North Coast Cycling: 5 Route Options Compared — Route 2, Danjin, Coastal & Gongliao

The North Coast is the most familiar training ground for cyclists in the greater Taipei area, but many riders have only ever done the well-worn “Danshui-Guandu out-and-back” or “Route 2 to Bitou Cape.” In fact, this roughly 100-kilometer stretch of coastline covering the North Coast and Northeast Coast can be broken into 5 completely different routes depending on your starting point, road conditions, and time budget. This article lists all 5, so you can pick one based on your fitness and today’s weather.

Quick Overview of the North Coast Terrain

The North Coast (Provincial Highway 2) runs from Danshui eastward all the way to Keelung, the Northeast Coast, and finally to Toucheng in Yilan — about 120 kilometers in total. The corridor breaks roughly into three sections:

• Danshui to Jinshan section (Route 2B, Route 2): Mostly gentle slopes, frequent curves, and dense scenic viewpoints
• Jinshan to Keelung section: Marine erosion landforms, with more rolling terrain around Yehliu and Feicui Bay
• Keelung to Toucheng section (Route 2): The classic coastline through Bitou Cape, Sandiao Cape, Fulong, and Shicheng

Comparing the 5 Recommended Routes

Route 1: Danshui to Fuguei Cape (Beginner Friendly)

Starting from Hongshulin MRT Station, follow Route 2 through Sanzhi and Shimen to Fuguei Cape, for a round trip of about 70 kilometers. The gradient is gentle with full ocean views, making it ideal for beginner cyclists.

• Rest stops: Sanzhi Old Street, Shimen Wedding Photo Plaza, Fuguei Cape Lighthouse parking area
• Recommended sights: Qianshuiwan Café Street, Laomei Reef (green algae reef, limited season April–May), Fuguei Cape Lighthouse
• Note: Heavy tourist traffic on weekends — watch for car doors suddenly opening from vehicles parked along the road

Route 2: The Classic Route 2 Straight Run

This is the most commonly ridden segment among northern cyclists, often used for pacing benchmarks. Starting from Danshui, follow the North Coast straight to Keelung — 65 kilometers total, with moderate elevation gain. The focus here is practicing “sustained long-distance cruising” rather than climbing.

• Rest stops: Shimen 7-Eleven, Jinshan Old Street, Yehliu convenience stores, Keelung Miaokou Night Market
• Return options: Take the train back, or ride Route 2A over the pass and connect back to your outbound route
• Wind advisory: The northeast monsoon is strong from October through March — tailwind on the way out, headwind on the return, so save some energy

Route 3: Keelung to Gongliao (Northeast Coast Classic)

This is the most scenic route of the five! Badouzi → Chaojing Park → Shen’ao Cape → Bitou Cape → Longdong → Fulong → Gongliao, taking in the full range of the Northeast Coast’s geological scenery. Most of the elevation gain is concentrated around Bitou Cape and Longdong — short but continuous climbs.

• Rest stops: Badouzi Fishing Port, small shops across from Nanya Rock, Fulong lunchbox street
• Sights: Nanya Rock, the Bitou Cape trailhead, Longdong Bay (Four Seasons Bay), Mao’ao fishing village
• Best season: Spring, autumn, and clear winter days — summer is too exposed to sun

Route 4: The Full North Coast Day Ride

If your fitness allows, take on the entire North Coast in one go, from Danshui to Toucheng — 120 kilometers with about 1,100 meters of elevation gain. This is widely considered the north’s most classic “coastal century ride.” Suggested plan:

• Depart from Danshui at 06:30, expect 7–8 hours to finish
• Stop in Fulong for a lunchbox and 30-minute rest around midday
• Arrive in Toucheng before 18:00 and take the train back to Taipei
• Key rest stops: Shimen, Jinshan, Keelung, Fulong, Dali

Route 5: The Small Northeast Coast Loop (Great for a Day Trip)

Riders based in the Taipei/New Taipei area can drive to Gongliao Station, then ride north along Route 2 to Bitou Cape and turn back, continuing south to Dasi Fishing Port before returning. Short distance (55 km) with excellent scenery — perfect for a half-day outing.

Which Route Suits You?

• Beginners / weekend leisure riders: Route 1 (Fuguei Cape) or Route 5
• Training-focused riders: Route 2 or Route 3, to build sustained long-distance power
• Riders chasing a challenge: Route 4, an upgrade from your first 100 km ride
• Photography enthusiasts: Route 3’s Northeast Coast is the most photogenic

The North Coast’s northeast monsoon is a natural intensity booster — riding back to Danshui against a winter headwind can feel like riding 15 extra kilometers compared to summer. We recommend a windbreaker jacket, thin gloves, and checking the Central Weather Administration’s wind forecast before you set out.

Related Reading

• North Coast Cycling Route: Coastal Riding from Danshui to Keelung
• Keelung North Coast Cycling: Coastal Scenery of Yehliu, Jinshan, and Shimen
• Taiwan North Coast 200km One-Day Challenge: A Double Century Ride from Taipei
• Taiwan Round-Island Cycling Northern Route: Scenery and Challenges from the North Coast to Yilan