Five Classic Yangmingshan Routes: Fengguizui, Lengshuikeng, Balaka, Datun Mountain, Xiaoyoukeng

Yangmingshan: A Climbing Paradise in Northern Taiwan

For cyclists in Taipei, Yangmingshan is the backyard playground. You can reach the mountains in less than 30 minutes from downtown, and five classic routes offer challenges ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced.

Route 1: Fengguizui

Route Overview

Item	Details
Start	Zhishan Road Section 3 (near the National Palace Museum)
Finish	Fengguizui Observation Deck
Distance	Approx. 8.5 km
Elevation Gain	Approx. 470 m
Average Gradient	5.5%
Maximum Gradient	12% (near the top)
Difficulty	★★★

Route Highlights

Fengguizui is one of the most popular climbing routes in northern Taiwan and one of the most-challenged segments on Strava. Starting from the National Palace Museum, you climb steadily along Wanxi Industrial Road, passing through bamboo groves and broadleaf forests.

Key Sections:

• 0-3km: Gentle gradient (3-4%), warm-up section
• 3-6km: Gradient increases to 5-7%, entering the main climb
• 6-8.5km: Final section steepens, with some corners exceeding 10%

Views from the Top

On a clear day, the Fengguizui Observation Deck offers panoramic views of the entire Taipei Basin, the coastline toward Keelung, and Guanyinshan in the distance. Both sunrise and sunset are spectacular from here.

Tips

• Best riding time: 5-7 AM (to avoid traffic and heat)
• Traffic is heavier on weekends; weekdays are recommended
• Strong winds at the top—bring a windbreaker
• You can connect to Lengshuikeng or descend toward Wanli to form a loop

Route 2: Lengshuikeng

Route Overview

Item	Details
Start	Yangde Boulevard (Shanzaihou)
Finish	Lengshuikeng Visitor Center
Distance	Approx. 4 km (from Yangmingshan Bus Station)
Elevation Gain	Approx. 280 m
Average Gradient	7%
Maximum Gradient	14%
Difficulty	★★★★

Route Highlights

Lengshuikeng is one of the steepest routes in the Yangmingshan area. Starting from Yangmingshan Bus Station, the gradient stays consistently high over just 4 km, making it an excellent stretch for training climbing power.

Key Sections:

• Gentle at first but quickly transitions into steep slopes
• Sustained 8-10% gradient in the middle section
• A 12-14% steep pitch before reaching Lengshuikeng

Tips

• Gear ratio of at least 34/28 is recommended
• Can be paired with the Yangde Boulevard climb as a warm-up
• Lengshuikeng has hot spring foot-soaking pools—soak your feet to recover after the ride

Route 3: Balaka Road

Route Overview

Item	Details
Start	Yangjin Highway (Zhuzihu intersection)
Finish	Datunshan Saddle
Distance	Approx. 6 km
Elevation Gain	Approx. 350 m
Average Gradient	5.8%
Maximum Gradient	10%
Difficulty	★★★

Route Highlights

Balaka Road is the most tranquil route on Yangmingshan. It passes through forests near the Erziping Trail, with very little traffic and good road surface. The silver grass season (autumn) offers spectacular scenery along the way.

Key Sections:

• Gentle initial climb through bamboo groves
• Steady 5-6% gradient in the middle section
• Open views as you approach the Datunshan Saddle in the final stretch

Tips

• Autumn silver grass season is the most beautiful time to ride
• Fog often rolls in during the afternoon—be careful when visibility drops
• Can be combined with the Xiaoyoukeng route to form a loop

Route 4: Datunshan

Route Overview

Item	Details
Start	Balaka Road navigation station entrance
Finish	Datunshan Navigation Station
Distance	Approx. 2.5 km
Elevation Gain	Approx. 250 m
Average Gradient	10%
Maximum Gradient	15%
Difficulty	★★★★★

Route Highlights

Datunshan is the steepest, shortest, and most challenging of the five Yangmingshan routes. Over just 2.5 km, the average gradient hits 10%, with some hairpin turns exceeding 15%. This is a pure test of strength.

Key Sections:

• Steep 8-10% gradient from the very start
• Multiple hairpin turns exceeding 12%
• The final straight section is the steepest part of the entire climb

Tips

• This is an advanced route—make sure you have sufficient climbing experience before attempting it
• Gear ratio of at least 34/32
• Lighter riders have a distinct advantage on this route
• The 360-degree view at the summit is the ultimate reward

Route 5: Xiaoyoukeng

Route Overview

Item	Details
Start	Yangjin Highway (Zhuzihu)
Finish	Xiaoyoukeng Recreation Area
Distance	Approx. 3 km
Elevation Gain	Approx. 200 m
Average Gradient	6.7%
Maximum Gradient	11%
Difficulty	★★★

Route Highlights

What makes the Xiaoyoukeng route unique is the geothermal landscape along the way—sulfur fumaroles and hot spring steam create an otherworldly atmosphere.

Key Sections:

• Depart from Zhuzihu and climb along the Yangjin Highway
• Pass through arrow bamboo groves
• You can smell sulfur as you approach Xiaoyoukeng

Tips

• Sulfur fumes are corrosive to metal—wash your bike thoroughly after the ride
• The sulfur in the air may irritate the respiratory tract
• Combine with Balaka Road for a classic Yangmingshan loop

Classic Loop Combinations

Beginner Loop (approx. 35km, 800m elevation gain)

Yangde Boulevard → Lengshuikeng → Fengguizui → Wanli → Return

Advanced Loop (approx. 50km, 1,500m elevation gain)

Yangde Boulevard → Zhuzihu → Balaka → Datunshan → Xiaoyoukeng → Yangjin Highway → Return

Ultimate Challenge (approx. 70km, 2,000m+ elevation gain)

Complete all five routes in a single day—the “Yangmingshan Grand Slam”—only the strongest climbers need apply.

Conclusion

The five classic Yangmingshan routes are a rite of passage for cyclists in northern Taiwan. From the beginner-friendly Fengguizui to the leg-breaking Datunshan, each route has its own unique appeal. On a weekend morning, get on your road bike and pedal toward Yangmingshan—there you’ll find the best climbs, the most beautiful scenery, and the most rewarding riding experience.

Related Reading

• The Complete Guide to Yangmingshan Classic Routes: Taipei Riders’ Best Climbing Grounds
• Complete Yangmingshan Road Route Guide: Fengguizui, Balaka, Qingtiangang Loop
• North Coast and Northeast Corner Classic Routes: Complete Guide to Fengguizui, Balaka, and Buyanting
• Complete Yangmingshan Loop Route Guide: Five Classic Cycling Loop Recommendations