Hualien County Road 193: Taiwan's Most Beautiful Valley Flat Ride

Introduction

Hualien County Road 193, officially designated as “Provincial Highway 9C,” runs north-south through the Hualien Valley, spanning approximately 94 kilometers in total. However, the most scenic cycling section is concentrated between Guangfu and Fengbin (about 40 kilometers). This road is sandwiched between the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range, featuring smooth pavement, minimal traffic, and endless rice paddies, rapeseed flower fields, tea plantations, and indigenous villages on both sides—many cyclists describe County Road 193 as “Taiwan’s version of Hokkaido,” an open and tranquil experience that is hard to replicate elsewhere in Taiwan.

For cyclists who enjoy long flat rides and a stress-free cycling atmosphere, County Road 193 is a must-ride route. Its challenge lies not in elevation gain or speed, but in “how to slow down and savor the most beautiful scenery.”

County Road 193 Route Planning

County Road 193 offers multiple entry and exit combinations. Here are the most popular arrangements:

The most recommended option is “Highlight section + train return”: Start from Guangfu and ride the highlight section of County Road 193. Upon reaching Fengbin or Shitiping, you can either continue along Provincial Highway 11 back to Hualien City, or pack up your bicycle and take a TRA train back (all small stations in the Hualien Valley allow boarding and alighting).

Scenic Spots and Cultural Experiences Along the Way

County Road 193 is not just a scenic road; it connects the most important indigenous cultural settlements in the Hualien Valley:

Guangfu Sugar Factory
The starting point of the southern section of County Road 193. The sugar factory built during the Japanese colonial era has been transformed into a cultural and creative park with an ice cream sales area. The famous “Taisugar milk ice cream” is a must-try refreshment for cyclists, rich in milky flavor and affordably priced.

Matadai Wetland
A preservation site for Amis traditional culture in Guangfu Township. This vast wetland ecosystem is a rare natural landscape in Taiwan. When cycling past, you can detour into the Matadai community to experience the Amis “Palakaw” traditional ecological fishing culture.

Ruisui Ranch
In the middle section of County Road 193, Ruisui Township is renowned for its hot springs and ranches. Ruisui Ranch offers fresh milk, cheese, and other dairy products, making it an excellent stop for protein replenishment.

Fuli Organic Agriculture Zone
The southern section of County Road 193 enters Fuli Township, one of Taiwan’s most important organic rice-producing areas. In spring and autumn, the rice paddies appear lush green or golden yellow, creating the most iconic scenery along County Road 193.

Seasons and Best Riding Times

County Road 193 offers distinctively beautiful scenery in every season:

• January-February: Rapeseed flower season, with golden flower fields blanketing the valley, complemented by the snow-capped backdrop of the Central Mountain Range—absolutely stunning
• April-May: Fresh green rice paddies after transplanting, crisp and vibrant
• September-October: The harvest season with full, golden rice ears—the valley’s most iconic golden landscape
• December: Cool and crisp temperatures, clear air, and excellent visibility

Best time of day year-round: 6-10 AM, when the light is soft, traffic is minimal, and temperatures are comfortable.

Practical Tips

• Convenience stores are extremely scarce along County Road 193; it is recommended to stock up on water and food (at least 2 liters of water) at the Guangfu supermarket or before departing from Hualien City
• For long flat rides, it is recommended to maintain an aerobic pace; do not sprint at full effort from the start
• You will encounter several Amis tribes along the route; please respect local culture and residents’ privacy when entering tribal areas
• Guangfu Station, Ruisui Station, and Fuli Station on the TRA allow boarding with packed bicycles
• Hualien City has several cyclist-friendly guesthouses offering tools, parking, and route consultation services

Conclusion

County Road 193 is the route in Taiwan that comes closest to a “cycling meditation” experience. There are no massive climbs to test your legs, no dense traffic to challenge your nerves—only the vast valley, flowing waves of rice, distant mountain silhouettes, and a cycling rhythm entirely your own. Everyone who has ridden County Road 193 says it changed their perception of Taiwan’s landscapes. Add this road to your cycling list, and let the valley breeze bring you back to the pure joy of riding a bike in the first place.

Related Reading

• Hualien County Road 193: The East Coast’s Hidden Scenic Road More Beautiful Than Provincial Highway 11
• Huatung Valley Cycling Tour: Taiwan’s Most Spectacular Long-Distance Riding Route
• Cycling Paradise in Eastern Taiwan: The Complete Guide to Huatung Valley Routes
• Deep Riding Through Taiwan’s Valleys: Top 10 Hidden Scenic Routes in the Huatung Valley