My First Cycling Trip Around Taiwan: A 12-Day Journey of Emotion Starting from Taipei

Hesitation Before Departure

The word “round-island” had been sitting on my to-do list for three years. Every time I saw my friends’ round-island photos, I thought, “Next time for sure.” It wasn’t until the end of 2025 that I finally told myself: I can’t wait any longer.

Preparation

Physical Preparation (3 Months Before)

• Gradually increased weekly riding distance from 100 km to 250 km
• At least one ride of 80 km or more per week
• Practiced riding in different weather conditions
• Got used to riding 6-8 hours a day

Gear Checklist

Bicycle:

• Road bike (gear ratio 50/34 - 11/28)
• One front and one rear light
• Cycling computer
• Phone mount

Carried on person:

• Two sets of cycling kit (rotated)
• One set of casual clothes (for evenings)
• Rain jacket
• Basic repair tools and spare inner tubes
• Power bank × 2
• Sunscreen

Luggage Shipping:
Chose to use a delivery service to send luggage to each day’s accommodation, so I only needed to carry that day’s supplies while riding.

12-Day Itinerary Log

Day 1: Taipei → Hsinchu (100 km)

Day one started from Taipei City Hall, heading south along Provincial Highway 1. At six in the morning, Taipei’s air was fresh with a slight chill. Crossing the Taoyuan Plain, the straight roads helped me find a steady rhythm.

Route highlights: Heavy traffic on the Taoyuan to Hsinchu section; extra caution needed.

Accommodation: Hotel in downtown Hsinchu

Day 2: Hsinchu → Taichung (120 km)

The longest day. The rolling hills of the Miaoli section drained my energy more than expected, but the rice paddy scenery along the way was refreshing. By the time I entered downtown Taichung in the evening, my legs were already protesting.

Route highlights: The hills between Miaoli and Taichung require patience.

Accommodation: Near Taichung Railway Station

Day 3: Taichung → Chiayi (100 km)

Crossing the Changhua Plain, this was the flattest stretch of the entire trip. The crosswinds were stronger than expected, but drafting behind large trucks (while maintaining a safe distance) saved a lot of energy.

Route highlights: The farmland section between Changhua and Yunlin is monotonous but windy.

Accommodation: Downtown Chiayi

Day 4: Chiayi → Tainan (80 km)

A short-distance day. After arriving in Tainan, I had plenty of time to explore this city of gastronomy. I strolled through Anping Old Street, had beef soup and danzai noodles—this was the happiest day of the round-island trip.

Accommodation: B&B in Tainan

Day 5: Tainan → Kaohsiung (90 km)

Heading south along Provincial Highway 1, traffic became extremely heavy as I entered the Kaohsiung city area, requiring intense focus. After arriving in Kaohsiung, I watched one of the most beautiful sunsets of my life at Sizihwan.

Accommodation: Hotel near Pier-2 Art Center, Kaohsiung

Day 6: Kaohsiung → Kenting (100 km)

The tropical vibe of the Pingtung section made it feel like I had left Taiwan. Coconut trees, betel nut plantations, blue skies and white clouds—this was the most vacation-like day of the trip. The sea breeze in Kenting blew away all the fatigue.

Accommodation: B&B in Kenting

Day 7: Kenting → Taitung (130 km)

The toughest day of the round-island trip. Climbing from Kenting over Shouka to Taitung—the Shouka climb wasn’t steep but was long, and combined with the large vehicles on the South Link Highway, the pressure was significant. But the moment I crested Shouka and saw the Pacific Ocean, all the hardship was worth it.

Route highlights: Shouka is one of the most challenging climbs of the round-island route.

Accommodation: Downtown Taitung

Day 8: Taitung → Yuli (80 km)

Heading north along the Huadong Valley, flanked by the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range, with lush green rice paddies in between. This was the most scenic section of the entire trip. I had a bento box in Chishang and sat on the ridge of a field beside Brown Boulevard, zoning out for half an hour.

Accommodation: Small inn in Yuli

Day 9: Yuli → Hualien (100 km)

Continuing through the Huadong Valley. The road conditions from Ruisui to Hualien were excellent, with plenty of hot springs along the way. After arriving in Hualien, I feasted at Dongdamen Night Market.

Accommodation: Downtown Hualien

Day 10: Hualien (Rest Day)

The only rest day of the entire trip. I visited Taroko Gorge, had Gongzheng steamed buns, and watched the sea at Qixingtan. My legs finally had a chance to recover properly.

Day 11: Hualien → Yilan (110 km)

The Suhua Highway is the most treacherous yet most spectacular section of the round-island route. The Pacific Ocean lies directly below sheer cliffs, the road is narrow, and large trucks never stop coming. The Suhua Improvement tunnels now exist, but I chose the old Suhua route—for the unparalleled scenery.

Route highlights: Safety first on the Suhua Highway; recommend riding on weekdays to avoid holiday traffic.

Accommodation: Downtown Yilan

Day 12: Yilan → Taipei (80 km)

The final day. After crossing the Beiyi Highway (or taking the Hsuehshan Tunnel alternative route), the moment I descended into the Taipei Basin, my eyes welled up. I had set out from here 12 days ago, and now I was returning with a head full of stories.

Finish line: Taipei City Hall

Expense Summary

Item	Cost (approx.)
Accommodation (11 nights)	NT$ 15,000
Meals (12 days)	NT$ 8,000
Luggage delivery	NT$ 3,000
Supplies (energy gels, etc.)	NT$ 2,000
Miscellaneous (repairs, souvenirs)	NT$ 2,000
Total	NT$ 30,000

The Most Profound Moments

Kindness from Strangers

While resupplying at a convenience store in Taitung, an elderly man noticed my round-island gear, quietly bought me a sports drink, said only “Keep going,” and left. This kindness from a stranger was the most precious gift of the entire trip.

Tears at Shouka

On the final kilometer of the Shouka climb, my legs were completely spent. But when I saw the “Shouka” sign, followed by the azure Pacific Ocean in the distance, I pulled over and cried for a full five minutes. Those were tears of fatigue, emotion, and accomplishment all mixed together.

The Final Descent

Descending from the Beiyi Highway into Taipei, the sunset painted the entire Taipei Basin gold. The 12-day journey came to an end at that moment. I know this won’t be my last round-island trip.

Advice for First-Time Round-Island Riders

1. Don’t rush: A round-island trip isn’t a race; enjoying the journey matters more than speed
2. Build in rest days: Schedule at least 1-2 rest days in a 12-day itinerary
3. Ship your luggage: Don’t ride with your bags on your back—it will ruin your trip
4. Book accommodation in advance: Rooms are hard to find on weekends in the Huadong area
5. Bring snacks: Convenience stores aren’t everywhere
6. Take lots of photos: You’ll be glad you documented it all
7. Accept help: The warmth of Taiwanese people is the most beautiful scenery of a round-island trip

Conclusion

Cycling around Taiwan was the most worthwhile 12 days of my life. It wasn’t just a cycling journey—it was a deep conversation with myself and with this land. If you also dream of riding around the island, don’t wait any longer—your bike and Taiwan’s beauty are both waiting for you.

Related Reading

• A Complete 30-Day Round-Island Cycling Record: A Beginner’s Loop Around Taiwan
• Taiwan 9-Day Round-Island Itinerary: Complete Daily Distances and Accommodation Recommendations
• 9 Days Around the Island Is Not a Dream: Pre-Trip Preparation and Daily Route Planning for Beginner Cyclists
• Taiwan 10-Day Round-Island Reflections: A 1,000 km Self-Challenge Journey