Taiwan Cycling Island Tour Planning: Daily Mileage and Accommodation Strategy for a 9-Day Loop

Introduction

A cycling tour around Taiwan is a journey many riders hold closest to their hearts. The roughly 1,000 km loop route lets you take in Taiwan’s coastline, mountains, and countryside in just 9 to 14 days, encountering different landscapes and people at every turn. The 9-day itinerary is achievable for most riders with a certain level of cycling foundation, with an average daily distance of about 100–120 km at a moderate intensity. This article provides a complete 9-day island tour plan for you to use as a starting point for personal adjustments.

9-Day Island Tour Route Overview

Daily Route Descriptions

Day 1: Taipei→Hsinchu (110 km)

The first day of the island tour departs from Taipei. It is recommended to take the agricultural roads running parallel to Provincial Highway 1 (the north-south trunk road), passing through the countryside of Taoyuan and Hsinchu. The difficulty on the first day lies in psychological adjustment; the distance feels heavier than the actual number suggests. It is recommended to complete it at an easy pace to conserve energy for the days ahead. Choose accommodation in downtown Hsinchu, where supply points are plentiful.

Day 4–5: Southern Taiwan Coastal Section (Most Challenging)

On the fourth day, ride from Chiayi to Fangliao, Pingtung, passing through the urban areas of Tainan and Kaohsiung. The road surface is complex and traffic volume is heavy, requiring a high level of focus. On the fifth day, ride from Fangliao to Taitung—this is the most spectacular yet toughest stretch of the entire tour (see the Southern Taiwan Coastal Route article in this series for details). It is recommended to stock up fully at Xuhai before continuing.

Day 6–7: Huadong Valley Section (Most Beautiful Stretch)

The Huadong Valley is the section riders look forward to most during the island tour. It is recommended to take County Road 193 (Hualien section) to stay away from the large vehicles on Provincial Highway 9, riding between farmland and mountains. Yuli is a small town worth lingering in; its night market’s scallion pancakes and pork rib rice are very famous.

Day 8: Hualien→Yilan (Suhua Route)

The Suhua Highway (Provincial Highway 9C) is the most controversial section of the island tour, where sheer cliffs coexist with large vehicles. Many riders choose to take the TRA train from Hualien with their bikes to Yilan, skipping this high-risk section. If you decide to ride the Suhua, depart early in the morning when traffic and people are at a minimum, and carry plenty of water.

Day 9: Yilan→Taipei (Beiyi Highway)

On the final day, departing from Yilan, you can either ride over the mountain roads beside the Hsuehshan Tunnel along the Beiyi Highway (Provincial Highway 9) back to Taipei, or take the train directly. The Nine Turns and Eighteen Bends of the Beiyi Highway is a well-known climb. As the final checkpoint of the island tour, the sense of accomplishment upon reaching Taipei after completing it is multiplied.

Accommodation Strategy

Accommodation for the island tour can be divided into three types:

• Standard business hotels: Have parking for storing bikes, moderately priced, suitable for riders who want their own private space
• Hostels: Low cost, good for meeting fellow riders on the road, but some do not have indoor bike storage
• Cycling-friendly B&Bs: Proactively offer cycling services, well-regarded in the rider community, usually require advance booking

Popular accommodation spots along the island tour are often fully booked during peak seasons (March–May, September–November). It is recommended to book at least one week in advance before departure.

Pre-Tour Preparation Checklist

• Fitness: It is recommended to complete at least three long rides of 100 km or more before departure
• Bike maintenance: Learning the basic skill of changing an inner tube is an essential skill for the island tour
• Supply plan: Confirm the location of supply points for the day before setting out each morning
• Emergency contact: Inform family of your accommodation location each day and check in every night
• Reserve cash: Cash is preferred; some remote areas have no ATMs

Practical Tips

• Direction choice: Either clockwise (down the west coast, up the east coast) or counterclockwise works; clockwise is slightly more favorable in terms of wind direction in spring and autumn
• Season: Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November) are the best times for the island tour, avoiding summer typhoons and winter cold snaps
• Phone navigation: Google Maps or Komoot with offline maps works even in remote areas

Conclusion

A cycling tour around Taiwan is not just a physical challenge, but also a journey of deep engagement with Taiwan’s land, culture, and people. Completing the island tour in 9 days, each day’s mileage is a map of Taiwan pedaled out by your own legs. Departing from Taipei and returning to the starting point after one loop, you are no longer the same person you were—your eyes now hold an entire loop of Taiwan’s coastline, mountains, and countryside, and that memory is something no other mode of transportation can give you.

Related Reading

• Taiwan Island Tour 9-Day Itinerary: Complete Daily Mileage and Accommodation Recommendations
• Taiwan Island Tour 9-Day Classic Itinerary: Daily Mileage Planning and Accommodation Strategy
• Taiwan Island Cycling Tour: 9-Day Itinerary Planning and Supply Stops
• 9-Day Island Tour Is Not a Dream: Pre-Trip Preparation and Daily Route Planning for Beginner Cyclists