Tataka Extensions: North via New Central Cross-Island Highway vs South via Alishan Highway

Tataka is the gateway to Yushan National Park. From here, routes head north to Dongpu, Lishan, and Wuling (New Central Cross-Island Highway + Central Cross-Island Highway), or south to Dabang and Chashan (deep into Alishan Highway territory). This article looks at both advanced directions.

Northbound: New Central Cross-Island Highway + Central Cross-Island Highway

Route: Tataka → Dongpu → Lishan → Wuling (180 km+)

Sections

1. Tataka → Dongpu (descent + 20 km of flats)
2. Dongpu → Eastern Section of New Central Cross-Island Highway → Wuling Farm entrance (50 km)
3. Wuling → Dayuling → Hehuan Mountain (70 km)
4. Hehuan Mountain → Wuling (5 km)

Total Distance and Elevation Gain

• Distance: approx. 180-220 km
• Elevation gain: approx. 5000-6000m (including rolling terrain)
• Time: 2-3 days of riding

Suitable Riders

• Have completed Wuling and Tataka at least twice
• Excellent fitness (FTP 3.5+ W/kg)
• Willing to take on multi-day long-distance challenges

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Shuili → Tataka → overnight in Dongpu (60 km)
Day 2: Dongpu → Lishan (80 km + 3000m elevation gain, extremely tiring)
Day 3: Lishan → Hehuan Mountain → Wuling → descent to Puli (90 km)

Notes

• Book accommodation in advance (Dongpu Hot Springs, Lishan)
• Plan resupply points (some 30 km stretches have no commercial services)
• Check weather forecast (high-mountain climate)
• Ride with a group (solo attempts not recommended)

Southbound: Deep into Alishan Highway

Route: Tataka → Alishan → Dabang → Chashan (70 km)

Sections

1. Tataka → Alishan (40 km descent)
2. Alishan → Shizhuo (10 km descent)
3. Shizhuo → Dabang (15 km mountain road)
4. Dabang → Chashan (10 km mountain road)

Total Distance and Elevation Gain

• Distance: 75 km
• Elevation gain: 300m (mostly descent + slight rolling)
• Time: 4-5 hours

Suitable Riders

• Have energy left after completing Tataka
• Enjoy in-depth cultural experiences (Tsou)
• Want to avoid mainstream tourist areas

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Shuili → Tataka → overnight in Alishan
Day 2: Alishan → Dabang → Chashan → return from Dabang to Alishan (or continue to Chiayi)

Highlights

• Dabang: Traditional Tsou settlement
• Chashan: A village with no 7-Eleven (a rustic experience)
• Stone-slab pavilions: Traditional indigenous architecture
• Tsou cuisine: Local restaurants

Notes

• Roads may be narrow
• Remote area with unstable signal
• Respect the community (no random photography, greet locals properly)
• Few resupply points (bring plenty of supplies)

Comparison of the Two Directions

Other Variations

Tataka Out & Back

Simplest: same-day round trip

• Shuili → Tataka → Shuili (140 km)
• Elevation gain 2330m
• Time 8-10 hours
• Suitable for: strong riders seeking a one-day challenge

Tataka + Sun Moon Lake

• Shuili → Tataka → Shuili → one loop around Sun Moon Lake
• Adds 40 km of flat roads
• 180 km one-day challenge

Tataka + Jiji Township

• Shuili → Tataka → Shuili → Jiji → Nantou
• Cultural and historical route
• 160 km in one day

Pre-Trip Preparation (Long-Distance Extension Edition)

Fitness

• Ability to ride on 2 consecutive days
• Can handle 80-100 km per day without falling apart
• Has multi-day cycling tour experience

Gear

• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Spare clothing
• Complete tool kit
• Multiple spare inner tubes
• Navigation device (offline maps)
• Communication: radio / satellite phone (for high-altitude sections)

Logistics

• Book accommodation in advance (early during peak season)
• Luggage forwarding (don’t carry it)
• Arrange a contact person (for emergencies)
• Inform family of your itinerary

Insurance

• Accident and medical insurance
• Trip insurance (for weather-related factors)

Seasonal Recommendations

Northbound (Wuling Extension)

• Best: September-November (stable weather, good visibility)
• Avoid: June-August (thunderstorms), December-February (icy roads)

Southbound (Chashan Extension)

• Best: October-April (drier)
• Avoid: May-September (rainy season)

Conclusion

Tataka is not the finish line—it’s the starting point. After completing Tataka, you already have the ability to take on more classic routes across Taiwan. Head north to witness the majesty of the Central Mountain Range, or head south to experience the depth of indigenous culture—every route is a journey worth taking. Choose your next adventure and let Tataka become the new beginning of your road cycling journey.

Related Reading

• The Complete Guide to Tataka’s 20km Long Climb: Full Strategies for High-Altitude Riding on the New Central Cross-Island Highway
• Tataka New Central Cross-Island Highway Climbing Guide: Data Analysis of Taiwan’s Peak—70km with 2517m of Elevation Gain
• The Complete Tataka Challenge Guide: One of Taiwan’s Highest Highways, Harder Than Wuling
• Tataka Ascent Guide: A High-Altitude Challenge at the Foot of Yushan