Complete Guide to Classic Yangmingshan (陽明山) Cycling Routes: Taipei Riders' Best Climbing Training Ground

Yangmingshan (陽明山): Taipei Riders’ Backyard

Yangmingshan is the climbing training ground most frequently visited by cyclists in the greater Taipei area. Just 30 minutes from downtown by car, it offers multiple routes of varying difficulty, with suitable challenges for everyone from beginners to advanced riders.

Overview of the Four Classic Routes

Route	Start Point	Distance	Elevation Gain	Average Gradient	Difficulty
Fenghuizui (風櫃嘴)	National Palace Museum	8.5K	500m	5.9%	★★★
Lengshuikeng (冷水坑)	Shilin	10K	550m	5.5%	★★★
Balaka (巴拉卡)	Beitou	12K	700m	5.8%	★★★★
Xiaoyoukeng (小油坑)	Zhuzihu	3K	200m	6.7%	★★★

Route 1: Fenghuizui (風櫃嘴)

The most popular “morning ride” route among cyclists

Route Description

Starting from the National Palace Museum, ride along Zhishan Road Section 3 and climb onto the Wanxi left-bank industrial road. The full route is about 8.5 kilometers with roughly 500 meters of elevation gain.

Gradient Analysis

• First 3K: Gradient of 4-5%, a warm-up section
• Middle 3-5K: The steepest section, with local pitches of 8-10%
• Final 5-8.5K: Gradient eases off to 5-6%

Common Time Benchmarks

Level	Time	Corresponding Ability
Beginner legs	> 45 min	Entry-level riders
Average	35-45 min	Trained riders
Solid	25-35 min	Advanced riders
Strong	20-25 min	Competitive-level riders
Elite	< 20 min	Elite level

Route 2: Lengshuikeng (冷水坑)

Route Description

Starting from Shilin District, ride up Jingshan Road to the Lengshuikeng Visitor Center. Along the way you’ll pass sulfur fumarole scenery.

Highlights

• Good road surface quality, less traffic
• Can be linked onward to Qingtiangang
• Parking and restrooms available at the summit
• May be closed in winter (frost)

Route 3: Balaka Highway (巴拉卡公路)

Yangmingshan’s longest, most complete climbing route

Route Description

Starting from Beitou District, ride up the Balaka Highway (County Road 101A) to the Datunshan saddle. The full route is about 12 kilometers with roughly 700 meters of elevation gain.

Gradient Analysis

• First 5K: Steady gradient of 5-6%
• Middle 5-9K: Several hairpin bends, with local pitches of 7-8%
• Final 3K: Reaching the ridgeline, the gradient eases

Points to Note

• Many bends — descend with extra caution
• Heavy motorcycle traffic on holidays, watch for safety
• Strong northeast monsoon winds in winter

Route 4: Xiaoyoukeng (小油坑)

A short, steep sprint section, well suited for climbing interval training. Starting from Zhuzihu, it’s about 3 kilometers to Xiaoyoukeng, with an average gradient of 6.7% and pitches exceeding 10% at the steepest points.

Linked Routes

Experienced riders can link multiple routes together:

Yangmingshan Grand Loop (approx. 60-70K)

Route: Downtown Taipei → Fenghuizui → Lengshuikeng → Qingtiangang → Balaka → Beitou → Downtown Taipei

• Total elevation gain of approximately 1,500-1,800m
• Takes 3-5 hours
• Suited to riders who want to make the most of a single day of training

Yangmingshan Half Loop (approx. 40K)

Route: National Palace Museum → Fenghuizui → Descend toward Wanli → Jinshan Highway → Tamsui

• Total elevation gain of approximately 600m
• Can be paired with the ferry from Tamsui back to Taipei

Notes for Riding on Yangmingshan

1. Changeable weather: Sudden rain or fog is common in the mountains
2. Temperature differences: The summit can be 5-8°C cooler than downtown
3. Traffic control: Yangde Boulevard has vehicle restrictions on holidays, but bicycles are permitted
4. Monkeys nearby: Watch for Formosan macaques along the roadside
5. Slippery road surfaces: Shaded sections may have moss

Supply Points

• 7-11 in front of the National Palace Museum: Starting point for the Fenghuizui route
• Zhuzihu restaurant area: A variety of dining options
• Lengshuikeng Visitor Center: Vending machines, restrooms
• Qingtiangang Visitor Center: Basic supplies

Yangmingshan is a training paradise for Taipei cyclists, rideable year-round. We recommend riding up the mountain at least 2-3 times a month — your climbing ability will improve noticeably!

Related Reading

• Five Classic Yangmingshan Routes: Fenghuizui, Lengshuikeng, Balaka, Datunshan, Xiaoyoukeng
• Complete Guide to Yangmingshan Road Routes: Fenghuizui, Balaka, Qingtiangang Loop
• Classic Routes of the North Coast and Northeast Cape: Fenghuizui, Balaka, Buyanting Complete Guide
• Complete Guide to Yangmingshan Loop Routes: Five Classic Cycling Circuits Recommended