Wuling via East Route Road Test: Complete Supply Point Map for the 85 km from Taroko to Dayuling

Why the East Route Is Harder to Plan for Supplies Than the West Route

The west route to Wuling starts from Puli at about 55 km, with shops along the way at Cingjing, Wushe, and Cuifeng; the east route starts from Xincheng, Hualien (across from the Taroko National Park Headquarters) at 85 km with 3,275 m of climbing. After entering the Taroko Gorge along Provincial Highway 8, the last regular convenience store is at Tianxiang (25K), after which there are no 7-Eleven/FamilyMart stores for 60 km—a completely different supply strategy.

Complete Supply Point Map (Listed by Distance)

Three-Segment Pacing and Supply Strategy

Segment 1: 0K–25K Taroko Gorge (480m climb)

Mostly gentle slopes with an average gradient of 2%, allowing you to maintain 70% FTP (upper Z2). The key is to control your power—don’t let the gorge scenery and the flat-road momentum downstream pull you into a faster pace. The 7-Eleven at Tianxiang (25K) is the critical refill point; fill both 750ml bottles and buy a banana for later, since the next stop is Bilu Sacred Tree at 60K.

Segment 2: 25K–60K Central Cross-Island Highway Long Climb (1,750m climb)

This is the big energy-draining section: 35 km of sustained 5–7% gradient. Recommendations:

• Take in 60g of carbs every 30 minutes (1 energy gel + drink)
• Take small sips of water, 150ml every 20 minutes
• At Xibao (38K), if water is running low, ask the B&Bs (most are willing to help)
• After Luoshao (49K), note that temperature drops about 0.65°C per 100m of elevation gain; from 1,900m onward, watch for the risk of hypothermia

Segment 3: 60K–85K Dayuling to Wuling (1,045m climb)

The final 25 km average 4.2% gradient, but above 2,200m VO2max drops by about 12–15%, and most riders will fall to the low end of Z1–Z2. The hot milk tea or instant noodles at Guanyuan Gas Station are a lifesaver—stop for 10 minutes to restore core body temperature before continuing.

Race Day vs. Training Day Differences

On race day (the annual East Route Wuling event in October), the organizer sets up aid stations at 25K, 49K, 60K, and 78K, providing water, sports drinks, bananas, and rice balls; on non-race training days you are entirely self-sufficient. Recommendations:

• Carry 2 × 750ml bottles + 1 top-tube bag (for supplies)
• Carry 4 energy gels + 2 bananas + 1 pack of salt tablets
• Keep phone battery in reserve (some sections have no signal)
• Carry basic repair tools (patch kit, CO2, spare inner tube)

Safety Reminders

The section from Tianxiang to Dayuling on the Central Cross-Island Highway is a major tour-bus route, with peak traffic especially from 9:00–11:00 and 14:00–16:00. Recommendations:

• Start before 5:30
• Helmet + rear light are mandatory (tunnels are extremely dark)
• Stop before entering a tunnel, turn on your flashing light, then pass through quickly
• When encountering tour buses, move right proactively and signal with your hand

Conclusion

The supply challenge on the east route to Wuling is far greater than on the west route, but the magnificent Taroko Gorge and the Central Cross-Island forests are an irreplaceable visual feast. Master the 9 supply points across the 85 km, execute your segment-by-segment strategy, and you’ll find that finishing isn’t just about fitness—it’s a victory of planning.

Related Reading

• Complete West Route Wuling Supply Point Guide: Full Map of Convenience Stores, Aid Stations, and Rest Areas
• East Route vs. West Route Wuling: A Full Comparison of Difficulty, Scenery, and Character
• Hualien Side Wuling Guide: From Taroko to the Highest Point on Taiwan’s Highways
• The Art of Pacing a Climb: Perfect Strategy for the Wuling Cup and East Route Wuling