Taiwan West Coast Cycling Tour: A Slow Ride Along the Coast from Hsinchu to Tainan

Introduction

The west coast of Taiwan differs from the dramatic landscapes of mountains and sea on the east coast; it offers a more rustic beauty that is closer to the land. Starting from Hsinchu Fishing Port, heading south along Provincial Highway 1 or parallel agricultural back roads, passing through Houlong in Miaoli, Daan in Taichung, Fangyuan in Changhua, Mailiao in Yunlin, Budai in Chiayi, and finally arriving at Anping in Tainan, the total distance is about 300 kilometers. This is a tourist route suitable for multi-day slow cycling, featuring fishing ports, wetlands, and agricultural settlements along the way, allowing you to see the most authentic face of Taiwan’s west coast.

Route Segments and Highlights

Hsinchu to Miaoli: The Border of Hakka Culture and the Coast

The Hsinchu City Coastal Bikeway is a familiar starting point for many. Strong winds are a defining feature of this section, so it is recommended to set off in the morning to avoid the afternoon southwest wind. After passing Hsinchu, you enter the Houlong area of Miaoli County, one of Taiwan’s main strawberry-producing regions (in late winter and early spring). Seafood at Houlong’s Waipu Fishing Port is a major highlight for resupply, where fresh oyster omelets and stir-fried crab can be enjoyed at affordable prices.

Taichung to Changhua: Oyster Culture in the Intertidal Zone

The Daan coast in Taichung is a shoreline rarely visited by tourists, where vast mudflats nurture a rich diversity of benthic organisms. The intertidal oyster farming in Fangyuan, Changhua, is famous throughout Taiwan. The sight of local fishermen harvesting oysters with ox carts is Fangyuan’s most distinctive cultural symbol. If you pass by during low tide, be sure to stop and observe.

Yunlin to Chiayi: The Vastness of Wetlands and Salt Fields

Chenglong Wetland in Kouhu Township, Yunlin, is an important ecological wetland in Taiwan and hosts an international installation art festival every year. Budai Salt Fields in Chiayi is one of the last areas in Taiwan to retain large-scale solar salt production. The white salt fields glisten under the summer sun, creating one of the most spectacular landscapes in western Taiwan.

Anping, Tainan: The Historical Endpoint of the Journey

Anping Fort is a historical site dating back to the Dutch colonial period. The shrimp rolls and fish ball soup on Anping Old Street are the final reward of the journey. From Hsinchu to Tainan, you have pedaled through the salty air of fishing ports, the silence of wetlands, and the openness of salt fields. The depth of this journey far exceeds the distance itself.

Practical Tips

• Route selection: Try to choose Provincial Highway 17 or the more inland agricultural roads to avoid the heavy traffic on Provincial Highway 1
• Season: In autumn and winter (October to March of the following year), the northeast monsoon tends to be a tailwind for southbound riders, making it suitable for traveling from north to south
• Accommodation: Business hotels and homestays are available along each segment; advance booking is recommended
• Resupply: Resupply points are spaced about 15–20 kilometers apart on each segment, so there is no need to worry

Conclusion

The west coast of Taiwan is a beautiful journey that even Taiwanese people themselves often overlook. Those fishing ports, wetlands, salt fields, and oyster racks form the most authentic picture of life in western Taiwan. Pack your bags, let the west coast wind carry you, and ride all the way from Hsinchu to Tainan. You will fall in love with this slow yet rich way of coastal travel.

Related Reading

• Flat Cycling on Taiwan’s West Coast: Rural Scenery in Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi
• Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Coastal Cycling Route: The North Coast Ride from Keelung to Yilan
• Southern Section of Taiwan’s Cycling Around the Island: Tropical Riding Experience from Pingtung to Taitung
• Taiwan Coastal Cycling Map: A Complete Route Guide from the North Coast to Hengchun