North Coast and Northeast Corner Classic Routes: Complete Guide to Fengguizui, Balaka, and Buyanting

Fengguizui (Fengguikou)

Basic Information

• Start: Zhishan Road Section 3 (near the National Palace Museum)
• Finish: Fengguizui (approx. 500m elevation)
• Distance: Approx. 7.5 km
• Elevation Gain: Approx. 430m
• Average Gradient: 5.7%

Route Features

Fengguizui is the most classic climbing practice ground for cyclists in northern Taiwan. The entire route has good asphalt pavement quality and a consistent gradient, making it an excellent route for testing climbing ability.

Reference Times

Level	Time
Elite	< 18 minutes
Advanced	18-22 minutes
Intermediate	22-28 minutes
Beginner	28-35 minutes

Weather Notes

As the name suggests, the wind at the summit of Fengguizui is extremely strong. During the winter northeast monsoon season, temperatures at the top can be 5-8°C lower than in the city, and combined with the strong winds, the perceived temperature is even lower.

Balaka Road

Basic Information

• Start: Beixinzhuang
• Finish: Datun Saddle (Yangjin Highway intersection)
• Distance: Approx. 9.5 km
• Elevation Gain: Approx. 620m
• Average Gradient: 6.5%

Route Features

Balaka Road is one of the most challenging climbing routes in the Yangmingshan area. The first section is relatively gentle, but the latter half features multiple steep sections of 8-12%. The road surface quality is decent, but there are many corners, so extra caution is needed on the descent.

Classic Combination Routes

• Yangmingshan Grand Loop: Yangde Avenue → Zhuzihu → Balaka → Beixinzhuang → Tamsui, approx. 60 km
• Double Balaka: Two round trips on Balaka, dedicated to climbing training

Buyanting

Basic Information

• Start: Shuangxi end of Highway 102
• Finish: Buyanting (approx. 540m elevation)
• Distance: Approx. 8 km
• Elevation Gain: Approx. 500m
• Average Gradient: 6.3%

Route Features

Buyanting is hailed as “Taiwan’s most beautiful road viewpoint.” On clear days, you can overlook the entire Northeast Coast coastline. The route is steep and challenging, with the steepest section reaching 12%.

Classic Combinations

• Jiufen Buyanting Loop: Jinguashi → Buyanting → Shuangxi → Ruifang, approx. 50 km
• Paired with Highway 106 Pingxi Line: Shifen → Pingxi → 106 → Buyanting

North Coast Scenic Route

Route Suggestion

• Tamsui → Sanzhi → Shimen → Jinshan → Wanli
• Distance: Approx. 50-60 km (one way)
• Elevation Gain: Relatively low, suitable for recovery days or long-distance aerobic rides
• Spectacular ocean views along the way, with ample supply points

Wind Direction Notes

• Winter: Strong northeast winds; riding from Wanli toward Tamsui (tailwind) is recommended
• Summer: Prevailing southwest winds; starting from Tamsui is more favorable
• When winds are strong, extra caution is needed on coastal sections

Route Combination Suggestions

Half-Day Itinerary (3-4 hours)

• National Palace Museum → Fengguizui → Wanli → Jinshan (approx. 45 km)
• Beixinzhuang → Balaka → Zhuzihu → Return (approx. 35 km)

Full-Day Itinerary (6-8 hours)

• Taipei → Fengguizui → Wanli → Keelung → Buyanting → Shuangxi (approx. 100 km)
• Yangmingshan Grand Loop + North Coast (approx. 120 km)

Related Reading

• Five Classic Yangmingshan Routes: Fengguizui, Lengshuikeng, Balaka, Datunshan, Xiaoyoukeng
• Fengguizui Classic Climb Analysis: Northern Taiwan’s Training Mecca
• Complete Guide to Yangmingshan Classic Routes: The Best Climbing Practice Ground for Taipei Cyclists
• Complete Guide to Yangmingshan Road Routes: Fengguizui, Balaka, Qingtiangang Loop