Taiwan's Mountain Biking Meccas: A Riding Guide to Smangus, Taipingshan, and Fushoushan Farm

Introduction

Taiwan’s mountainous terrain is rugged and diverse. Beyond the well-known Wuling Road, there are many more remote and pristine mountain cycling destinations waiting to be explored. Smangus, located in Jianshi, Hsinchu, is a sacred settlement of the Atayal people and the last village in Taiwan to gain road access; Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area is renowned for its ancient giant trees and misty forest landscapes; Fushoushan Farm is famous for its apple orchards, high-mountain vegetables, and the highland grasslands surrounding Cingjing Farm. Each of these three places has its own character, but all are dream destinations for cycling adventurers.

Comparison of the Three Routes

Smangus Route

Riding to Smangus is a route that combines challenge with cultural experience. Starting from Zhudong, head north along Provincial Highway 3, turn onto County Road 120 after passing Guanxi, then connect to County Road 122, and finally take the industrial road leading to the Smangus settlement—a total of approximately 60 kilometers with over 1,800 meters of cumulative climbing.

Road conditions: The industrial road is narrow, and descending corners require caution. Some sections have uneven pavement, so wide-tire road bikes or gravel bikes are recommended.

Highlights: The settlement is home to a grove of centuries-old giant trees, the air is fresh, and the Atayal people warmly welcome riders. You can book homestays and meals here to experience indigenous cuisine.

Pre-ride notes:

• The road to Smangus is privately owned; vehicles must make a reservation to enter
• A two-day, one-night itinerary is recommended: ride up and stay overnight on day one, then take a leisurely descent on day two
• Cell phone signal is extremely weak in the mountains; inform your family of your itinerary in advance

Taipingshan Route

Starting from Luodong, Yilan, head into the mountains along Provincial Highway 7A. The road surface is in good condition, as it is a major mountain highway maintained by the Yilan County Government, but the continuous climb of approximately 50 kilometers is a severe test of your lungs and legs. After reaching the Taipingshan Recreation Area entrance, you can continue climbing to the Cueifong Lake parking lot to admire Taiwan’s largest alpine lake.

Highlights:

• The misty forest environment is mysterious, often shrouded in clouds and fog—ideal for early morning rides
• The sunrise over Cueifong Lake is one of the finest views in the Yilan mountains
• The Beng-Beng Train (a small steam train) is a unique attraction at Taipingshan; you can take it to give your legs a rest

Fushoushan Farm Route

This is the highest and most difficult of the three routes. Starting from Lishan, Taichung, head east along Provincial Highway 8, eventually reaching Fushoushan Farm at an elevation of approximately 2,600 meters. The section from Lishan to Fushoushan is about 30 kilometers with nearly 900 meters of cumulative climbing. The gradient is steady but sustained, requiring solid climbing fitness.

The farm features apple, pear, and peach orchards, with autumn fruit-picking season being the most popular time to visit. Stay at the Fushoushan Farm homestay, and the next morning you can ride to the farm’s highest point to enjoy the sea of clouds.

Gear Recommendations

• Cassette gearing: For mountain cycling, a low gear ratio of at least 34×28 or lower is recommended
• Hydration: The high-mountain climate is dry; replenish at least 500 ml of fluid per hour
• Spare tubes: Repair shops are scarce in the mountains; carry at least two spare inner tubes
• Insulating layer: Temperature differences between day and night are large at high elevations; wear a lightweight insulating jacket on descents

Conclusion

Taiwan’s mountain cycling resources are rich and diverse. Smangus’s indigenous culture, Taipingshan’s giant trees and misty forests, and Fushoushan’s high-mountain farm each represent a different facet of Taiwan’s mountain ecology. Prepare your fitness and gear, and the moment you enter the mountains, you will understand why Taiwan’s mountain cycling is so addictive.

Related Reading

• Summer Mountain Cycling in Taiwan: Cool Routes in Lishan and Fushoushan
• Mountain Bike Routes in Jianshi Township, Hsinchu: Off-Road Exploration Around Smangus
• Riding Lishan and Fushoushan Farm: The Majestic Experience of a High-Mountain Farm on the Central Cross-Island Highway
• Secret Cycling Routes in Taiwan: 10 Little-Known Scenic Rides