Tataka 20km Long Climb Complete Guide: Full Preparation for the High-Altitude Xinzhongheng Route

Introduction

Tataka, located in Xinyi Township, Nantou County, is the high point of the New Central Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 18) at an elevation of 2,610 meters. Starting from Zhushan or Shuili, climbing along the Chenyoulan River valley on the New Central Cross-Island Highway, the final continuous 20km steep climb is widely recognized in Taiwan’s road cycling community as one of the most challenging long climbs—not only because of its length, but also because of the triple test of altitude sickness, sudden temperature drops, and psychological pressure that begins after reaching 1,500m elevation.

Many riders attempting Tataka lose speed on the section after the “Xinyi Township Farmers’ Association,” and the cause can almost always be traced back to poor pacing in the first half.

Route Overview

Start: Shuili or Zhushan (most teams use Shuili as the timing start)
Finish: Tataka Visitor Center (approximately at 92K on Provincial Highway 18)
Start of the key “20km sprint section”: Dongpu Hot Spring Area (approximately 1,000m elevation)
Distance (final 20km): Dongpu → Tataka, approximately 20km
Total elevation gain (final 20km): approximately 1,600m
Average gradient (final 20km): approximately 8%
Maximum gradient: approximately 14% (on certain sections of the scenic route)

Dongpu → Tataka 20km Segment Strategy

High-Altitude Coping Techniques

Physiological Changes Above 1,500m

The challenge of Tataka is not just distance and gradient, but also the effects of high altitude on the body:

• Elevated heart rate: At the same power output, heart rate above 1,500m is approximately 5–8bpm higher than at sea level, and approximately 10–15bpm higher above 2,000m
• Increased ventilation demand: The air is thinner, oxygen content per breath decreases, and breathing frequency naturally increases
• Early symptoms of altitude sickness: Mild headache, nausea, dizziness—these are signals, not something to “just push through”

High-altitude pacing adjustment principles:

• Reduce power target by 5–8%: an original FTP 80% target becomes 73–75% above 2,000m
• Heart rate metrics are unreliable: do not chase a “normal” heart rate; allow it to run 10bpm higher
• Lower speed expectations: at the same power, speed at altitude is 5–10% slower than at sea level—this is normal

Typical Pacing Error Scenarios

Scenario 1: Pushing too hard after Dongpu
The Dongpu section has a 7% gradient and feels “manageable,” so many riders push above 80% FTP here, and by Shalixian Creek Bridge they start accumulating heavy lactate.

Scenario 2: Stopping to take photos and then restarting
The Tataka route offers spectacular scenery, and many riders stop to take photos before restarting. The metabolic cost of each re-acceleration is far higher than maintaining a steady slow pace. If you want to take photos, it’s recommended to do so at designated rest points rather than stopping and starting arbitrarily mid-climb.

Scenario 3: Muscle tightening after a sudden temperature drop
After 1,500m, temperatures are often 10–15°C lower than at the base. Without arm warmers or a vest, muscle tightening will significantly reduce pedaling efficiency.

Equipment and Nutrition Preparation

Essential gear:

• Long-sleeve cycling jersey or a packable rain jacket (to protect against low temperatures after 1,500m)
• At least 2 bottles of 750ml water (long gaps between rest points)
• At least 3–4 energy bars or bananas (approximately 1,200–1,500 kcal needed for the 20km)
• Gloves (high braking demand on the descent)

Nutrition timing:

• 40 minutes after departure: first refuel (near Tunyuan)
• 80 minutes after departure: second refuel (Shalixian Creek Bridge)
• 120 minutes after departure: third refuel (before the scenic route)

Practical Advice

• Stay overnight in Dongpu the day before for altitude adaptation: for a long ride plan, spend the previous night at Dongpu Hot Spring at around 1,000m to let your body adapt in advance
• Weather is the biggest variable: Tataka often has afternoon thunderstorms, so it’s recommended to depart before 7 AM and reach the summit before 13:00
• Descend with extra caution: the 20km descent is continuous winding slopes; it’s recommended to hydrate and confirm brake condition before heading down

Conclusion

The 20km long climb to Tataka is one of the ultimate tests of mountain riding in Taiwan. It is shorter than Wuling, but demands more from your pacing technique—steeper average gradients, harder refueling, and altitude effects that kick in earlier. Conquering it requires not just physical strength, but a clear awareness of your own limits and the mental composure to maintain rhythm through every painful moment. Once you stand atop Tataka, the sense of achievement and the magnificent views at 2,610m are worth every drop of sweat.

Related Reading

• The Complete Guide to the Tataka New Central Cross-Island Highway Climb: Data Analysis of Taiwan’s Highest Peak—70km with 2,517m of Elevation Gain
• The Complete Tataka Challenge Guide: One of Taiwan’s Highest Highways, Harder Than Wuling
• Tataka Climbing Guide: A High-Altitude Challenge at the Foot of Yushan
• Riding to the Top of Taiwan: Sea of Clouds, Husband-and-Wife Trees, and a Conversation with Yourself on the Tataka New Central Cross-Island Highway