Taiwan Cycling Island Tour Supply Station Guide: Planning Convenience Stores and Rest Stops Across the Island

Cycling Around Taiwan: Supply Station Guide – Planning Convenience Stores and Rest Stops Island-Wide

During a round-island ride, “supplies” are the second biggest challenge after physical endurance. Although Taiwan has the highest convenience store density in the world, some sections still have supply gaps lasting 30-50 kilometers. Planning your resupply strategy in advance is key to successfully completing the loop.

Distribution Characteristics of Convenience Stores in Taiwan

There are approximately 13,000 convenience stores across Taiwan, the highest density globally. However, their distribution is highly uneven:

High-Risk Supply Sections on the Round-Island Route

Special attention to supply planning is needed on the following sections:

1. South Link Highway (Fenggang → Taitung)

This is the longest supply gap on the round-island route:

• Fenggang → Shouka: Approximately 25 kilometers with almost no supplies
• Shouka → Dawu: Approximately 20 kilometers downhill, with a few scattered grocery stores along the way
• Recommendation: Stock up thoroughly at the 7-11 in Fenggang, carrying at least 2 bottles of water and 3 energy bars
• Alternatives: Shouka Cyclist Rest Station (may not be open), small grocery stores in Daren Township

2. Suhua Highway (Su’ao → Hualien)

• Su’ao → Nan’ao: Approximately 25 kilometers; Nan’ao has convenience stores
• Nan’ao → Heping: Approximately 20 kilometers; Heping has convenience stores
• Heping → Chongde: Approximately 30 kilometers; this section is the most difficult for supplies
• Recommendation: Stock up thoroughly in Nan’ao

3. Certain Sections of Provincial Highway 9 in the Hualien-Taitung Area

• Ruisui → Yuli: Approximately 25 kilometers, with fewer supply points in between
• Chishang → Guanshan: Approximately 15 kilometers, with a few scattered shops
• Recommendation: Replenish water and food whenever you reach an urban area

4. Alternative Sections of the West Coast Expressway

• Some sections are primarily industrial areas, with convenience stores not located directly on the route
• You may need to detour into town to find supplies

Daily Supply Strategy for the Round-Island Ride

Before Departure (Breakfast)

• Eat a hearty breakfast, focusing on carbohydrates
• Recommended intake: 600-800 kcal
• Suggestions: 2 rice balls + soy milk + banana

Resupply Rhythm While Riding

Best Convenience Store Supply Options

Supply Map for Each Section

Northern Section: Taipei → Hsinchu (Provincial Highway 1)

• Supplies are extremely abundant, with convenience stores almost every 2-3 kilometers
• Key supply points: Zhongli in Taoyuan, Hsinchu City
• Special recommendation: Hsinchu Chenghuang Temple food (must-try rice noodles and meatball soup)

Western Section: Hsinchu → Kaohsiung (Provincial Highway 1 / Provincial Highway 17)

• Supplies are abundant, with high density in urban areas
• Note: Some sections of Provincial Highway 17 (West Coast) have fewer supply points
• Key supply points: Taichung City, Changhua, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung
• Special recommendation: Local snacks as main meals

Southern Section: Kaohsiung → Taitung (Provincial Highway 1 → Provincial Highway 9)

• Before Fenggang: Supplies are sufficient in Pingtung City
• Fenggang: The last well-stocked supply point; be sure to stock up thoroughly
• South Link Section: Supply gap zone; rely mainly on self-carried items
• Dawu: The first convenience store after the South Link; it feels like spotting an oasis

Eastern Section: Taitung → Hualien (Provincial Highway 9 / Provincial Highway 11)

Northern Section: Hualien → Taipei (Suhua / Beiyi)

• Hualien City: Stock up thoroughly before departing
• Suhua Section: Refer to the high-risk supply sections above
• Yilan: Supplies become abundant again
• Beiyi Highway: Pinglin has a convenience store, followed by a continuous descent to Xindian

Water Supply Strategy

Water supply is usually not a problem when cycling around Taiwan, but attention is needed on gap sections:

• Carry at least 2 x 750ml water bottles
• Fill your bottles before entering gap sections
• Some temples offer free drinking water
• Police stations are usually willing to let you fill up
• Gas stations are also great places to refill water

Emergency Supply Backup Plans

If you really can’t find a supply stop:

1. Temples: Temples are everywhere in Taiwan, and most provide drinking water
2. Police Stations: You can borrow the restroom and fill water
3. Gas Stations: Have restrooms and water dispensers
4. Grocery Stores: Traditional grocery stores still exist in rural areas
5. Schools: During school hours, you can usually enter to fill water

Supply Gear Recommendations

Conclusion

Supply planning for the round-island ride may seem like a minor detail, but it is a key factor determining the quality of your ride. Understanding the distribution of supply points along the route in advance, preparing before entering gap sections, and establishing a steady resupply rhythm will keep your round-island journey full of energy. Remember the old saying: “Eat before you feel hungry, drink before you feel thirsty.”

Related Reading

• Round-Island Supply Strategy: Convenience Stores, Bike Shops, and Accommodation Planning
• Daily Supply Strategy for the Round-Island Ride: Convenience Store Density Map by County/City
• Complete Guide to Round-Island Supply Stops and Accommodation
• Round-Island Supply Strategy: Daily Calorie Needs and the Culture of Relying on Convenience Stores