Yilan Toucheng to Su'ao 80km Loop: Complete One-Day Road Bike Day Trip Guide

Want to escape the heavy traffic and poor air quality of northern Taiwan this weekend, but don’t want to drive long distances? Take the train with your bike to Toucheng, ride a loop around the Lanyang Plain in Yilan from Toucheng Station and back. At 80 km with moderate distance, minimal climbing, beautiful scenery, and plenty of snacks, it’s a hidden-gem day trip for Taipei cyclists.

Why Choose Toucheng as the Starting Point

• Direct Tzu-Chiang and Puyuma trains: 60–70 minutes from Taipei to Toucheng
• Spacious area in front of Toucheng Station: convenient for assembling and packing your bike
• Located at the northern end of the Lanyang Plain: works well for either clockwise or counterclockwise loops
• Plenty of backup options for the return trip: if you run out of energy, you can take a train back to Taipei from any station in Luodong, Yilan, or Jiaoxi

Full 80 km Route Plan

A counterclockwise direction is recommended (heading south on the western line first, then turning back to the eastern coastal line), as it’s more favorable with the wind.

Key Attractions and Supplies

Jiaoxi (12 km after departure):

• Soak your feet for 5 minutes at Tangweigou Hot Spring Park to warm up your legs
• Yi Shun Xuan, Ke’s Scallion Pancake

Yilan City (22 km):

• Arrive around 09:30, perfect for breakfast
• Beimen Garlic Pork Thick Soup, Wenchang Road’s 30-year-old Luodong Pork Thick Soup

Dongshan (37 km):

• Dongshan River Water Park, you can take off your cycling shoes and rest for 15 minutes
• Try honey wine at Dongshan Old Street

Su’ao (49 km):

• Main meal! Nanfang’ao fishing harbor seafood (mahi-mahi, flying fish roe fried rice)
• Su’ao Cold Spring (you’ll want to jump in during summer)
• Bubble tea or Aying Traditional Ice Desserts

Wujie (59 km):

• Lizejian Old Street
• The lowest reach of the Dongshan River, Lanyang River levee

Zhuangwei to Toucheng (80 km):

• Pass by Zhuangwei Sand Dunes on the way back, great for photos
• Azong Ice at Toucheng Station or watch the waves at Waiao Beach

Riding Schedule Plan (Recommended Version)

• 07:20 Board the 07:37 Tzu-Chiang train at Taipei Main Station
• 08:50 Arrive at Toucheng, 15 minutes to assemble the bike
• 09:05 Depart
• 10:00 Short 10-minute break at Jiaoxi
• 11:30 Arrive at Dongshan, 40 minutes for lunch
• 13:30 Arrive at Su’ao, 1 hour for lunch + cold spring soak
• 15:30 Back at Toucheng Station
• 16:45 Take the Tzu-Chiang train back to Taipei

Special Notes for Riding in Yilan

1. Rain backup: Yilan is rainy, bring a waterproof windbreaker + a waterproof phone case
2. Wind direction: The Lanyang Plain often has south winds in the afternoon; it’s recommended to head south in the morning and north in the afternoon to ride with the wind on the way back
3. Train tickets: Some Tzu-Chiang and Puyuma trains don’t accept bikes; it’s recommended to take the “Local Express” or a Tzu-Chiang with a luggage car; or use a bike bag and you can board all trains
4. Road surface: Some sections of Provincial Highway 9 have potholes; tires 28c or wider are recommended
5. Cycling shoe considerations: Cycling is not allowed on the Dongshan River Water Park trail section; you’ll need to dismount and walk 500 m

Advanced Variations

• 100 km version: Add the Sanxing and Datong tribal extension
• Climbing version: Insert Wufengqi Waterfall or Paoma Historic Trail from Jiaoxi (+ 500 m elevation gain)
• Two-day version: On the second day, ride Zhongxing Road in Taipingshan and the Jianqing Historic Trail

Recommended Rider Profiles

• Newbies who just got a road bike and want to challenge 80 km: Flat route, plenty of supplies, the best introductory day trip
• Those seeking relaxed sightseeing: With Su’ao Cold Spring, Nanfang’ao Fishing Harbor, and the Dongshan River, it’s a one-day food tour
• Intermediate riders looking to train steady power over long distances: Hold Zone 2 for 80 km, then cook a nice meal when you get home
• Photo and social oriented: Yilan’s countryside + sea views will fill your camera roll, plenty of social media content

The best thing about a Yilan day trip is the freedom of “train + bike” — no driving, no rushing, and after completing 80 km in one day you still have energy for three meals. It’s a very mature cycling option on the outskirts of Taipei.

Related Reading

• Day 1 of the Round-Island Tour: Route Planning and Notes for Taipei to Toucheng
• Yilan Jiaoxi to the Pacific: The Perfect Northeast Coast Route from Plain to Coast
• Nine-Day Round-Island Plan: The Complete 900 km Taiwan Cycling Guide
• Yilan Coastal Riding: The Complete Seaside Route Guide from Su’ao to Nanfang’ao