Huadong Valley Bikeway: Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Flat Cycling Experience

If you were to pick the cycling route in Taiwan best suited for “relaxation and enjoyment,” the Huadong Valley would undoubtedly rank at the top. Stretching over 180 kilometers, this valley corridor sits between the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range, boasting Taiwan’s broadest agricultural plains, clearest rivers, and purest blue skies with white clouds. Unlike climbing routes that test your physical limits, the Huadong Valley offers a sense of healing that satisfies both body and mind.

Huadong Valley Geography Overview

The Huadong Valley runs from Hualien City in the north to Taitung City in the south, spanning approximately 180 kilometers, making it the most important living corridor in eastern Taiwan. Two major rivers, the Xiuguluan River and the Beinan River, flow through the valley, creating fertile rice and vegetable production areas along their banks. The mountain ranges on both sides are majestic—the Central Mountain Range to the west peaks above 3,000 meters, while the Coastal Mountain Range to the east hugs the Pacific Ocean. The entire valley resembles a giant natural picture frame.

Main Cycling Routes

The cycling routes in the Huadong Valley are mainly divided into several segments, which can be ridden individually or combined into multi-day itineraries.

Route 1: Hualien City → Shoufeng → Guangfu (Approximately 60 km)

This is the northern section of the valley, heading south along Provincial Highway 9, with flat terrain and wide-open views.

Highlight Attractions:

• Ji’an Qingxiu Temple: A well-preserved Shingon Buddhist temple from the Japanese colonial era, steeped in historical atmosphere
• Shoufeng: Home to the renowned Luoshan Organic Village, where you can experience organic farming culture
• Guangfu Sugar Factory: A sugar mill left from the Japanese colonial period, now converted into a tourist park with a well-preserved vintage steam locomotive
• Matian’an Wetland: Traditional Amis wetland fishing culture, rich in aquatic plant ecology

Route 2: Guangfu → Ruisui → Fuli (Approximately 55 km)

The central section of the valley, this is the stretch with the most expansive scenery along the entire route, where rice paddies, tea plantations, and pastures interweave.

Highlight Attractions:

• Ruisui Ranch: A vast dairy farm where freshly squeezed milk and ice cream are must-try delicacies
• Ruisui Hot Springs: Sodium bicarbonate springs, a great spot to soak your feet and rest after cycling
• Liushishan (Sixty Stone Mountain): Daylily flower fields bloom in full glory from August to September, covering the hillsides in a spectacular sea of golden yellow
• Fuli Township: An important rice-producing area in Taiwan, where pristine air and vast rice paddies are refreshing to the soul

Route 3: Fuli → Guanshan → Chishang (Approximately 45 km)

The southern section of the valley, famous for Chishang rice country, and the most photographed stretch of the valley on social media.

Highlight Attractions:

• Chishang Dapo Pond: A rare natural lake in the valley, where egrets gather in flocks and lotus flowers bloom, evoking the imagery of a Jiangnan water town
• Brown’s Boulevard (Bolang Avenue): A small road through the rice paddies that became famous after a tea commercial featuring actor Takeshi Kaneshiro. It is one of the most iconic attractions in the Huadong Valley. Cycling along it, with golden rice ears stretching endlessly on both sides, is utterly mesmerizing
• Guanshan Bikeway: A loop trail encircling Guanshan Township, approximately 17 kilometers long, flat and easy to ride, suitable for the whole family
• Chishang Bento: The birthplace of Taiwan’s most famous railway lunchbox—be sure to buy one to try

Route 4: Chishang → Luye → Taitung City (Approximately 50 km)

The southernmost section of the valley, where the terrain gradually changes and the Beinan River valley offers unique scenery.

Highlight Attractions:

• Luye Highland: Taiwan’s most famous hot air balloon launch site. During the summer hot air balloon festival, dozens of colorful balloons float in the sky—an unforgettable visual spectacle
• Beinan Cultural Park: Taiwan’s largest prehistoric archaeological site, where numerous stone coffins and artifacts have been unearthed
• Taitung City: Rich in Austronesian indigenous culture, brimming with tropical vibes

Best Cycling Seasons

Spring (March to May)

After the spring rice transplanting in the Huadong Valley, endless fields of tender green rice seedlings create a beautiful contrast with the blue sky and white clouds. Temperatures range from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius, offering the most comfortable cycling conditions.

Summer (July to September)

The daylily flower fields at Liushishan (August to September) are the biggest highlight of summer, but eastern Taiwan experiences high temperatures and frequent typhoons during this season, so be sure to check weather forecasts. The Luye Hot Air Balloon Festival is usually held in July, adding an extra treat for summer visitors.

Autumn (October to November)

The rice paddies turn golden (during the grain ripening period), which is precisely when Brown’s Boulevard is at its most beautiful. With crisp autumn weather, cycling comfort is at its peak.

Cycling Tips and Precautions

Wind Direction

The Huadong Valley runs north-south, and due to topographic effects, strong valley winds (from the south or north) are common. It is recommended to check the day’s wind direction and ride with the wind; for headwind sections, you can take the TRA (Taiwan Railways) instead.

Bicycle Rental

Bicycle rental shops are available in Hualien, Taitung, and various townships along the valley, offering road bikes, mountain bikes, and electric-assist bicycles. You can experience valley cycling without needing to bring your own bike.

Combining with the TRA

There are multiple TRA stations along the valley (Hualien, Shoufeng, Guangfu, Ruisui, Fuli, Guanshan, Chishang, Taitung), allowing flexible planning of cycling distances without having to complete the entire route in one go. The TRA permits folding bikes or bicycles placed in bags to be brought onboard.

Adequate Supplies

Towns and villages along the valley are spaced approximately 10 to 20 kilometers apart, with occasional gaps in supply points. It is recommended to carry at least enough food and water for one hour of riding whenever you set out.

The Huadong Valley is one of the few cycling routes in Taiwan where you can truly “clear your mind.” No pressure from steep climbs, no hustle and bustle of the city—only vast fields, fresh air, and the magnificent guardianship of the mountain ranges on both sides. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a casual leisure rider, the Huadong Valley is worth taking the time to savor.

Related Reading

• Cycling Paradise in Eastern Taiwan: Complete Guide to Huadong Valley Routes
• Huadong Valley Bikeway In-Depth Guide: Taiwan’s Best Route for Long-Distance Riding
• Huadong Valley Cycling Journey: Taiwan’s Most Spectacular Long-Distance Riding Route
• Huadong Valley: The Most Beautiful Cycling Section from Hualien to Taitung