Fenghuizui Classic Climb Analysis: Northern Taiwan's Training Mecca

Introduction

Fenghuizui (風櫃嘴, elevation 611m) is the most iconic climbing training spot in the greater Taipei area. It can be summited from multiple entrances including Shilin, Wanli, and Waishuangxi, making it a standard route for FTP testing and interval training among cyclists. This article compares the three mainstream ascent routes to help you choose the training menu that suits you best.

Basic Data for the Three Routes

Waishuangxi Line: The Most Popular for Training

Starting from the National Palace Museum (故宮博物院), the route follows Zhishan Road Section 3 (至善路三段) up to Fenghuizui. It is the most popular version on Strava, with the highest cyclist traffic.

• Characteristics: Wide road, even gradient — ideal as a power-training benchmark.
• Challenge Section: From Shengren Bridge (聖人橋) to Sun Temple (太陽廟) — a 5 km stretch with a sustained 5–7% gradient.
• Scenery: The National Palace Museum, Shuangxi (雙溪), the Taipei Zoo, and Sun Temple.
• Best For: Beginner warm-ups and advanced interval training.

Wanli Line: North Coast Views

From Wanli Gas Station (萬里加油站), turn onto County Road 28 North and climb up. This is essentially the reverse of the “Fenghuizui descent version.”

• Characteristics: Steep right from the start, averaging 5.5% continuously to the summit.
• Challenge Section: The 200m–400m elevation stretch (about 4 km), with multiple 8% steep sections.
• Scenery: North coast seascapes, distant views of the Yeliu Peninsula (野柳半島), and the Northeast Cape mountain ridges.
• Best For: Cyclists who want to train “explosive efforts without a warm-up.”

Shilin Line (Fenghuizui Old Trail): The Steepest Training Version

Entering from the Zhongshe Road Section 1 (中社路一段) entrance, the route follows the Fenghuizui Old Trail up the mountain. It is the shortest and steepest of the three routes.

• Characteristics: Short distance, averaging 6.1% but with the steepest sections reaching 12%.
• Challenge Section: The roughly 4 km stretch from the “Goose Meat Stall” (鵝肉攤) to the summit — the peak is not visually in sight, creating significant psychological pressure.
• Scenery: The Yangmingshan mountain range and Shengren Waterfall (聖人瀑布).
• Best For: Short VO2 max training and steep-gradient technique practice.

Suggested Training Menus

Beginner Cyclists (just starting to climb)

• One lap of the Waishuangxi Line, aiming to complete it without stopping, at an LSD (Long Slow Distance) pace.

Advanced Cyclists (FTP > 200W)

• Two laps of the Waishuangxi Line — the first at LSD pace, the second at SST (Sweet Spot Training) pace.
• One lap of the Wanli Line as a bonus.

Competitive Cyclists

• “Fenghuizui Four Rivers”: up Waishuangxi, down Wanli, up Wanli, down Waishuangxi (50 km total, 2,400m of elevation gain).
• Suitable for a heavy single-day training session that simulates the pacing of a Gran Fondo event.

Practical Tips

• Hydration: There is a beverage stand at the summit pavilion, but it closes after 18:00 — bring sufficient water of your own.
• Weather: Fenghuizui is often foggy, making descent visibility poor. A headlamp or reflective gear is recommended.
• Season: May to October is the most comfortable; winter is cold and damp, so warm clothing is needed.
• Descent Route: It’s advisable to avoid the sharp bends on the Waishuangxi descent. Consider the gentler “Wanxi Industrial Road” (萬溪產業道路) instead.
• Training Log: Use a power meter to record your climb time on each attempt — this can serve as a progress indicator over a 6-week training cycle.

Conclusion

Fenghuizui is not Taiwan’s tallest or most remote mountain, yet it is the training ground most frequently visited by cyclists in the Taipei/New Taipei area. From the first failed attempt to reach the top, to breaking the 40-minute mark, to competing for a Strava KOM — this small mountain has witnessed the growth of countless cyclists. Next time you ride Fenghuizui, try entering from a different entrance — you’ll discover a mountain with many faces.

Related Reading

• Complete Fenghuizui Climbing Technique Analysis: Secrets to Conquering the Northern Training Mecca
• Classic North Coast and Northeast Cape Routes: The Complete Guide to Fenghuizui, Balaka, and Buyanting
• Fenghuizui Guide: Taipei’s Most Popular Nearby Climbing Mecca
• Fenghuizui Battle Guide: 6.13km, 410.8m of Elevation Gain — Segment Breakdown and Gear Ratio Calculation for Taipei’s Cycling Mecca