Alishan Highway Cycling Challenge: A Grand Climb from Chiayi to Alishan

Overview of Alishan Highway (Provincial Highway 18)

The Alishan Highway is one of the most iconic cycling climbs in southern Taiwan, running from Chiayi City (elevation approx. 30m) to the Alishan Forest Recreation Area (elevation approx. 2,200m), with a total length of about 75 km and over 2,200 meters of total elevation gain.

Route Information

Section Analysis

Section 1: Chiayi City to Chukou (0-35K)

• Gradient: Gentle to slight incline (1-3%)
• Features: Convenience stores and local eateries along the way
• Advice: Warm-up section, pace yourself conservatively
• Resupply Point: Chukou Visitor Center is the last major resupply stop

Section 2: Chukou to Shizhuo (35-55K)

• Gradient: Moderate incline (3-5%)
• Features: Entering the mountain area, scenery gradually improves
• Caution: More curves, watch out for oncoming traffic
• Temperature: Starts to drop noticeably

Section 3: Shizhuo to Alishan (55-75K)

• Gradient: Steeper (5-8%)
• Features: Tea plantation landscapes shrouded in clouds and mist
• Challenge: The final 20K is the toughest stretch
• Scenery: Possible views of a sea of clouds

Best Riding Seasons

Gear Preparation

Essential Gear:

• Front and rear lights (some sections have tunnels)
• Lightweight windbreaker (temperature difference between summit and base can reach 10-15°C)
• Ample supplies (resupply points are scarce after Chukou)
• Spare tube and repair tools
• Mobile phone (keep it charged for emergencies)

Recommended to Bring:

• Full-finger gloves (it gets cold on the descent)
• Arm warmers or leg warmers
• Loose change (for vending machines along the way)

Resupply Strategy

• Before Departure: Have a good breakfast in Chiayi City
• Chukou (35K): Last major resupply, buy water and food
• Shizhuo (55K): Has a 7-11 and local eateries
• Carry With You: At least 3 energy bars + 2 bottles of water

Descent Safety Notes

Reaching the summit is only half the challenge; descending technique and safety are equally important:

1. Put on all warm clothing: Wind speed is high on the descent, and the perceived temperature drops sharply
2. Brake control: Alternate between front and rear brakes to avoid overheating
3. Slow down before corners: Complete braking before entering a turn, never brake mid-corner
4. Watch the road surface: Fallen leaves and gravel can cause skidding
5. Stay focused: Fatigue on the descent can easily lead to distraction

Sense of Achievement

Completing the Alishan Highway climb is a remarkable achievement. At the summit, you can:

• Enjoy Alishan’s signature wasabi dishes
• Taste Alishan high-mountain tea
• If time permits, arrange accommodation to catch the sunrise
• Take photos at the Alishan Station as a memento

This is an outstanding route that combines physical challenge with natural beauty, and every serious cyclist in Taiwan should tackle it at least once.

Related Reading

• Alishan Highway (Provincial Highway 18) Riding Guide: The Pilgrimage from Chiayi to Alishan
• Riding the Alishan Highway Provincial Highway 18: A Cycling Journey Beneath the Century-Old Tourist Railway
• Alishan Highway Cycling Challenge: Climbing Strategy from Chiayi to Alishan
• Chiayi Alishan Highway (Provincial Highway 18): The Climb from the Plains to the Clouds