Day 1 of the Island Tour: Route Planning and Tips from Taipei to Toucheng

Introduction

The departure day has finally arrived. On a Taipei city morning, the backpack is packed, and the bike was tuned up last night. The distance from Taipei to Toucheng is roughly 70 to 80 kilometers, making it the first-day goal for most clockwise island tour cyclists. The distance isn’t long, but each section—crossing the Greater Taipei metropolitan area, the Beiyi Highway, and the pre-Suao stretch—has its own challenges and scenery.

Main Route Options

There are three main routes from Taipei to Toucheng, each with its pros and cons:

Most first-time island tour cyclists choose Provincial Highway 2, riding toward Yilan via Jinshan, Yehliu, and Guishan Island. Although slightly longer, supply points are plentiful along the way, and the gradients are relatively forgiving.

Detailed Breakdown of Provincial Highway 2

Leaving Taipei City (0–25 km)

Starting from Taipei Main Station or your accommodation, most cyclists choose to ride along the Tamsui River bike path to Guandu, then connect to Provincial Highway 2 heading toward Shimen.

Things to note:

• Taipei city traffic is complicated between 7–9 AM; it’s recommended to depart before 6:30 AM
• The Guandu Bridge to Bali section has a dedicated bike path, allowing you to avoid the main roads
• The Tamsui Old Street area is crowded on weekends; walking your bike through is safer

Shimen to Jinshan Section (25–50 km)

After joining Provincial Highway 2, you ride along the North Coast. This section has little elevation change, mostly gentle hills, with the Taiwan Strait on your right and wide-open views.

Supply highlights:

• Shimen: One 7-Eleven and one FamilyMart; a good spot to stock up on breakfast or snacks
• Jinshan: Convenience stores become more frequent; the famous duck meat rice and sweet potatoes are worth trying
• Yehliu Geopark: Worth a brief stop for photos, but be mindful of traffic when entering or exiting during busy times

Keelung to Aodi Section (50–75 km)

After bypassing Keelung city, Provincial Highway 2 turns into the Northeast Coast, heading south along Bitou Cape, Longdong, and Aodi. This section has slightly steeper rolling terrain, but the scenery is stunning—one of the most scenic stretches of cycling in northern Taiwan.

Things to note:

• Road conditions in Keelung city are complex; if unfamiliar, you can take the coastal expressway instead (note that some sections are closed to bicycles—please confirm in advance)
• On weekends, anglers often park along Longdong Bay; watch out for car doors opening suddenly

Aodi to Toucheng Section (75–95 km)

After passing Aodi, you enter Yilan County, where the terrain gradually flattens, and Provincial Highway 2 connects to the provincial highway heading toward Toucheng. This section is mostly flat, ideal for recovering your energy.

Upon arriving in Toucheng, you can choose a homestay or hostel near the Old Street and walk over to sample Yilan’s local specialties.

The Provincial Highway 9 (Beiyi Highway) Option

If you choose the Beiyi Highway, be mentally prepared: starting from Muzha or Shenkeng, there’s a continuous climb of about 15 kilometers with 500 meters of elevation gain. After reaching the summit (Shiding), it’s a long descent all the way to the Yilan Plain, where speeds can reach 50–60 km/h—you’ll need to control your speed the entire way.

• Climbing time is about 2–3 hours (depending on fitness)
• On the descent, watch out for gravel and fallen leaves; never overtake at high speed
• In winter and the rainy season, fog is heavy on this road with poor visibility; assess conditions before deciding

Practical Tips

• Departure time: Leave no later than 7:00 AM to avoid city traffic and the midday heat
• Don’t overdo the mileage on day one: Many people get overexcited on the first day and ride 120 kilometers, only to have their knees start complaining by day three
• Fill up on water and food before Yilan: Supply points are relatively sparse before reaching Toucheng in Yilan
• Take photos but don’t linger too long: The attractions at Yehliu and the Northeast Coast are captivating; watch out—time flies
• Book Toucheng accommodation in advance: Lodging near the Old Street is in high demand on weekends; make sure you’ve confirmed your booking a week before departure

Conclusion

The first day of an island tour is often the most emotionally complex day—excitement, nervousness, fatigue, and a hint of uncertainty. Whichever route you choose, as long as you arrive safely in Toucheng, you’ve completed the most important first step of the entire tour. Get a good night’s sleep tonight—the Suhua Highway awaits you tomorrow.

Related Reading

• 9-Day Island Tour Is Not a Dream: Pre-Trip Preparation and Daily Route Planning for Beginner Cyclists
• Complete Guide to the Classic 9-Day, 8-Night Route on Cycling Route No. 1
• Day 1 of the Island Tour: Setting Off from Taipei—Panic, Doubt, Then Finding Your Rhythm
• Northern Section of Cycling Route No. 1: Western Coastal and Inland Options from Taipei to Taichung