Selected Cycling Routes in Northern Taiwan: A Half-Day Ride from Tamsui Riverside to Shimen Reservoir

Introduction

Northern Taiwan boasts a dense cycling network, and from downtown Taipei you can enter a world of riding that blends urban and natural scenery without a long drive. The Tamsui Riverside Bikeway is one of the most complete riverside routes in the Greater Taipei area, extending north to Tamsui Old Street, from where you can connect to Provincial Highway 2 and county roads to reach Shimen Reservoir. This half-day itinerary covers approximately 80 kilometers in total, with minimal elevation change—no more than 200 meters of climbing—making it an ideal weekend outing.

Route Overview and Segment Breakdown

The route is broadly divided into three segments: the Taipei Riverside section, the Tamsui Old Street section, and the Shimen Reservoir section.

Segment 1: Dadaocheng to Tamsui (approx. 30 km)

Starting from Dadaocheng Wharf, head north along the bikeway on the left bank of the Tamsui River, passing through Shezi Island, Guandu Temple, and the Zhuwei Mangrove Ecological Conservation Area before finally reaching Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf. This entire section is a smoothly paved dedicated bike path with almost no vehicle interference, making it suitable for families or beginners. Near Guandu, you can enjoy the wetland landscape where migratory birds roost; arriving in the early morning lets you capture the sight of morning mist dancing with waterfowl.

Segment 2: Tamsui to Sanzhi (approx. 20 km)

After leaving Tamsui’s urban area, head north along Provincial Highway 2, where you can see the vast expanse of the Taiwan Strait on your right. This section features a few gentle climbs—short slopes of about 50–100 meters—but the physical demands are not high. It is recommended to stop and rest at Baisha Bay; there are small vendors by the beach where you can replenish water and food.

Segment 3: Sanzhi to Shimen Reservoir (approx. 30 km)

From Sanzhi, turn onto a county road heading into the mountains. The road surface is relatively narrow, but traffic is light. Along the way, you’ll pass moso bamboo groves and terraced farmland before finally reaching Shimen Reservoir. The reservoir area has complete visitor facilities, including parking lots, convenience stores, and restaurants, making it a good spot to refuel before riding back.

Supplies and Accommodation Arrangements

Supply points along this route are plentiful:

• Near Guandu Temple: There are food stalls and convenience stores, suitable as the first stop
• Tamsui Old Street: Local snacks such as fish ball soup and A-gei can serve as lunch
• Baisha Bay Bathing Beach: Vendors are present in summer for water and ice treats
• Shimen Reservoir Administration: Restaurants and cafés with excellent views

If you plan to extend the route into a day trip, you can choose to stay overnight in Tamsui or Sanzhi and ride back to Taipei at a leisurely pace the next day. Near Tamsui Old Street, there are several guesthouses that offer bicycle parking space.

Practical Tips

• Departure time: It is recommended to set off before 7 a.m. to avoid the holiday crowds on the Dadaocheng-to-Tamsui section
• Bike choice: Road bikes or steel touring bikes are both suitable; a tire width of 28c or above is recommended to handle some gravel on the slopes
• Safety gear: Wear a helmet at all times; the mountain roads around Shimen Reservoir have many curves, so slow down
• Weather note: Northern Taiwan is prone to afternoon rain, so it is advisable to carry a lightweight rain jacket
• Return options: If you lack energy, you can take the Tamsui–Xinyi Line MRT from Tamsui with your bike (subject to MRT bicycle regulations) back to Taipei

Conclusion

The route from Tamsui Riverside to Shimen Reservoir combines three distinctly different landscapes—urban riverbank, coastal highway, and mountain farmland—and can be completed without requiring exceptional fitness. It is one of the most recommended weekend half-day cycling routes in northern Taiwan. First-time riders are advised to tackle only the first two segments and challenge the full route once familiar with it. Push your bike into nature, and you’ll discover that northern Taiwan is more beautiful than you imagined.

Related Reading

• Essential Northern Cycling Route: A Weekend Ride from Tamsui River Bikeway to Shimen Reservoir
• Taoyuan Shimen Reservoir Loop Route: A Family-Friendly Holiday Ride
• Bike Touring: Planning a Five-Day, Four-Night Cycling Trip in Northern Taiwan
• Taipei Riverside Bikeway Complete 50km: An In-Depth Urban Green Corridor Ride