Complete Tataka Shuili-Side Route Report: A Detailed 70K Breakdown from Shuili to the Yushan Trailhead

The 70km climb to Tataka may look like a long haul, but every segment has its own character. This article walks you section by section along Provincial Highway 21 (the New Central Cross-Island Highway), from Shuili all the way to the Yushan trailhead.

Starting Point: Shuili (Elevation 280m)

Location

Shuili Township, Nantou County, sits at the junction of Provincial Highways 21 and 16, and serves as the gateway to Xinyi, Alishan, and Yushan National Park.

Highlights

• Railway town (terminus of the Jiji Line)
• Shuili Snake Kiln (pottery)
• Dense cluster of shops and restaurants

Pre-Departure Supplies

• 7-Eleven Shuili Store: breakfast, water
• FamilyMart: same as above
• Shuili Market: traditional breakfast options
• Parking: township office, parking lots

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Segment 1: Shuili to Xinyi (0-15K, elevation 280m → 480m)

Gradient

• Average 1.3%
• Steepest 3%
• Mostly gentle climbing

Road Conditions

• Provincial Highway 21, two-way, 2 lanes
• Smooth surface
• Moderate traffic
• Bike lanes on some sections

Sights

• Jiji Weir: worth a short detour to see
• Xinyi Farmers’ Association: fruit (grapes, plums)
• Yushan Monument: photo spot

Supply Points

• 7-Eleven Xinyi Store: main resupply (water, drinks)
• FamilyMart
• Xinyi Farmers’ Association: natural foods

Mindset

A warm-up segment — no need to rush. Enjoy the gradually changing scenery.

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Segment 2: Xinyi to Shenmu (15-45K, elevation 480m → 1,500m)

Gradient

• Average 3-4%
• Some sections reach 5%
• Sustained, steady climbing

Road Conditions

• Mountain road
• Occasional curves
• Narrower shoulders
• Watch visibility during foggy season

Sights

• Tongfu: Hakka village with local character
• Dongpu Hot Springs: popular attraction
• Xinyi Fushan: vineyards
• Shenmu Tribal Village: indigenous community

Supply Points

• Xinyi Bridgehead: small shop (irregular hours)
• Tongfu: cafes, homestays (busier in the afternoon)
• Shenmu Tribal Village: indigenous restaurants (lunch option)

Mindset

This is the longest segment (30K) — keep a steady rhythm. Keep your heart rate in Zone 2-3; don’t push too hard.

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Segment 3: Shenmu to Before Tataka (45-65K, elevation 1,500m → 2,400m)

Gradient

• Average 5-6%
• Continuous climbing
• No real breaks

Road Conditions

• Deep in the forested mountains
• More curves
• Fallen leaves and small rocks possible on the road
• Mid-elevation fog

Sights

• Yushan National Park Headquarters (elevation 1,900m)
• Husband and Wife Trees: scenic viewpoint
• Yushan Trailhead Sign

Supply Points

• No commercial supply points past Shenmu Tribal Village
• You must carry sufficient water and food yourself
• Recommended: 1.5L water + 3 energy gels + 1 energy bar

Mindset

By now you’ve been riding for 3-4 hours and fatigue is setting in. Key focus: keep a steady rhythm, don’t give up, and refuel every 30 minutes.

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Segment 4: Before Tataka to the Finish (65-70K, elevation 2,400m → 2,610m)

Gradient

• Average 4-5%
• Some sections briefly reach 7%
• The final 500m is steeper

Road Conditions

• Open high-mountain terrain
• Strong winds
• Excellent views (in good weather)

Sights

• Tataka Saddle
• Tataka Visitor Center: finish line marker
• Yushan Main Peak Trailhead: view of Yushan

Supply Points

• Tataka Visitor Center: drinks, light meals, restrooms
• The first supply point after finishing

Mindset

The final push! The finish is right ahead — savor this moment.

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Hazards and Precautions

Traffic

• Tour buses (especially during cherry blossom season and summer holidays)
• Cargo trucks (mountain construction materials, food)
• Some scooters speeding

Weather

• Afternoon thunderstorms (especially in summer)
• Temperature swings in the mountains (bring warm layers for the descent)
• Thick fog reducing visibility (spring and autumn)

Wildlife

• Troops of macaques (on parts of the New Central Cross-Island Highway)
• Do not feed them; keep your distance
• Wild boars occasionally (less common)

Road Conditions

• Some sections under repair
• Possible landslides after typhoons
• Check road conditions before departure (Highway Bureau website)

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Pacing Guide (6-Hour Finish Target)

Segment	Distance	Target Time	Cumulative
Shuili-Xinyi	15K	55 min	55 min
Xinyi-Shenmu	30K	2:10	3:05
Shenmu-Before Tataka	20K	1:55	5:00
Before Tataka-Finish	5K	35 min	5:35
Rest stops			25 min
Total	70K		6:00

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Descent Route

Descending the Same Route (2-2.5 hours)

• Tataka → Shenmu → Xinyi → Shuili
• Enjoy an easy descent
• The scenery looks just as good in reverse

Notes

• Start early, finish before dark: make sure you descend before nightfall
• Stay warm: there’s a large temperature difference between 2,600m and 280m
• Brake control: slow down in the rain

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Recommended Lodging

Stay in Shuili the Night Before

• Shuili Township Farmers’ Association Lodge: budget-friendly
• Around Shuili Train Station: convenient for an early start
• Homestays: various options

Stay at Shizhuo or Alishan After Finishing

• If you want to continue sightseeing
• Great spot to catch sunrise
• Easy descent the next day

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Checking Road Conditions

Official Sources

• Directorate General of Highways: thb.gov.tw
• Yushan National Park Headquarters: ysnp.gov.tw
• Nantou County Tourism: Nantou Travel Net

Community Sources

• Facebook “New Central Cross-Island Highway Road Conditions”
• Facebook “Yushan National Park”
• PTT cycling board

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Conclusion

The 70km stretch from Shuili to Tataka is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful high-mountain roads. From low-elevation tropical terrain to mid-to-high elevation temperate forest, every turn reveals new scenery. Plan your supplies well, understand each segment’s character, and over a 5-7 hour journey you’ll experience the very best of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range.

Related Reading

• Nantou Shuili to Tataka Route: High-Altitude Riding on the Edge of Yushan National Park
• Tataka Ascent Guide: A High-Altitude Challenge at the Foot of Yushan
• Tataka Alishan Side vs. Shuili Side: Comparing Supply Points and Road Conditions
• Complete Climbing Guide to the Tataka New Central Cross-Island Highway: A Data Analysis of 70km and 2,517m of Elevation Gain at Taiwan’s Summit