Taiwan Cycling Around-the-Island Northern Route: Scenery and Challenges from the North Coast to Yilan

Introduction

The Taiwan round-island cycling trip is the most romantic riding dream in every Taiwanese cyclist’s heart. The full route spans approximately 900–1100 km (depending on route choice) and is usually completed in 7–12 days. The northern section—roughly from Taipei to Hualien—concentrates Taiwan’s most diverse landscapes: urban riversides, North Coast rocky shores, the hot-spring towns of the Northeast Coast, and the vast fields of the Yilan Plain.

This article focuses on route planning for the northern section of the round-island trip, helping first-time riders build a complete understanding of and expectations for this journey.

Route Options: North Coast vs. Beiyi Highway

Heading from Taipei to Yilan, there are two main routes to choose from:

For a round-island trip, the North Coast (Provincial Highway 2) is recommended to conserve energy for the later stages. The Beiyi Highway (Pinglin–Yilan section) is better suited as a standalone training route.

Attractions and Riding Highlights Along the Northern Section

Tamsui to Shimen (approx. 35 km)
Starting from Tamsui Old Street, head north along Provincial Highway 2, riding past the mangrove waterfront and Baishawan Beach before arriving at Shimen Windmill Park. This stretch is flat with cool sea breezes—a great warm-up section.

• Recommended stops: Baishawan (sunset views in summer), Shimen Cave natural rock arch
• Supplies: Tamsui Old Street or the fishing villages along the North Coast all offer snacks

Shimen to Keelung (approx. 50 km)
Yehliu Geopark is the most famous landmark on this stretch, with breathtaking rock formations such as the Queen’s Head. Continue riding through Jinshan and Wanli before entering the urban area of Keelung Harbor.

• Recommended stops: Yehliu Geopark (tickets recommended; allow half an hour on foot)
• Supplies: Jinshan Old Street is an excellent lunch stop—the braised pork and sweet potatoes there will refuel you

Keelung to Toucheng (approx. 70 km)
The Northeast Coast comes into view, and many riders call this stretch “Taiwan’s most beautiful coastal highway.” Bitoujiao, Longdong, Yanliao, Fulong—every name is a dream destination for ocean lovers.

• Recommended stops: Fulong Beach (overnight option), Longdong climbing area
• Supplies: The Fulong bento box is a legendary item on Taiwan’s railways—riding to Fulong without having one would be a regret

Toucheng to Yilan City (approx. 25 km)
Crossing Wushi Harbor, you enter the Lanyang Plain. The view suddenly opens up, with Turtle Island standing in the Pacific Ocean, and rice paddies and distant mountains forming the quintessential Yilan countryside scene.

Accommodation and Logistics Planning

Recommended overnight stops for the northern section of the round-island trip:

• Tamsui: Plenty of hostel options; convenient supply points at the start of the round-island route
• Jinshan/Wanli: Hot-spring B&Bs are concentrated here; a soak after the first day’s ride is a great way to relax
• Fulong: Seaside B&Bs in a tranquil setting, close to the core scenic areas of the Northeast Coast
• Toucheng/Jiaoxi: Jiaoxi’s hot springs are the most famous relaxation choice on the Lanyang Plain

Practical Tips

• Before departure, confirm the connecting bike paths between Taipei City and New Taipei City (Google Maps cycling navigation is very useful)
• The North Coast has strong winds in summer; if you encounter the northeast monsoon, consider riding counterclockwise to enjoy tailwinds
• Provincial Highway 2 is crowded with tourists on weekends; riding on weekdays is more comfortable
• Several bike-friendly hotels near Jiaoxi, Yilan, offer toolkits and bike-washing services
• Use Strava or Komoot to record your route for easy review and sharing later

Conclusion

The northern section of the round-island trip is a journey from bustle to tranquility—from the clamor of Taipei City, gradually shifting to the sound of waves on the North Coast and the croaking of frogs in Yilan’s fields. The diversity of this route is precisely what makes it so captivating. Once riders complete the northern section, they will have grasped the rhythm of round-island travel, and the southern section and east coast ahead will bring even more surprises and inspiration.

Related Reading

• Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Coastal Cycling Route: The North Coast Ride from Keelung to Yilan
• Taiwan Round-Island Southern Route: Tropical Riding Experience from Pingtung to Taitung
• Taiwan North Coast 200 km One-Day Challenge: A Double Century Ride from Taipei
• Bike Touring: Planning a Five-Day, Four-Night Cycling Trip in Northern Taiwan