Cycling Around Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks: Accessible Routes to Hehuanshan and Xueshan
Taiwan’s “Hundred Peaks” (Baiyue) — 100 mountains over 3,000 meters — mostly require hiking to reach, but the surrounding road network lets cyclists get deep into these magnificent mountain ranges as well. This article introduces several spectacular rides that bring you close to the Hundred Peaks.
Around the Hehuanshan Massif
The Wuling Route (Provincial Highway 14A)
This is the most famous route, and one of the highest paved cycling finishes in the world
- Route length: From Puli to Wuling, approximately 96 km
- Total elevation gain: Approximately 3,100 m
- Finish elevation: 3,275 m (Wuling)
- Difficulty: ★★★★★
Along the way you can look out over Hehuan Main Peak (3,417 m), Hehuan East Peak (3,421 m), Hehuan North Peak (3,422 m), and other Hundred Peaks — this is Taiwan’s most iconic climbing route.
Recommended Schedule
| Timing | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Departure time | 4:00–5:00 AM, to avoid fog and midday heat |
| Mid-ride refueling | Cingjing Farm (elevation 1,750 m), Kunyang (3,166 m) |
| Descent recommendation | Start descending before 2 PM to avoid afternoon thunderstorms |
| Overnight options | Hehuan Mountain Lodge, Songxue Lodge (advance booking required) |
Special Notes for the Wuling Section
- Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): Above 3,000 m there is a mild risk of AMS — headache and nausea are warning signs
- Low temperatures: Wuling’s average annual temperature is only 5–8°C; bring a warm jacket even in summer
- Strong winds: Winds at Wuling can be powerful — watch for crosswinds especially on the descent
Routes Around Xueshan
Wuling Farm to Qika Lodge (End of the Road)
- Route: Provincial Highway 7A (Qilan to Wuling section)
- Total distance: Approximately 90 km starting from Luodong, Yilan
- Wuling Farm elevation: 1,700 m
- Qika Lodge (finish): Approximately 2,100 m
Wuling Farm is the starting point for climbing Xueshan. The final stretch of Highway 7A (Wuling Farm to Qika Lodge) is currently restricted to general vehicle traffic, but cyclists can apply for a permit to enter.
Permit Application Process
To enter the restricted section within Wuling Farm, you need to:
- Fill out an application form at the Wuling Farm management station
- Present a valid ID
- Confirm that road conditions permit passage that day
Routes Around Yushan (Jade Mountain)
New Central Cross-Island Highway — Tataka Saddle
- Route: Provincial Highway 21 (New Central Cross-Island Highway)
- Starting point: Shuili or Xinyi
- Finish: Tataka Saddle (elevation 2,610 m)
- Distance: Approximately 75 km from Shuili
- Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Tataka is the closest paved road terminus to the summit of Yushan. On clear days you can plainly see Yushan Main Peak (3,952 m) and North Peak (3,903 m). The route crosses the Alishan mountain range, with rich forest cover and cool climate throughout.
Route Difficulty and Scenery Comparison
| Route | Highest Elevation | Elevation Gain | Difficulty | Scenery Rating | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wuling (Hehuanshan) | 3,275 m | 3,100 m | ★★★★★ | 10/10 | Heavy |
| Wuling–Qika | 2,100 m | 1,800 m | ★★★☆☆ | 9/10 | Light |
| Tataka (Yushan) | 2,610 m | 2,600 m | ★★★★☆ | 9/10 | Moderate |
Essential Gear for High-Mountain Riding
| Gear Category | Recommended Items |
|---|---|
| Insulation layer | Down vest or thin fleece, needed even in summer |
| Windproof jacket | Waterproof/windproof, essential for descents |
| Gloves | Thin windproof gloves (for cold summit temperatures) |
| High-altitude food | Carry 30% more supplies than usual (rest stops are scarce) |
| Headlamp | Mountain weather changes fast — you may need it |
| First-aid kit | Basic emergency supplies |
Best Seasons for Riding
| Month | Hehuanshan | Wuling/Yushan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | Closed due to snow | May have snow | Check road conditions |
| Mar–May | Best | Best | Stable climate |
| Jun–Aug | Afternoon thunderstorms | Afternoon thunderstorms | Start early, finish early |
| Sep–Oct | Best | Best | Autumn foliage season |
| Nov–Dec | May have snow | Cold | Watch weather closely |
Riding around Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks is a unique experience of being both distant from and close to the high mountains at once. As you pedal and look up at peaks that take days of hiking to summit, that dialogue between mountain and rider is something lowland riding simply cannot offer.
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