Beiyi Highway (Route 9) Cycling Guide: Gradient Analysis of the "9 Turns 18 Bends"

Introduction

The Beiyi Highway, officially designated Provincial Route 9, is a major mountain road connecting the Taipei Basin with the Yilan Plain. For cyclists, it has long been synonymous with the “weekend pilgrimage route.” Starting from Muzha in Taipei, the road climbs steadily up to the Pinglin summit before plunging down into Yilan. The full route covers about 45km with over 900m of elevation gain — challenging yet stunningly scenic. On any clear day, you’ll find road cyclists lined up in a row, pedaling hard up the mountain.

Segment-by-Segment Gradient Analysis

The main climbing section of the Beiyi Highway runs from Muzha to Pinglin, covering roughly 30km of uphill riding. Based on terrain, it can be divided into three main segments:

The famous “9 turns, 18 bends” refers to the well-known series of hairpin turns just before Pinglin descends into Yilan. The bends are densely packed, and the gradient is steepest between Wutuku and Pinglin, with the sharpest sections exceeding 10%. While the descent is thrilling, it also demands the most careful speed control.

Supply and Rest Stop Distribution

Although this is a mountain road, steady cyclist traffic means supply points are reasonably plentiful along the way:

• Shiding Old Street (around the 12km mark): Convenience stores and breakfast shops line the street, making this the first major supply stop. Tofu-based snacks are a local specialty and highly recommended for an energy boost.
• Wutuku (around the 20km mark): A small grocery store where you can restock on drinks and snacks — a good breather point in the middle of the climb.
• Pinglin Town Center (around the 30km mark): Convenience stores, tea-marinated eggs, and steamed buns are available. Pinglin is famous for its Pouchong tea, well worth a taste, and it’s also the best place to rest after the climb.
• Jiaoxi (Yilan side): Once you’ve descended onto flat ground, the Jiaoxi hot spring area offers plenty of dining options — a great spot to celebrate at the finish.

Safety Riding Precautions

Traffic on the Beiyi Highway is far from light, especially on weekends when large tour buses and gravel trucks are common. Riding safety should never be taken lightly:

• Wear full gear: Helmet, gloves, and cycling jersey are essential. Add front and rear lights if riding at night or early morning.
• Control your descent speed: The bends on the “9 turns, 18 bends” section are sharp — keep your descending speed under 40km/h and brake early before each corner.
• Keep to the right: Mountain roads are narrow, so always stay to the right. Never race or chase other riders, and slow down to yield when oncoming vehicles approach.
• Watch the weather: Mountain weather can change quickly. Check the forecast before setting out, and if rain reduces visibility and makes the road slick, it’s best to pause and wait it out.
• Best time to start: Setting off between 6–8am is recommended to avoid the afternoon traffic peak and the midday heat.

Practical Tips

For riders preparing to take on the Beiyi Highway, a few points deserve special attention:

First, gear ratio selection is crucial. Although the average gradient may not look steep on paper, sustaining a 30km climb is a serious test of leg endurance. A road bike cassette of 34/28T or larger is recommended; mountain bikes will have no trouble at all.

Second, hydration and fueling should not be neglected. Climbing generates heavy sweat loss, so aim to drink at least 500ml of water per hour, paired with energy gels or food to replenish sugar, so you don’t run out of steam before reaching the top.

Finally, if you’re riding one-way, consider the descent from Pinglin to Jiaoxi to fully enjoy the sweet reward after the climb. If you’re planning a round trip, be sure to rest well in Pinglin before heading back.

Conclusion

The Beiyi Highway combines gradient challenges, natural scenery, and local culture all in one — a must-ride route for road cycling in Taiwan. Whether you’re an advanced rider looking to sharpen your climbing strength or a leisure cyclist drawn to mountain scenery, this road is worth experiencing firsthand. Plan a weekend, stock up on energy and supplies, and set out to conquer this legendary road behind Taipei’s mountains.

Related Reading

• Beiyi Highway Cycling Guide: Scenery and Supplies from Pinglin to Yilan
• Beiyi Highway’s 9 Turns 18 Bends: A Cyclist’s Reverse Challenge on Motorcycle Sacred Ground
• Beiyi Highway Pinglin Section 4km Analysis: A Climbing Trial for Taipei Riders
• Yilan Beiyi Highway Cycling Guide: The Challenging Route from Taipei over the Xueshan Range to Yilan