Challenging Taiwan's Five Classic Climbs: Wuling, Tataka, Alishan, Hehuan North Peak, and Taipingshan

Taiwan: A Climber’s Paradise

On this 36,000-square-kilometer island, there are over 200 peaks above 3,000 meters in elevation. The roads winding between these high mountains offer cyclists world-class climbing challenges. Below is my record of completing all five classic climbs over the course of two years.

Overview of the Five Major Climbs

Route	Start	Finish Elevation	Distance	Total Elevation Gain	Difficulty
Wuling	Puli	3,275m	55km	2,800m	★★★★★
Tataka	Xinyi	2,610m	65km	2,200m	★★★★
Alishan	Chiayi	2,216m	75km	2,100m	★★★★
Hehuan North Peak	Dayuling	3,422m	10km	850m	★★★★
Taipingshan	Yilan	1,950m	45km	1,700m	★★★

Challenge One: Wuling (Hehuan Mountain)

Route Overview

Wuling is the highest point on Taiwan’s road network, at 3,275 meters above sea level. The western approach from Puli via Wushe and Cingjing to Wuling is Taiwan’s most iconic climbing challenge.

My Experience

I set out on a clear day in October. The early section from Puli to Wushe has a gentle gradient, and riding through the lush green mountain roads was especially pleasant. After passing Cingjing, the gradient began to steepen, and the altitude started to make the thinning air noticeable.

The hardest section was between Kunyang and Wuling—above 3,000 meters, every pedal stroke felt like a struggle for breath. But the moment I reached the Wuling archway and looked back at the sea of clouds below, all the hardship melted away.

Key Advice

• Stay in Cingjing or Wushe the night before to acclimatize to the altitude early
• Bring a windbreaker and thermal gloves; summit temperatures can drop below 5°C
• Pace yourself very conservatively, reducing power by 15-20% in the second half

Challenge Two: Tataka

Route Overview

The Tataka Saddle sits at 2,610 meters, the highest point of the New Central Cross-Island Highway. Starting from Xinyi, the route continues upward after passing the junction with the Alishan Highway.

My Experience

The Tataka route is longer than Wuling but with a gentler gradient, passing through vegetation changes across multiple altitude zones—from subtropical broadleaf forests to temperate coniferous forests. After passing the Yushan National Park entrance, giant trees begin to appear.

The section near the Husband-and-Wife Trees was the most memorable, with clouds and mist swirling around, making it feel like riding through a fairyland. The view from the Tataka Saddle is expansive, and on clear days you can see the main peak of Yushan in the distance.

Key Advice

• The Tataka route is longer, so bring ample supplies
• Supply points are scarce along the way; stock up in Xinyi or Zizhong beforehand
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so start early in the morning

Challenge Three: Alishan

Route Overview

The Alishan Highway (Provincial Highway 18) runs from Chiayi to the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, approximately 75 kilometers long with 2,100 meters of elevation gain.

My Experience

The Alishan Highway is the longest of the five major climbs. Starting from the Chiayi plain, the route winds upward through valleys. The section from Shizhuo to Alishan has the most consistent gradient and is also the most scenic.

Near Chukou, you can see the Alishan Forest Railway running on the tracks alongside the road—the sight of a bicycle riding parallel to the steam train was truly special. Upon reaching Alishan, the cool mountain air was instantly refreshing.

Key Advice

• The total distance is long, so pacing is especially important
• Shizhuo is an ideal midpoint for rest and resupply
• Consider pairing this with an Alishan sunrise trip by staying on the mountain the night before

Challenge Four: Hehuan North Peak

Route Overview

Hehuan North Peak is the shortest but steepest of the five challenges. Starting from Dayuling, it climbs 850 meters over 10 kilometers, with an average gradient exceeding 8%.

My Experience

I scheduled Hehuan North Peak on the same trip as the Wuling challenge—after descending from Wuling to Dayuling, I took on North Peak the next day. Having already spent a day at high altitude, my body had somewhat adapted to the thin air.

The North Peak climb is pure and direct—no gentle sections to recover on, with sustained 8-12% gradients testing both strength and willpower. The scenery in the final two kilometers was breathtaking (and not just from the lack of oxygen): a sheer rock wall on one side and a bottomless valley on the other.

Key Advice

• Pair this with the Wuling itinerary and stay near Dayuling or Songxue Lodge
• Make sure your gearing is light enough (recommend 34/32 or lower)
• The distance is short, but don’t underestimate it—steep climbs at high altitude are extremely draining

Challenge Five: Taipingshan

Route Overview

Taipingshan starts from Yilan, with the finish at 1,950 meters. Although it has the lowest elevation, Yilan’s rainy weather adds a unique challenge to this route.

My Experience

I set out on a day that was “supposed to be rain-free,” but by halfway, a fine drizzle had set in. Climbing in the rain is a unique experience—blurred vision, reduced traction, and body temperature dropping rapidly.

Yet the forest scenery at Taipingshan was even more enchanting in the rain. Clouds and mist drifted through the massive cypress groves, and the sound of streams blended with the rainfall, forming a symphony of nature. When I reached Taipingshan Lodge, I brewed a cup of hot tea and watched the sea of clouds outside the window—this was the most “healing” of the five climbs.

Key Advice

• Bring waterproof gear without fail; rain can come at any time in the Yilan mountains
• Slow down on wet roads, especially during descents
• The hot spring at Taipingshan Lodge is the best reward after the ride

My Personal Rankings of the Five Climbs

Difficulty Ranking (Hardest → Easiest)

1. Wuling (distance + altitude + thin air)
2. Hehuan North Peak (steepest gradient)
3. Tataka (long distance + high altitude)
4. Alishan (longest distance)
5. Taipingshan (lowest elevation + short distance)

Scenery Ranking (Most Beautiful → Most Beautiful, Because Every One Is Beautiful)

1. Wuling (unbeatable high-mountain sea of clouds)
2. Taipingshan (healing forest vibes)
3. Tataka (giant trees and mist)
4. Hehuan North Peak (majestic high-mountain views)
5. Alishan (cultural scenery of trains and tea plantations)

Conclusion

Completing Taiwan’s five classic climbs took me two years. Each mountain has its own story, its own challenges, and its own moments of emotion. Taiwan’s high-mountain roads are the greatest gift to cyclists—on such a small island, to have so many world-class climbing routes is a stroke of incredible fortune. If you haven’t started collecting these climbs yet, now is the best time.

Related Reading

• Taiwan’s Top Ten Classic Road Bike Climbing Routes
• Selected Road Climbing Routes Around Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks: Hehuan, Wuling, and Daxueshan Route Guide
• A Tour of Taiwan’s Highest Highways: Challenging the Island’s Highest Paved Roads
• Comparison of Taiwan’s Ten Classic Climbing Sections: Gradient, Distance, and Difficulty Analysis