One-Day Ride Around the Taipei Basin: A Route Linking Yangmingshan, Beitou, and Tamsui

Introduction

For cyclists, Taipei City is not just a starting point, but also a destination. The northwestern triangle of Greater Taipei, formed by Yangmingshan, Beitou, and Tamsui, links volcanic mountain landscapes, historic hot spring districts, and a riverside port town. The full route is approximately 85 km with a cumulative elevation gain of about 1,200 meters, making it a challenging yet rewarding one-day ride of moderate-to-high difficulty. For northern cyclists, this route requires no long drive to reach, yet offers a rich diversity of Taiwan’s landscapes in a single day.

Route Design and Connection Logic

Yangde Avenue Climb: Taipei’s Most Beautiful Commuter Climb

Starting from Shilin District in Taipei City, climb up Yangde Avenue to Yangmingshan. This climb stretches about 12 km with a cumulative elevation gain of roughly 700 meters, making it the most popular climbing training route in Taipei City. Every early morning, large numbers of cyclists head up the mountain to train. The slopes are lined with lush vegetation—mountain cherry blossoms bloom in spring, dense green shade covers the summer, and ginkgo leaves turn yellow in autumn and winter, each season offering its own charm.

Upon reaching the Yangmingshan Visitor Center, take a short break and replenish fluids. It is recommended to continue riding toward the Yangjin Highway to Xiaoyoukeng to admire the geothermal spectacle of sulfur fumaroles—one of the few still-active geothermal features on the main island of Taiwan.

Descent to Beitou: Hot Springs and Japanese-Era Old Streets

From Xiaoyoukeng, descend via Jinshan South Road or the Beitou mountain roads. This descent is winding and steep, so control your speed carefully. Once you arrive in Beitou, don’t rush off—first visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum (free admission) to learn about Taiwan’s hot spring culture during the Japanese colonial period, then head to the Thermal Valley to see its brilliant blue, boiling hot spring pools.

Beitou’s downtown area preserves many well-kept Japanese-era buildings. Strolling through them offers a distinctive historical atmosphere. For lunch, it is recommended to eat in the Beitou Old Street, where Taiwanese-style cut noodles or braised pork rice are top picks.

Tamsui Old Street: Historical Depth at the River Mouth

Departing from Beitou, head west along Provincial Highway 2, pass through the Guandu Plain, and after crossing Zhuwei, you will arrive at Tamsui. Fort San Domingo in Tamsui is a historical site from the Dutch era, and the fish ball soup, A-gei, and iron eggs on Tamsui Old Street are must-try snacks. The sunset at the Tamsui River mouth in the evening is one of Taiwan’s most famous views. If time permits, be sure to wait for the sunset before heading home.

Return Leg: Tamsui Riverside Route

Starting from Tamsui, head south along the riverside bike path on the left bank of the Tamsui River. The full distance is about 33 km on flat terrain, ideal for relaxed pedaling. Along the way, you will pass landmarks such as the Guandu Bridge, the farmlands of Shezi Island, and the Dadaocheng Wharf, before finally returning to Taipei City.

Practical Tips

• Departure time: It is recommended to set off up Yangde Avenue before 6:00 AM to avoid morning traffic
• Refill at Yangmingshan: The Yangmingshan Visitor Center has drinking fountains; it is advised to fill two bottles before descending to Beitou
• Descent safety: The Beitou mountain roads have many curves; it is recommended to keep your speed below 40 km/h
• Rainy weather caution: Yangmingshan often sees misty rain in the afternoon; if the weather is unstable, consider rescheduling
• Lighting equipment: If the return leg is delayed into the night, make sure your front and rear lights have sufficient battery

Conclusion

Yangmingshan, Beitou, and Tamsui are all familiar places, but only by connecting them by bicycle can you truly experience the layered landscapes of northwestern Taipei. Volcanic geothermal activity, hot spring history, and a riverside sunset—multiple experiences in a single day make this route the quintessential ride that Taipei cyclists will want to repeat again and again.

Related Reading

• Taipei Yangmingshan Cycling Route: The Climbing Experience from Yangde Avenue to Zhuzihu
• Selected Northern Mountain Routes: A Comparison of Riding Routes in Yangmingshan, Wulai, and Pinglin
• Selected Scenic Routes in Northern Taiwan: A Road Cycling Guide to Yangmingshan, the North Coast, and Jiufen
• The Complete Guide to Yangmingshan Loop Routes: Five Classic Cycling Circuits Recommended