Riding the Alishan Highway Route 18: A Cycling Journey Beneath the Century-Old Tourist Railway

Introduction

Alishan Highway (Provincial Highway 18) stretches 86 kilometers from the East Gate of Chiayi City to the Alishan Visitor Center, climbing from 30 meters to 2,216 meters above sea level. It is one of Taiwan’s most iconic mountain cycling routes for tourism, intersecting with the Alishan Forest Railway along the way and offering rich scenery.

Route Basic Information

Section-by-Section Guide

Section 1: Chiayi → Chukou (30 km, gentle gradient)
Starting from Chiayi City, the first 10 kilometers are a flat section from the urban area to Fanlu Township. Chukou is the “official starting point” of Alishan Highway, and the Tsou Cultural Park is the primary supply point.

Section 2: Chukou → Longmei (20 km, 600m elevation gain)
The gradient becomes noticeably steeper in this section, averaging 5%. Along the way are attractions such as Longyin Temple and the Longmei Observation Deck. Longmei sits at approximately 800 meters above sea level and serves as the mid-section water refill point.

Section 3: Longmei → Shizhuo (20 km, 700m elevation gain)
Entering the tea-producing region, tea plantations and seas of clouds interweave along the way. Shizhuo, at 1,500 meters above sea level, is the most popular scenic viewpoint and accommodation hub on Alishan Highway.

Section 4: Shizhuo → Alishan (16 km, 700m elevation gain)
The final section has an average gradient of 4.4%, lined with cypress forests. After reaching 2,000m in elevation, temperatures drop sharply, so warm clothing is needed.

Attractions Along the Route

Road Conditions and Hazardous Sections

• Chukou to Longmei: Many U-shaped curves; watch out for large tour buses.
• Xiding to Shizhuo: Unstable air currents; fog frequently rolls in during the afternoon.
• Shizhuo to Alishan: Dense forest cover and dim visibility; it is recommended to turn on bike lights.
• Descending Alishan Highway: Sections restricted to heavy motorcycles are fewer, but caution is still needed around gravel trucks.

Practical Tips

• Training Threshold: Be able to complete 80 km + 1,500m of climbing without fatigue.
• Warm Gear: Temperatures at the summit are low; carry a windbreaker and full-finger gloves.
• Supply Points: Chukou, Longmei, and Shizhuo are the three main supply points, spaced 20 kilometers apart.
• Best Viewing Time: Sunrise and the sea of clouds are Alishan’s signature sights; it is recommended to stay overnight and enjoy them the next morning.
• Descent Options: Descend the same way, or connect to the New Central Cross-Island Highway to Tataka for a double-mountain challenge.

Conclusion

Alishan Highway is more than just a climbing route—it is a journey through a century of Taiwan’s tourism history. From Tsou culture and cypress forests to sunrise and seas of clouds, every section offers its own unique scenic charm. Completing this route means experiencing the very essence of Taiwan’s high-mountain culture in full.

Related Reading

• Alishan Highway (Provincial Highway 18) Riding Guide: The Pilgrimage Road from Chiayi to Alishan
• Alishan Highway Cycling Challenge: A Grand Climb Chronicle from Chiayi to Alishan
• Alishan Highway Climbing Race Guide: Full Route Analysis of the 42 km from Chiayi to Alishan
• Alishan Highway Cycling Challenge: Elevation Gain Guide from Chiayi to Alishan