Northern Taiwan Cycling Highlights: A Weekend Ride from the Danshui River Bikeway to Shimen Reservoir

Introduction

The Taipei metro area has an extensive network of cycling routes, and the most complete of these is the Danshui River bikeway system, which stretches from downtown Taipei all the way to Danshui (淡水), Sanchong (三重), and Luzhou (蘆洲), covering more than 60 kilometers. For riders looking for a bigger challenge, the route can be extended to Daxi (大溪) in Taoyuan, with Shimen Reservoir (石門水庫) as the ultimate destination, forming a route that combines urban waterfront riding with mountain scenery. This weekend two-day trip is one of the best introductory long-distance routes for cyclists in northern Taiwan.

Route Overview and Segment Breakdown

The full route runs approximately 120–130 km and is best completed over two days: ride to Danshui or Sanzhi (三芝) and stay overnight on day one, then continue via Provincial Highway 2A (台2甲線) into the mountains on day two, finishing at Shimen Reservoir.

Day One: Taipei to Sanzhi (approx. 60 km)

It’s best to start from Dadaocheng Wharf (大稻埕碼頭), which is easy to reach with ample parking, or you can take the MRT to Daqiaotou Station and walk over. Head north along the left-bank bikeway of the Danshui River — the road is wide and smooth, weekend mornings are quiet, and the views are excellent, with distant glimpses of Guanyin Mountain’s reflection on the river surface.

Once you reach Danshui, it’s worth stopping at the old street for lunch — try the local specialty A-gei (阿給, fried tofu pockets stuffed with mung bean noodles) with iron eggs. In the afternoon, continue along the Highway 2 north coast road, where you’ll pass the white windmills and the Laomei Reef (老梅石槽) rock formations. In spring (March–April), the reef is especially spectacular, covered in a lush green carpet of algae.

Recommended accommodation options in Sanzhi include:

• Guesthouses near Sanzhi Old Street: close to supplies, with several convenience stores and food stalls nearby
• Cyclist-friendly guesthouses (call ahead to confirm parking availability)
• Guesthouses near Shimen Cave (石門洞): offering excellent sunset-over-the-sea views

Day Two: Sanzhi to Shimen Reservoir (approx. 65 km)

Set out early in the morning from Sanzhi, following Highway 2 into Shimen Township, then turning onto the road toward Highway 3 in the direction of Daxi. This stretch includes several consecutive climbs; the section near Chikeshan (赤柯山) is particularly steep, so bring sufficient supplies and avoid riding on an empty stomach.

After entering Daxi in Taoyuan, it’s worth detouring into Daxi Old Street to sample the area’s famous dried tofu. After a short rest, continue north along Highway 4 to reach Shimen Reservoir.

Highlights Around Shimen Reservoir

• Dam-top observation deck: offers a panoramic view of the entire reservoir — a must for a ride photo
• Service roads along the lakeside trail: some sections are rideable, with gentle gradients
• Restaurants serving “three ways with live fish” (活魚三吃): a local specialty near the reservoir, and a fitting reward for the ride

Supplies and Precautions

• Supplies are abundant along the Danshui River route, with convenience stores every 5–8 km
• The mountain section of Highway 2A has fewer supply points, so stock up on water and food before reaching Daxi
• To return to Taipei from Shimen Reservoir, you can take Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus Route 1127, which allows bicycles that have been disassembled and packed
• Traffic on the north coast section of Highway 2 is heavy on weekends, so wear brightly colored cycling gear and keep your rear light on

Practical Tips

1. Motorized vehicles other than electric skateboards and electric wheelchairs are prohibited on the Danshui River bikeway, making it a relatively safe route for cyclists
2. The best time to view the Laomei Reef is from March to May each year — plan your trip around the season if possible
3. Some sections of Highway 2A have gradients of 8–12%; a road bike gear ratio of 34T×28T or lower is recommended
4. Operating hours at Shimen Reservoir are subject to official announcements; scenic facilities generally close around 17:30

Conclusion

The route from the Danshui River to Shimen Reservoir perfectly combines an easy urban ride with a more demanding countryside climb. The flat waterfront riding on day one gives your body a thorough warm-up, while the hilly terrain on day two is a genuine test of endurance. By the end of this trip, you won’t just have ridden a great route — you’ll have gained a deeper understanding of the mountains and coastline just outside Taipei. Every weekend, there’s a new route in Taiwan waiting to be explored.

Related Reading

• Northern Taiwan Cycling Route Picks: A Half-Day Ride from the Danshui Riverside to Shimen Reservoir
• Shimen Reservoir Lake Loop in Taoyuan: A Family-Friendly Weekend Route
• One Day at Shimen Reservoir in Daxi, Taoyuan: A Classic Northern Reservoir Challenge
• Shimen Reservoir Lake Loop in Taoyuan: The Complete Guide to Riding Northern Taiwan’s Reservoir Loop