Taiwan Cycling Around the Island: A 9-Day Route Plan and Supply Stops

“Cycling around the island” is a dream journey that almost everyone in Taiwan aspires to. Whether by bicycle, car, or hitchhiking, tracing the outline of this island is a profound tribute to the land. For cycling enthusiasts, personally pedaling every kilometer, feeling every rise and fall of the terrain, and every gust of wind, is an irreplaceable experience.

This article provides a detailed 9-day itinerary for cycling around the island, primarily in a clockwise direction (Taipei → Yilan → Hualien → Taitung → Pingtung → Kaohsiung → Tainan → Chiayi → Taichung → Taipei), covering approximately 960 to 1,050 kilometers in total.

Pre-Departure Preparation

Fitness Recommendations

A 9-day island tour averages 100 to 120 kilometers of riding per day, requiring a certain level of fitness. It is recommended to complete at least the following before departure:

• 2 to 3 long rides of over 100 kilometers each
• Consecutive riding practice for 2 or more days (to build fatigue management skills)

Equipment Checklist

• Bicycle: Road bike or gravel bike are both suitable; a full bike tune-up is recommended
• Repair Tools: 2 spare tubes, tire patch kit, spare chain links, multi-tool set
• Clothing: 3 to 4 sets of cycling kit, rain jacket, thermal layer
• Navigation: GPS cycling computer or phone mount, download offline maps
• First Aid Kit: Band-Aids, iodine, anti-inflammatory medication

9-Day Itinerary Plan

Day 1: Taipei → Yilan (Approximately 110 km)

Route: Taipei (Nangang) → Ruifang → Toucheng → Yilan City

Choose between the Northern Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 9) or the Coastal Highway (Provincial Highway 2). The Northern Cross-Island Highway offers a challenging climb but is shorter; the Coastal Highway is flat with beautiful ocean views but windier. It is recommended to take the Northern Cross-Island Highway on the first day while your energy is fresh, to take on the first major challenge.

Supply Stops: Near Ruifang Station, Jiaoxi (numerous convenience stores)
Accommodation: Yilan City

Day 2: Yilan → Hualien (Approximately 110 km)

Route: Yilan → Su’ao → Nan’ao → Heping → Xincheng → Hualien City

The Suhua Highway (Provincial Highway 9) is one of the most challenging sections of the entire route, with some parts lacking shoulders and heavy vehicle traffic. Since the Suhua Improvement Project opened in 2024, it is recommended to take the tunnel sections of the Suhua Improvement for greater safety. The Pacific Ocean views along the way are magnificent and breathtaking.

Supply Stops: Nan’ao (convenience store), Heping (small supermarket)
Accommodation: Hualien City

Day 3: Hualien → Taitung (Approximately 175 km)

Route: Hualien → Shoufeng → Ruisui → Guanshan → Taitung City

The East Rift Valley is the easiest and most scenic section of the entire journey. Provincial Highway 9 runs along the valley of the Xiuguluan River and Beinan River, offering wide, open views with the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range facing each other on both sides—a truly majestic sight.

Supply Stops: Shoufeng, Ruisui (famous for glutinous rice mochi), Guanshan (convenience store)
Accommodation: Taitung City

Day 4: Taitung → Fangliao, Pingtung (Approximately 130 km)

Route: Taitung → Beinan → Dawu → Fangliao

The southern section of Provincial Highway 26 (South Link Highway) is the loneliest yet most spectacular part of the island tour. It crosses the tail end of the Central Mountain Range and runs along the Pacific coast, with almost no villages along the way. Supplies are difficult to find, so you need to prepare ample food and water.

Supply Stops: Dawu (24-hour convenience store)
Accommodation: Fangliao

Day 5: Fangliao → Kaohsiung (Approximately 90 km)

Route: Fangliao → Donggang → Linbian → Kaohsiung City

A relatively easy day, riding along Provincial Highway 17. You can detour to Donggang to sample bluefin tuna dishes, or stop in Linbian for wax apples. Upon entering Kaohsiung City, ride along the Love River to experience the urban charm of southern Taiwan.

Supply Stops: Donggang Market, Linbian, Fengshan
Accommodation: Kaohsiung City

Day 6: Kaohsiung → Tainan (Approximately 60 km)

Route: Kaohsiung → Luzhu → Tainan City

The shortest day in terms of mileage, deliberately arranged to let your legs recover while leaving time for an in-depth exploration of Tainan. Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city; Anping Fort, Chihkan Tower, and Shennong Street are all worth taking your time to wander through.

Supply Stops: Dense options in Tainan City
Accommodation: Tainan City

Day 7: Tainan → Taichung (Approximately 165 km)

Route: Tainan → Chiayi → Changhua → Taichung

Take Provincial Highway 1 or Provincial Highway 17 across the Chianan Plain. The terrain is flat, but wind speed has a significant impact. In Chiayi City, you can enjoy turkey rice; in Changhua, you can visit the Great Buddha of Baguashan.

Supply Stops: Chiayi City, Changhua City (both have complete supply options)
Accommodation: Taichung City

Day 8: Taichung → Hsinchu (Approximately 100 km)

Route: Taichung → Miaoli → Zhunan → Hsinchu City

Provincial Highway 1 crosses the Miaoli hills, with constant small climbs and descents—a major test for legs that have already been riding for 7 days. Miaoli’s Zaoqiao and Sanyi woodcarving areas are worth a stop along the way.

Supply Stops: Miaoli City, Sanyi, Zhunan
Accommodation: Hsinchu City

Day 9: Hsinchu → Taipei (Approximately 80 km)

Route: Hsinchu → Taoyuan → Sanchong → Taipei

The final day’s ride brings you back to the starting point, with mixed and emotional feelings. It is recommended to take Provincial Highway 1 or the coastal Provincial Highway 61 to avoid peak traffic in the Taipei metropolitan area.

Supply Stops: Taoyuan City (convenient supplies along the entire route)
Finish Point: Nangang, Taipei (or as you choose)

Daily Supply Strategy

• Replenish with energy bars or food every 20 to 30 kilometers
• Electrolyte replenishment: Replenish once every hour to prevent cramps
• Be sure to refill water when passing convenience stores, especially on the Hualien-Taitung and South Link sections
• Carry at least 1,000 ml of water at all times to cope with remote sections

The Meaning of Completing the Island Tour

A 9-day cycling trip around the island is the most heartfelt way to measure this land of Taiwan. From the lush green mountains of the north, the magnificent coastline of the east, the tropical charm of the south, to the cultural plains of the west, every landscape reveals a different face of Taiwan. The moment you return to the starting point, you will deeply feel that although Taiwan is small, it holds boundless richness within.

Related Reading

• Taiwan Island Tour 9-Day Itinerary: Complete Daily Mileage and Accommodation Recommendations
• 9-Day Island Tour Plan: The Complete 900 km Taiwan Cycling Guide
• Taiwan Island Tour 9-Day Classic Route: Daily Mileage Planning and Accommodation Strategy
• Taiwan Cycling Island Tour Planning: Daily Mileage and Accommodation Strategy for a 9-Day Trip