Wulai, Xindian, Shenkeng Ridge Line: Mountain Secrets of the Southern Border of Taipei and New Taipei

Introduction

The ridgelines of the four townships of Wulai, Xindian, Shenkeng, and Pingxi form the most challenging cycling route network in the southern border of the Taipei metropolitan area. From the Wulai Tonghou Traverse, Xindian Feitsui Reservoir, Shenkeng Old Street, to the Pingxi Railway, the entire mountain region offers a diverse range of route options. This article compiles three mainstream approaches.

Route Basic Information (Choose One of Three)

Wulai Tonghou Traverse Route

Starting from Xindian, follow Provincial Highway 9A to Wulai, then turn onto the Tonghou Traverse Road (County Road 47) heading toward Toucheng in Yilan.

Highlights:

• Check in at Wulai Neidong Waterfall and the Tonghou Traverse checkpoint
• Very little traffic and dense forest shade after entering the traverse road
• Highest elevation approximately 700 meters

Challenge Sections:

• 8 km of continuous climbing from Wulai Main Street to the Tonghou checkpoint
• 5 km section on the latter part of the traverse road with 7–9% gradients

Note: Registration is required to enter the Tonghou Traverse Road, and some sections have industrial road restrictions.

Xindian Feitsui Reservoir Loop

Starting from Xindian, follow Beiyi Road → Shuangfeng Road → the north shore of Feitsui Reservoir → Zhitan Dam → Ankeng and back to Xindian.

Highlights:

• Spectacular views from the north shore of Feitsui Reservoir
• Passes Zhitan Dam, the source of the Xindian River
• Dense forest shade and very light traffic throughout

Challenge Sections:

• 10 km of continuous climbing from Shuangfeng Road to Feitsui Reservoir
• Multiple short steep sections at 8–10%

Restricted Area Notice: Some sections within the Feitsui Reservoir management zone are closed to traffic; be sure to check the latest announcements in advance.

Shenkeng Pingxi Ridgeline Route

Starting from Shenkeng Old Street, follow County Road 106 toward Shiding → Pingxi → Shuangxi → then turn back.

Highlights:

• Three major cultural attractions: Shenkeng tofu, Shiding tea, and Pingxi sky lanterns
• The Pingxi Railway runs along the route, offering photo opportunities of trains crossing the mountains
• Lower elevation with more complete supply options

Challenge Sections:

• 15 km of gentle climbing from Shiding to Pingxi
• Multiple short steep sections between Pingxi and Shuangxi

Cultural Attractions Along the Way

Must-Try Foods

• Wulai: Mountain-style bento boxes, maqaw (mountain pepper) dishes, freshly grilled wild boar
• Xindian: Bitan live fish
• Shenkeng: Tofu prepared six ways, stinky tofu at every shop
• Shiding: Shiding tofu, tea-infused dishes
• Pingxi: Taro balls, chicken rolls, sausages

Training Value

The southern border ridgelines of the Taipei metropolitan area are a training mecca for advanced cyclists:

• Long-distance climbing: Accumulate 1000m+ of elevation gain across diverse routes
• Cornering skills: Excellent terrain for practicing mountain cornering
• Endurance: Training for 5–6 hours of continuous riding
• Scenic variety: Forest shade, waterfalls, reservoirs, railways, and old streets

Practical Tips

• Best season: March–May and October–November, avoiding summer thunderstorms and winter dampness.
• Gear: Bring plenty of water, bike lights, and a rain jacket (frequent rain in the mountains).
• Emergency contact: Cell signal is intermittent in the mountains; it is recommended to carry a GPS device and emergency communication equipment.
• Group size: Ride with at least 2 people; riding alone in the mountains carries higher risk.
• Return trip: Buses are available from Wulai, Shenkeng, and Pingxi back to the city.

Conclusion

The southern border ridgelines of the Taipei metropolitan area are Taipei’s “Shangri-La beside the city”—within a half-hour drive you can enter a completely different mountain world. From the waterfalls of Wulai, the reservoir of Feitsui, the tofu of Shenkeng, to the railway of Pingxi, each route is a world of its own. Next time you want to escape the congestion of Beiyi Road and challenge this southern mountain wilderness, you will discover another side of the Taipei metropolitan area.

Related Reading

• Xindian Bitan to Wulai Waterfall Route: A Leisurely Route Through the Mountain Valleys of Northern Taiwan
• Selected Northern Mountain Routes: A Comparison of Riding Routes in Yangmingshan, Wulai, and Pinglin
• Difficulty Classification of Popular Climbing Routes in Taiwan: Training Applications for Wuling, Wulai, and Yangmingshan
• Wulai Trail Running Routes: Excellent Trail Terrain in the Mountains of New Taipei City