 hours

Segment-by-Segment Route Details

Segment 1: Taipei to Ruifang (Approximately 3

5 km)

Depart from Taipei at 5 AM, following the Keelung River bikeway through Songshan and Nangang to Xizhi. This section is entirely on bikeways—flat and safe, making it an excellent warm-up stretch. The riverside dawn and the silhouettes of distant mountains open the day’s ride on a beautiful note. After leaving Xizhi, connect to Provincial Highway 2C toward Ruifang. Upon arriving in Ruifang, you can stop at a local breakfast shop in town for a hearty meal to refuel.

Segment 2: Ruifang to Fulong (Approximately 30 km)

From Ruifang, there are two options: take County Road 102 through Jiufen and Jinguashi to Shuinandong and then to the Northeast Coast; or take Provincial Highway 2C through Houtong to Shifen, then connect to Provincial Highway 2. The former offers better scenery but more climbing (requiring a climb over the approximately 400-meter Buyan Pavilion), while the latter is flatter. If your goal is to complete the 200K, the easier route is recommended. Upon reaching Fulong, a famous Fulong bento box is the perfect reward for this segment.

Segment 3: Fulong to Keelung (Approximately 35 km)

From Fulong, the route enters the Northeast Coast. Provincial Highway 2 winds along the coastline, passing Sandiaojiao (Taiwan’s easternmost lighthouse), Bitoujiao, Longdong, and Nanya’s strange rock formations. This stretch of coastline is hailed as one of Taiwan’s most beautiful coastal highways, with the azure Pacific Ocean and unique sea-eroded terrain offering endless visual delights. The terrain is mostly rolling with occasional short climbs, but wind direction is the key factor on this segment. When the northeast monsoon blows, headwinds can significantly reduce your speed.

Segment 4: Keelung to Jinshan (Approximately 30 km)

After passing through Keelung City, continue west along Provincial Highway 2 into the North Coast. After Heping Island and Badouzi, you’ll reach Wanli and then Jinshan. This section features several rolling hills, including a few short climbs between Keelung and Wanli. Jinshan is an important rest stop on the North Coast, offering hot springs, duck meat, and various local snacks. If your energy is flagging, Jinshan is a good place for a longer rest and meal.

Segment 5: Jinshan to Tamsui (Approximately 35 km)

The stretch of North Coast highway from Jinshan through Shimen, Sanzhi, and on to Tamsui is the most spectacular section of the entire route. Landmarks come one after another: Shimen Cave, Laomei Green Reef, Fugui Cape Lighthouse (Taiwan’s northernmost point), and Linshanbi. If you’re lucky enough to catch a beautiful sunset, the golden light along the coastline from Baishawan to Tamsui will make you forget all your fatigue. Upon arriving in Tamsui, you can enjoy the final ocean views at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Segment 6: Tamsui to Taipei (Approximately 25 km)

The final segment follows the Tamsui River bikeway back to Taipei City. This section is entirely on bikeways—flat and straight—making it the perfect cool-down stretch. Along the way, you’ll pass the Guandu Bridge and Shezi Island before finally returning to the starting point. Arriving in Taipei at sunset or as the city lights begin to glow brings the 200K challenge to a fitting conclusion.

Wind Strategy

The riding experience on the North Coast 200K depends heavily on wind direction. The most common northeast winds (autumn and winter) turn the southbound sections of the Northeast Coast into a headwind nightmare. Therefore, many experienced riders choose to ride counterclockwise (doing the North Coast first and returning via the Northeast Coast), allowing them to ride with the northeast wind on the way back. Summer southerly winds favor the opposite—a clockwise direction would be more advantageous. Check the wind forecast before departing and choose the optimal direction of travel.

Refueling Strategy

Refueling on this route is very convenient, as the route passes through towns and settlements with a high density of convenience stores. It’s recommended to stop every 30-40 km for supplies; there’s no need to carry excessive food and water. However, note that certain sections of the Northeast Coast (particularly between Sandiaojiao and Longdong) have fewer shops, so make sure your water bottles are full before passing through.

Safety Reminders

Provincial Highway 2 is a major arterial road in northern Taiwan, with heavy traffic on weekends—extra caution is required. Riding on weekdays is recommended to avoid holiday tourist traffic. Traffic in Keelung City can be chaotic, so exercise extra care when passing through. For night riding (especially early morning and evening), be sure to use high-brightness lights. Some sections of the Northeast Coast run adjacent to cliffs—do not ride too close to the shoulder.

Route Variations

If 200 km feels too long, you can shorten it to a 140 km North Coast version: ride from Taipei via Tamsui to Jinshan, then take the train from Keelung back to Taipei. Alternatively, you can choose to ride only the Northeast Coast section: take the train from Taipei to Ruifang, ride the Northeast Coast to Keelung, then take the train back to Taipei—approximately 70 km, perfect for a half-day outing.

Related Reading

• Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Coastal Cycling Route: The North Coast Ride from Keelung to Yilan
• North Coast Cycling Route: The Coastline Ride from Tamsui to Keelung
• Taiwan Cycling Around the Island Northern Segment: Scenery and Challenges from the North Coast to Yilan
• The Nine-Day Island Tour: A Complete Guide to the 900 km Taiwan Cycling Circumnavigation