Dasyueshan Road: 200 Forest Road vs. Dongmaoshan Forest Road Complete Comparison

Many people know about the west-approach Wuling, but central Taiwan actually has another, harder challenge: the Dasyueshan Forest Road (Route 200). Starting from Dongshi in Taichung, it climbs all the way to the Dasyueshan Forest Recreation Area at 2,270 m. The full distance is 48 km with over 2,000 m of elevation gain, making it a purer long-climb training ground than Wuling.

Dasyueshan Geography at a Glance

• Location: Heping District, Taichung City, western side of the Syueshan Range
• Entrance: Outside Dongshi Township, Dasyueshan Toll Station
• Finish: Dasyueshan Forest Recreation Area (elevation 2,270 m)
• Route Number: Route 200 (Dasyueshan Forest Road)
• Road Conditions: Paved the entire way, some sections are narrow

Comparison of the Two Main Routes

Route	Start	End	Distance	Elevation Gain	Features
Route 200	Dongshi	Dasyueshan Visitor Center	48 km	2,080 m	Pure climbing, no descent
Dongmaoshan Forest Road	Dongshi	End of Dongmaoshan Forest Road	32 km	1,400 m	Branch line, great views

Route 1: Route 200 (Dasyueshan Main Line)

Segment Analysis

Kilometer	Elevation	Segment Features
0–15 km	150 → 1,000 m	Gentle rolling terrain, passes through Shijiao and Shuidiliao
15–25 km	1,000 → 1,600 m	Steep climb, continuous switchbacks
25–35 km	1,600 → 2,000 m	Anmashan, forest scenery
35–48 km	2,000 → 2,270 m	Final 13 km more gradual, sea of clouds

Key Checkpoints

• 0K Dongshi: Forestry agency toll station, bicycles currently enter for free
• 23K Pass: First major viewpoint, views of Guguan mountain scenery
• 35K Anmashan: Small camping area, drinking water available
• 43K Observation Deck: Overlooks the Da’an River Valley
• 48K Finish: Dasyueshan Forest Recreation Area

Gradient Characteristics

• Average gradient 4.3%, but highly sustained
• No single 14% ramp like Wuling; instead, a steady 5–7% climb throughout
• Tests “sustained steady power” ability rather than explosive power
• Only 2–3 short descents the entire way, downhill is almost zero

Time Reference

Rider Level	w/kg	Completion Time
Beginner	2.5	6:30–7:30
Intermediate	3.5	4:30–5:30
Advanced	4.5	3:30–4:00
Elite	5.5+	Under 3:00

Route 2: Dongmaoshan Forest Road (Branch Line)

Starting from Dongshi, take a different fork. The distance is shorter, but the scenery is equally impressive. Suitable as a warm-up for riders attempting the Dasyueshan system for the first time.

Route Features

• First 15 km overlaps with Route 200
• At the 15K mark, turn right onto the Dongmaoshan Forest Road
• Forest road is narrower, with very little traffic
• The finish offers views over the Da’an River Valley

Gradient

• Average 4.5%, steepest 9%
• Several steep descents require caution

Dasyueshan vs. Wuling Comparison

Item	Dasyueshan	West Approach Wuling
Distance	48 km	55 km
Elevation Gain	2,080 m	3,275 m
Elevation	2,270 m	3,275 m
Steepest	10%	14%
Average Gradient	4.3%	6%
Traffic	Light	Moderate
Lodging & Supplies	Limited	Moderate
Challenge Type	Endurance	Mixed

Conclusion: Dasyueshan is a “pure endurance test,” while Wuling is “endurance + high altitude + explosive power.” Dasyueshan is ideal as mid-to-late stage training before Wuling.

Supply and Rest Points

Because the Dasyueshan route is more remote, supply points are far fewer than on Wuling:

• 0K Dongshi: Convenience stores, breakfast shops (be sure to eat well before heading up)
• 15K Hengshan Store: The only mid-route shop, closed on Sundays
• 35K Anmashan: Drinking water, no food
• 48K Summit: Visitor center food stalls, but prices are high

Recommendations:

• Carry at least 1.5 liters of water + 2 energy bars
• Stay in Dongshi the night before, eat a full breakfast before departing
• Shops at the summit close after 4 PM

Best Season and Weather

• Spring (Mar–May): Best! Temperatures 10–20°C, beautiful flower season
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Cool at the summit, but 90% chance of afternoon thunderstorms
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Fall foliage and maple leaves; September is prime photography season
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Possible snowfall and icy roads at the summit, not recommended for riding

Departure Time: Depart from Dongshi at 05:30, reach the summit at 11:30, start descending at 12:00, and return to Dongshi by 15:30 to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

Special Considerations

1. High Altitude: Summit at 2,270 m, temperature difference of 20°C on the descent; be sure to bring a windbreaker and gloves
2. Road Surface: Some sections have fallen leaves, manhole covers, and small gravel
3. Braking: 48 km of continuous descent; carbon wheels and brake pads can overheat easily. Descend in stages, stopping every 10 km for 3 minutes to cool down
4. Signal: Cell phone reception is intermittent after the 15K mark
5. Bear Activity: The summit is a black bear habitat; don’t leave the road unless necessary, and don’t enter the forest alone

Route Planning Suggestions

One-Day Challenge Version

• Stay in Dongshi, depart at dawn, return in the evening
• Total time 8–10 hours

Two-Day Leisurely Version

• Day 1: Dongshi → Dasyueshan Lodge (35K Anmashan) overnight
• Day 2: Lodge → Summit → descend back to Dongshi
• Suitable for families and sightseeing-oriented riders

Wuling Preparation Version

• Use Dasyueshan as “high-volume climbing” training 4 weeks before Wuling
• Goal: complete in under 5 hours
• Repeat every other week to build climbing memory in the body

Cost Estimate

• Transportation: Bus or HSR from Taipei to Dongshi plus transfers, approximately NT$ 800 round trip
• Dongshi lodging: NT$ 1,200–2,000
• Lodge lodging: NT$ 1,500–2,500
• Supplies: NT$ 500
• Total (one-day): Approximately NT$ 2,500; two-day version approximately NT$ 5,000

Recommended Rider Profiles

• Intermediate and above: FTP 3.5 w/kg or higher, able to pedal continuously for 4 hours
• Wuling race preparation: Completing Dasyueshan basically means Wuling is no problem
• Photography enthusiasts: Summit sea of clouds and forest road fall foliage are spectacular
• Not recommended: Beginners riding solo (too isolated), rainy season, winter (icy roads)

Dasyueshan is called “the forest road without an end.” The psychological challenge of pedaling for 3 hours without seeing the summit is something Wuling can’t offer. If you want to train “mental endurance,” Dasyueshan is the best classroom in Taiwan.

Related Reading

• Dasyueshan Forest Road Cycling Challenge: A Primitive Forest Climb in Taichung’s Hidden Gem
• Dasyueshan 32km Long Climb Practical Guide: The Endurance Mountain Climbing 1,557m from Dongshi
• East Approach vs. West Approach Wuling: A Full Comparison of Difficulty, Scenery, and Character
• Dasyueshan Forest Road Full Climb Guide: 20km of Uninterrupted 6.2% Climbing, A Threshold Endurance Test