Cycling Around Taiwan in 9 Days Is Not a Dream: Pre-Trip Preparation and Daily Route Planning for Beginners

Round-the-Island Overview

• Total Distance: Approximately 900-1,000 km (depending on route choice)
• Recommended Duration: 9 days (100-120 km per day)
• Direction: Counterclockwise (riding on the coastal side)
• Best Season: October-November, March-April

9-Day Route Plan

Day 1: Taipei → Hsinchu (approx. 100 km)

• Route: Provincial Highway 1 southbound
• Difficulty: Mostly flat
• Note: Easier after leaving the Taipei metropolitan area

Day 2: Hsinchu → Taichung (approx. 110 km)

• Route: Provincial Highway 1 via Miaoli
• Difficulty: Gentle rolling hills
• Supplies: Convenience stores are plentiful along the way

Day 3: Taichung → Chiayi (approx. 100 km)

• Route: Provincial Highway 1 southbound
• Difficulty: Flat
• Attractions: Can pass by Bagua Mountain in Changhua along the way

Day 4: Chiayi → Kaohsiung (approx. 110 km)

• Route: Provincial Highway 1 via Tainan
• Difficulty: Flat
• Food: Don’t miss Tainan’s street snacks

Day 5: Kaohsiung → Fangliao (approx. 80 km)

• Route: Provincial Highway 17 along the coast
• Difficulty: Easy day
• Today is shorter to save energy for tomorrow’s South Link Highway

Day 6: Fangliao → Taitung (approx. 110 km)

• Route: South Link Highway (Provincial Highway 9)
• Difficulty: Shouka is the biggest climb of the entire trip
• Key point: Shouka climb is about 15 km, elevation 460m
• After the descent, ride along the Pacific Ocean with stunning scenery

Day 7: Taitung → Hualien (approx. 180 km or split into two days)

• Route: Provincial Highway 11 (coastal) or Provincial Highway 9 (mountain)
• Difficulty: Long distance
• Suggestion: Stay overnight in Yuli or Ruisui, splitting it into two days

Day 8: Hualien → Yilan (approx. 100 km)

• Route: Suhua Highway
• Difficulty: Most dangerous section
• Note: After the Suhua Improvement Project opened, some sections are closed to bicycles; you need to take the old Suhua Highway
• Alternative: Take the train to shuttle through the Suhua section

Day 9: Yilan → Taipei (approx. 80 km)

• Route: Beiyi Highway or Coastal Road + Keelung
• Difficulty: Beiyi has climbs
• Done!

Physical Preparation

2 Months Before the Trip

• Ride at least 3 days per week
• Gradually increase weekend long rides to 100 km
• Practice riding on consecutive days (back-to-back training)

2 Weeks Before the Trip

• Taper volume but maintain intensity
• Ensure your body gets plenty of rest
• Check equipment condition

Essential Gear

Bike

• Full bike check (brakes, shifting, tires)
• Spare inner tubes x 2
• Puncture repair kit
• Pump (portable)
• Front and rear lights (mandatory)

Personal

• Helmet
• Cycling jersey and bib shorts x 2-3 sets
• Windbreaker
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries
• Chargers and power bank

Accommodation Suggestions

• Budget: Cyclist-friendly hostels across the island, NT$800-1,200 per night
• Comfort: Business hotels, NT$1,500-2,500 per night
• Premium: Tourist hotels, NT$3,000+ per night
• It’s recommended to book in advance, especially in the Hualien-Taitung area

FAQ

Q: What if I don’t have enough stamina?
You can make good use of train shuttle services, especially for the Suhua section and long flat stretches.

Q: Is it safe to cycle around the island alone?
Taiwan has good public security, but it’s recommended to inform family and friends of your itinerary and report your location daily. Riding with companions is even better.

Q: What if it rains?
Bring a rain jacket and adjust your schedule. If the wind and rain are too severe, safety comes first—find shelter or take the train.

Related Reading

• Taiwan Round-the-Island 9-Day Itinerary: Daily Mileage and Accommodation Recommendations
• Taiwan Cycling Round-the-Island Planning: Daily Mileage and Accommodation Strategy for a 9-Day Trip
• Taiwan Round-the-Island Classic 9-Day Itinerary: Daily Mileage Planning and Accommodation Strategy
• Taiwan Round-the-Island Cycling: 9-Day Itinerary Planning and Supply Stops