Daily Resupply Strategy for a Taiwan Round-Island Trip: Convenience Store Density Map by County and City

Introduction

Taiwanese people often proudly say, “There are more convenience stores in Taiwan than gas stations.” This is excellent news for island-circumnavigating cyclists—but this statement doesn’t apply to every stretch of road. On certain mountain roads and coastlines, you may need to carry enough supplies to last 30–40 km. Understanding the resupply density of each section is the first step in developing your energy strategy.

Resupply Density Assessment by Section

Resupply Plan for the Suhua Highway

The Suhua Highway is the most challenging section for resupply on the island tour. Along the 38 km of mountain-and-sea road from Nan’ao to Heping, there are only 2–3 small rest areas, and they are not necessarily open every day.

Recommended approach:

• Before leaving Nan’ao, stock up at a convenience store with 2 large bottles of water (at least 1,500ml)
• Prepare 3–4 solid food items: energy bars, bread, rice balls, and other high-carbohydrate foods
• Replenish immediately upon arriving in Heping—don’t skimp
• If the temperature exceeds 30°C, increase water to 2,000ml or more

Resupply Plan for the South Link Highway

The resupply challenge on the South Link Highway is concentrated around the Shouka Cycling Station. The roughly 20 km climb from Dawu to Shouka has almost no shops, and after crossing Shouka, you’ll ride about 15 km down toward Fangliao before reaching the next village.

Recommended approach:

• Stock up on all supplies in Dawu’s urban area (7-Eleven or FamilyMart)
• The Shouka Cycling Station offers basic supplies (water, instant noodles), but opening hours are unpredictable—don’t rely on it entirely
• Although the descent after Shouka is easy, you still need to keep enough water on hand

The Tribal Shop Culture of the East Coast

Along Provincial Highway 11, there are many Amis tribal villages, some of which have small grocery stores or tea-egg stalls—hidden resupply points for island-touring cyclists. These shops are often not marked on Google Maps, but you’ll come across them as you ride.

A few fixed resupply points:

• Chenggong Township (near Shiyusan): convenience stores and breakfast shops
• Changbin: convenience stores and eateries
• Jingpu: small grocery stores
• Xiuguluan River mouth (Dagangkou): drink stalls and instant noodles

Daily Resupply Calorie Calculation

Island-touring cyclists burn approximately 3,000–5,000 kcal per day, depending on body weight and terrain. Here’s a simple estimate:

• 70 kg body weight, 8 hours of riding: approximately 3,500–4,000 kcal burned
• A normal diet (three meals) provides about 2,000 kcal
• The gap of approximately 1,500–2,000 kcal must be filled by on-bike resupply

Recommended resupply rhythm:

• Every 45–60 minutes, consume 1 serving of carbohydrates (about 30–60 g)
• Drink 500–750ml of water per hour (increase in high heat or during climbs)
• For lunch, choose high-carbohydrate options with a small amount of protein (bento boxes and noodles first)

Practical Tips

• 7-Eleven outnumbers FamilyMart: 7-Eleven has about 1.5 times as many locations as FamilyMart in Taiwan, and the gap is even more pronounced in eastern townships
• Early-bird resupply: Buy your pre-noon supplies at a convenience store near your accommodation before setting off to reduce waiting time at midday stops
• Don’t skimp on electrolytes: During a summer island tour, you sweat heavily. Replacing only water while neglecting electrolytes can lead to hyponatremia, which may cause cramps or dizziness
• Carry cash: Tribal shops and roadside stalls usually only accept cash; mobile payments won’t work

Conclusion

Taiwan’s convenience store culture is the greatest ally of island-touring cyclists, but don’t let your guard down. Budgeting your resupply for each section and keeping your body in a state of “never hungry, never thirsty” is one of the most important strategies for completing the island tour. Treat resupply as a plan, not a coincidence.

Related Reading

• Island Tour Resupply Strategy: Convenience Stores, Bike Shops, and Accommodation Planning
• Cycling Island Tour Resupply Station Guide: Convenience Stores and Rest Points Across Taiwan
• Island Tour Resupply Strategy: Daily Calorie Needs and the Culture of Relying on Convenience Stores
• Complete Island Tour Resupply Station and Accommodation Guide