East Rift Valley Cycling Route In-Depth Guide: Taiwan's Best Route for Long-Distance Riding

Overview of the Huatung Valley

The Huatung Valley lies between the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range, stretching roughly 180 km from north to south. Here you’ll find smooth dedicated bike paths, a majestic mountain backdrop, golden rice paddies, and a laid-back small-town atmosphere.

Why Choose the Huatung Valley?

1. Dedicated bike paths: Most sections have independent cycling paths
2. Gentle terrain: The valley floor is mostly flat, suitable for riders of all levels
3. Varied scenery: Rice paddies, hot springs, indigenous villages, and valley vistas
4. Easy resupply: Towns are densely spaced along the route, so food and lodging are never a concern

Classic Route: Hualien → Taitung (3 Days)

Day 1: Hualien → Guangfu (approx. 55 km)

Highlights:

• Liyu Lake Loop Bike Path
• Lintianshan Forestry Culture Park
• Guangfu Sugar Factory (the ice cream is a must-try)

Road conditions: Bike paths for the entire stretch, very flat

Day 2: Guangfu → Chishang (approx. 65 km)

Highlights:

• Ruisui Hot Spring Area
• Tropic of Cancer Marker
• Yuli Town (Yuli noodles, stinky tofu)
• Chishang Brown Boulevard

Brown Boulevard is the highlight of this trip—a rice-paddy avenue with no utility poles, set against the magnificent Central Mountain Range. It’s the most iconic spot in Taiwan for cycling photos.

Day 3: Chishang → Taitung (approx. 60 km)

Highlights:

• Guanshan Town Loop Bike Path
• Luye Highlands (hot air balloon season June–August)
• Chulu Ranch
• Taitung Forest Park

Extended Routes

Coastal Option: Provincial Highway 11

• Hualien → Taitung along the Pacific Ocean
• Approx. 170 km
• More climbing (the coastal road has rolling terrain)
• Spectacular scenery: Shitiping, Sanxiantai, Little Yeliu

County Road 193 (Hidden-Gem Route)

• Known as “Taiwan’s most beautiful county road”
• Runs from Ruisui to Yuli in Hualien
• Light traffic, good pavement, pastoral scenery
• Ideal for riders who prefer quiet roads

Seasonal Recommendations

Practical Information

Transportation

• Train: TRA bike-friendly trains allow you to bring your bicycle on board directly
• Bus: Some bus operators accept bicycles (front wheel must be removed and bagged)
• Bike rental: Rental shops are available near Hualien and Taitung stations

Food Recommendations

• Guangfu: Sugar factory ice cream
• Ruisui: Desserts made with Ruisui fresh milk
• Yuli: Yuli noodles, Qiaotou stinky tofu
• Chishang: Chishang bento boxes (Wudao, Jiaxiang)
• Guanshan: Guanshan bento boxes
• Taitung: Rice noodles (mi tai mu), meatballs

Related Reading

• Cycling Paradise in Eastern Taiwan: Complete Guide to Huatung Valley Routes
• Huatung Valley Route: An In-Depth Cycling Journey Through Valley Scenery from Hualien to Taitung
• Huatung Valley Cycling Tour: Taiwan’s Most Magnificent Long-Distance Riding Route
• Huatung Valley Bike Paths: Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Flat-Road Riding Experience