Bicycle Touring: Planning a Five-Day, Four-Night Cycling Trip in Northern Taiwan

Introduction

“Taiwan is great for cycling” is not just a slogan—it’s a fact verified by countless riders. Northern Taiwan boasts a rich coastline, mountain landscapes, and distinctive small towns. Starting from Taipei, a five-day, four-night cycling trip is enough to link Tamsui, Shimen, Keelung, and Yilan, creating a wonderful journey that combines natural beauty with local culture.

For those attempting their first multi-day cycling trip, the “Northern Loop” is an excellent entry-level choice: the total distance is moderate (approximately 260–300 km, depending on the route), supply points are frequent, and medical resources are relatively abundant, making the journey feel safer and more secure.

Overall Itinerary Overview

Five-Day, Four-Night Northern Route

Equipment Checklist

Multi-day riding gear needs to balance lightweight design with functionality:

• Bag systems: Rear panniers or a top-tube bag + handlebar bag combo, with a recommended capacity of 20–30L
• Clothing: Two sets of cycling jerseys, a windbreaker, and a lightweight rain jacket (northern Taiwan is rainy)
• Repair tools: Tire levers x2, spare inner tubes x2, multi-tool, chain lube
• First-aid kit: Band-Aids, muscle pain spray, sunscreen
• Charging gear: Power bank, bike light charging cable, Garmin or phone charging cable

Daily Route Details and Accommodation Suggestions

Day 1: Warm-Up Ride from Taipei

Starting from Taipei Main Station along the Tamsui River left-bank bike path, the 40 km of flat riverside riding is the perfect warm-up. After arriving in Tamsui, you can visit Fort San Domingo and the Old Street, then stay overnight in Shimen or Jinshan. For accommodation, look for “cyclist-friendly hotels” (which can be searched in advance via the cycling tourism website); these typically offer bike parking facilities and basic tools.

Day 3: The Most Challenging Mountain Section

After entering Ruifang from Keelung, you can choose to detour through Jiufen (steeper climbs) or take Provincial Highway 2C directly to connect with the Beiyi Highway into Yilan. The Beiyi Highway (Provincial Highway 9) is a famous cycling route in Taiwan, featuring the notorious “nine bends and eighteen curves.” The descent is thrilling but requires careful speed control. If your energy allows, take a break in Houtong and visit the famous Cat Village.

Day 5: Making Good Use of the Railway

Taiwan Railways offers a service for bringing bicycles on board (a bike ticket must be purchased). Taking the North-Link Line back to Taipei from Su’ao or Yilan is the smartest way to conclude a multi-day trip. It’s recommended to book in advance through the TRA app; holiday departures need to be reserved several days ahead.

Practical Tips

• Northern Taiwan weather changes dramatically—always pack rain gear: Sudden afternoon showers are common in northern Taiwan, so keep a lightweight rain jacket in the most accessible spot
• Set a clear daily stopping time: The biggest enemy of multi-day riding is the greed of “just one more stretch.” Aim to find accommodation before 4 PM and leave time to rest
• Mark supply stop locations: Along the North Coast, convenience stores can occasionally be 15–20 km apart, so mark supply points on your map before setting out
• Interact with local riders: When you encounter local cyclists on the road, greet them openly—you’ll usually get the most authentic road condition advice

Conclusion

A five-day, four-night cycling trip in northern Taiwan is a journey that lets you rediscover Taiwan. Riding through Tamsui’s sunset, crossing Keelung’s morning mist, and overlooking Yilan’s green fields—each day’s fatigue will transform into eager anticipation the next morning. Taiwan is small, yet at cycling speed, it feels infinitely vast.

Related Reading

• Taiwan Cycling Around-the-Island Northern Section: Scenery and Challenges from the North Coast to Yilan
• Selected Northern Taiwan Cycling Routes: A Half-Day Ride from the Tamsui Riverside to Shimen Reservoir
• Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Coastal Cycling Route: Riding the North Coast from Keelung to Yilan
• Taiwan 9-Day Around-the-Island Daily Itinerary: A Clockwise Route Starting from Taipei