Taipei Yangmingshan Cycling Route: The Climbing Experience from Yangde Avenue to Zhuzihu

Introduction

Yangmingshan National Park, located just north of Taipei City, is the most accessible mountain cycling destination for urban riders. Starting from MRT Jiantan Station or Shilin, you can enter the green forests of Yangmingshan within about 20-30 minutes of riding. However, the cycling challenge of Yangmingshan is no less demanding—the long climb of Yangde Avenue, the volcanic terrain near Xiaoyoukeng, and the grassland scenery of Lengshuikeng each offer their own unique charm and difficulty.

Yangmingshan also has a special feature: it is one of the few mountain areas in Taipei where you can enjoy the “flower season” in spring. From February to March each year, during the azalea season, the entire mountainside is covered in a sea of pink blossoms, making cycling through it feel like riding inside a painting.

Main Route Options

Yangmingshan’s cycling routes can be broadly divided into three main lines:

Yangde Avenue: Taipei’s Most Famous Climb

Yangde Avenue (the extension of Section 7, Zhongshan North Road, Taipei City) is approximately 8.5 kilometers long. From the starting point of Yangde Avenue (near MRT Jiantan) to the Yangmingshan Bus Terminal, it climbs about 460 meters with an average gradient of approximately 5.4%.

This road is the most popular climbing training route among road cyclists in Taipei. It has its own dedicated segment on Strava, and on weekends, large numbers of riders challenge their personal best times.

Key points for riding Yangde Avenue:

• Lower section (Sections 1-3 of Yangde Avenue): Gradient of approximately 4-6%, relatively gentle, suitable for warming up
• Upper section (Sections 4-6 of Yangde Avenue): Gradient increases to 7-10%, requiring a steady cadence
• Final 700-meter sprint section: The steep climb approaching the Yangmingshan Bus Terminal is the final test

Zhuzihu: Yangmingshan’s Most Beautiful Destination

Zhuzihu is located on the volcanic crater plain on the mountainside of Yangmingshan, at an elevation of approximately 670 meters. From the Yangmingshan Bus Terminal, continue riding northwest for about 4 kilometers to reach it. This stretch has rolling gradients, but the overall difficulty is not high, while the scenery improves dramatically.

Zhuzihu is famous for its calla lily fields. During the flower season from February to April each year, pristine white calla lilies bloom across the lush green valley, and cycling through them is a uniquely romantic experience. In addition, the wild mountain ferns and bamboo shoot farmers’ home-style cooking in Zhuzihu are also local experiences worth visiting.

Seasonal highlights:

• February-March: Zhuzihu calla lily season, azaleas begin to bloom
• March-April: Peak azalea bloom across the mountain (flower season peak)
• July-September: Silver grass fields, rich cloud and mist variations
• December-January: Occasional light snow, watch out for icy roads

Exploring Xiaoyoukeng and Lengshuikeng

Continuing north from the Yangmingshan Management Station, you can reach the Xiaoyoukeng volcanic landscape area (approximately 880 meters above sea level). This is one of Taiwan’s rare active volcanic fumarole terrains. The sulfur smoke and rugged landforms deliver a powerful visual impact, completely different from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Lengshuikeng (800 meters above sea level) is another destination worth visiting. It features one of Taiwan’s rare “Milk Lake”—a milky-white hot spring lake containing sulfur minerals—along with the surrounding grassland scenery, making it one of Yangmingshan’s most distinctive natural attractions.

Practical Tips

• Yangmingshan often has cloud and fog in the morning; it is recommended to depart after 10 AM to enjoy more stable views; if you prefer the morning mist atmosphere, set off between 6-8 AM
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer; be sure to start descending before 2 PM
• The temperature at the summit is 5-10°C lower than in Taipei City; wear a light windbreaker when descending
• Traffic on Yangde Avenue is heavy on weekends; it is recommended to ride on weekdays or get an early start
• The Yangmingshan National Park official website provides real-time road and weather information; be sure to check before departing

Conclusion

Cycling in Yangmingshan embodies the most captivating quality of Taipei City: amidst a high-density metropolis, there is always a mountain forest that offers a chance to catch your breath. Every climb on Yangde Avenue and every turn in Zhuzihu serves as a reminder to riders: Taiwan’s beauty is often hidden just behind the mountains closest to the city—all you need to do is keep pedaling, and you will arrive.

Related Reading

• The Complete Guide to Yangmingshan Loop Routes: Five Classic Cycling Circuits Recommended
• Selected Northern Mountain Routes: A Comparison of Riding Routes in Yangmingshan, Wulai, and Pinglin
• A One-Day Ride Around the Taipei Basin: A Connecting Route Through Yangmingshan, Beitou, and Tamsui
• Five Classic Yangmingshan Routes: Fengguizui, Lengshuikeng, Balaka, Datun Mountain, and Xiaoyoukeng