Wai’ao, Yilan to Fulong: An Easy Cycling Route Along Taiwan’s Northeast Coast

Introduction

If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic coastal cycling route in Taiwan that doesn’t demand superhuman stamina, Wai’ao to Fulong is definitely one of the top choices. This coastal route follows Provincial Highway 2 for approximately 35 kilometers, with gentle terrain and minimal elevation changes. Running right alongside the Pacific Ocean, with the sun, waves, and Guishan Island as your companions, it’s the perfect weekend getaway.

Wai’ao, located in Toucheng Township, Yilan County, is a renowned surfing destination; Fulong, in Gongliao District, New Taipei City, is famous nationwide for its Fulong lunchboxes and Sand Sculpture Art Festival. This route connects two charming seaside towns with distinctly different characters, linked by a series of highlights along the Northeast Coast.

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Route Overview

Section	Distance	Main Attractions	Terrain
Wai’ao → Daxi	8 km	Wai’ao Surfing Beach, Guishan Island Viewing Platform	Gentle
Daxi → Yanliao	10 km	Daxi Fishing Harbor, Shitikeng Ao	Slightly rolling
Yanliao → Shicheng	8 km	Yanliao Beach, Yanliao Anti-Japanese Memorial Park	Small hills
Shicheng → Fulong	9 km	Shicheng Station, Fulong Beach	Gentle

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Highlights Along the Way

Wai’ao Surfing Beach
The starting point, Wai’ao, is one of Taiwan’s most famous surfing spots, attracting large numbers of surfers every year. In the early morning, the beach is uncrowded and the air is fresh—a great place to warm up and stretch while admiring Guishan Island’s silhouette in the morning light.

Guishan Island Viewpoints
Heading north along Provincial Highway 2, several roadside viewing platforms offer panoramic views of Guishan Island. As the spiritual symbol of Yilan, the island takes on different appearances from different angles. When you reach these spots, slow down and take in the seascape.

Daxi Fishing Harbor
Daxi Fishing Harbor is an important fishing base in Yilan, offering fresh seafood delivered straight from the boats at reasonable prices. If you arrive around noon, you can enjoy an authentic harbor-side seafood lunch—live crabs and freshly caught fish will wash away all the fatigue from riding.

Yanliao Beach
Yanliao Beach sees fewer tourists, preserving a more pristine coastal atmosphere. It’s a great spot for a short stop to walk barefoot on the sand and listen to the sea.

Fulong
The endpoint, Fulong, is famous nationwide for its Fulong lunchbox. Treat yourself to a traditional railway lunchbox here. Fulong Beach is also a popular attraction, open for swimming in the summer—a perfect way to cool off after your ride.

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Transportation Planning

• Getting There: Take a local train from Taipei to Wai’ao Station (about 1 hour). Bicycle rental services are available nearby, but bringing your own bike is recommended to ensure good condition.
• Return Trip: Bicycles can be loaded onto trains at Fulong Station (during off-peak hours). Take the Yilan Line or North-Link Line back to Taipei, with a journey time of about 1.5 hours.
• By Car: Consider parking in Fulong, taking the train to the starting point at Wai’ao, then riding back to Fulong to pick up your car. This works easily even for solo riders.

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Practical Tips

• Best Season: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant temperatures and moderate winds. In summer, be mindful of the intense northeast coast sun; in winter, the strong northeast monsoon makes riding against the wind quite strenuous, so choose to ride eastward (with the wind).
• Time Allocation: The full route is 35 kilometers; a relaxed ride including stops takes about 4–5 hours, suitable for a half-day trip.
• Supplies: Convenience stores, harbor restaurants, and roadside shops are plentiful along the route, so there’s no need to carry large amounts of supplies.
• Suitable For: With its gentle rolling terrain, this route is well-suited for family rides, beginner cyclists, and even electric-assist bicycles.
• Cautions: Some sections of Provincial Highway 2 have gravel trucks and tour buses. Ride on the right side of the road and wear a helmet and reflective vest.

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Conclusion

The route from Wai’ao to Fulong is the easiest and most scenic coastal cycling journey along Taiwan’s Northeast Coast. No grueling climbs, no demanding distances—just the endless Pacific Ocean, the salty sea breeze carried on the wind, and a series of coastal towns worth savoring one by one. Next weekend, bring your bike, hop on the train, and let the sea breeze from Wai’ao to Fulong wash away a week’s worth of fatigue.

Related Reading

• Complete Guide to Taiwan’s Northeast Coast Golden Coastline Cycling Route
• Taiwan Cycling Around the Island Northern Section: Scenery and Challenges from the North Coast to Yilan
• Riding the Yilan Coastline: A Complete Guide to the Su’ao to Nanfang’ao Coastal Route
• Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Coastal Cycling Routes: Riding the North Coast from Keelung to Yilan