Alishan Highway (Provincial Highway 18) Riding Guide: The Pilgrimage Road from Chiayi to Alishan

Route Overview

Alishan Highway (Provincial Highway 18) starts from Chiayi City and climbs all the way to Alishan Forest Recreation Area at an elevation of 2,216 meters, covering approximately 75 kilometers. It is one of the longest single-direction climbing routes in western Taiwan.

Route Information

Item	Details
Start	Chiayi City (elevation approx. 30m)
End	Alishan Forest Recreation Area (elevation 2,216m)
Distance	Approx. 75 km
Total Climb	Approx. 2,186 meters
Average Gradient	2.9% (overall average)
Difficulty	★★★★
Suggested Time	5-8 hours

Segment Guide

Segment 1: Chiayi to Chukou (0-30km)

Item	Details
Elevation Change	30m → 250m
Average Gradient	0.7%
Highlights	Transition from plains to low hills

This is the easiest segment of the route. Departing from Chiayi City, you ride through flat farmland with extremely gentle gradients. Chukou is the last major settlement before entering the mountain area.

Supply Points:

• Chiayi City (full supplies)
• Zhuqi (convenience stores, breakfast shops)
• Chukou (visitor center, restaurants)

Tip: Do your final major resupply at Chukou, as supply points become scarcer ahead.

Segment 2: Chukou to Shizhuo (30-55km)

Item	Details
Elevation Change	250m → 1,350m
Average Gradient	4.4%
Highlights	Main climbing segment, passing through tea plantations

From Chukou, the gradient increases noticeably. This section winds through valleys, with alternating views of tea plantations and betel nut orchards along the way. After passing near Longmei, Alishan’s tea plantations begin to appear.

Key Sections:

• Chukou to Longmei (3-5% gradient, sustained climbing)
• Longmei to Shizhuo (4-6% gradient, passing through tea plantations)

Supply Points:

• Longmei (small shops)
• Shizhuo (several restaurants and shops)

Tip: Shizhuo is the most important staging point on the entire route. It is recommended to stop here for 15-20 minutes to rest and resupply fully.

Segment 3: Shizhuo to Alishan (55-75km)

Item	Details
Elevation Change	1,350m → 2,216m
Average Gradient	4.3%
Highlights	High-altitude forest, sudden temperature drop

The final 20 kilometers are the most challenging section of the entire route. Once you pass 1,500 meters in elevation, temperatures drop noticeably and the air begins to thin. Along the way, the landscape transitions from tea plantations to high-mountain coniferous forest, with dramatic scenery changes.

Key Sections:

• Shizhuo to Shizilu (steady 4% climb)
• Shizilu to Erwanping (some sections at 5-7%)
• Erwanping to Alishan (final gentle slope, approaching the destination)

Supply Points:

• Shizilu (snack stalls available)
• Alishan Visitor Center (finish point)

Pacing Recommendations

Goal: Finish the Ride (7-8 hours)

Segment	Suggested Average Speed	Estimated Time
Chiayi→Chukou	25 km/h	1.2 hr
Chukou→Shizhuo	14 km/h	1.8 hr
Shizhuo→Alishan	12 km/h	1.7 hr
Rest & Resupply	-	1.5 hr
Total	-	6.2 hr

Goal: Challenge a Personal Record (4-5 hours)

Control the front section at 70-75% of FTP, maintain 75-80% in the middle section, and give it your all in the final section.

Weather and Temperature

Temperature differences on Alishan Highway are extreme:

Location	Winter Temperature	Summer Temperature
Chiayi (30m)	15-20°C	30-35°C
Shizhuo (1,350m)	8-13°C	22-27°C
Alishan (2,216m)	3-8°C	18-22°C

Important: The temperature difference from Chiayi to Alishan can exceed 15°C. Be sure to bring warm clothing.

Gear Recommendations

Gear	Necessity	Notes
Windbreaker	Essential	Required at the summit and for the descent
Gloves (full-finger)	Recommended	Low temperatures at high altitude
Headband/Balaclava	Recommended	Cold protection on the descent
Spare inner tubes	Essential	Repairs are difficult in the mountains
Front and rear lights	Recommended	For tunnels and unexpected delays
Rain jacket	Recommended	Mountain weather is unpredictable

Rewards After Riding Alishan

Once you reach Alishan, don’t rush back down. These experiences are worth staying for:

1. Alishan Sunrise: Stay overnight on the mountain and watch the sunrise the next morning
2. Sacred Trees: The awe-inspiring thousand-year-old red cypresses
3. Forest Train: Ride the Alishan Forest Railway
4. High-Mountain Tea: Taste the freshest Alishan tea at its place of origin
5. Sea of Clouds: Watch the sea of clouds from the observation deck in the afternoon

Return Options

Descend the Same Route

• The most common choice
• 75 kilometers of downhill (heaven!)
• Control your speed, especially on the curves
• Descent time is approximately 2-3 hours

Take a Shuttle

If your legs are spent, you can:

• Take the bus down the mountain (bike storage space available on board)
• Ask friends or family to drive up and pick you up

Conclusion

Alishan Highway is a pilgrimage route for Taiwan’s cyclists. The 75-kilometer long climb tests your endurance and willpower, but the landscape transitions from plains to high mountains and the temperature shifts from hot to cool make this journey full of surprises. When you stand at Alishan at 2,216 meters and look back at the road you’ve traveled, you’ll feel proud of yourself.

Related Reading

• Riding Alishan Highway Provincial Route 18: A Cycling Journey Beneath a Century-Old Tourist Railway
• Alishan Highway Cycling Challenge: A Magnificent Climb from Chiayi to Alishan
• Alishan Highway Climbing Race Guide: Full Route Analysis of the 42 km from Chiayi to Alishan
• Chiayi Alishan Highway: Complete Guide to the Long-Distance Climb from Zhuqi to Alishan