Introduction to Taiwan's Bicycle Route System: National Cycling Routes No. 1 to No. 6

Introduction to Taiwan’s Bicycle Route System: National-Level Routes No. 1 to No. 6

In recent years, Taiwan has vigorously promoted bicycle tourism. The Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has planned multiple national-level bicycle routes that connect the island’s most beautiful scenery and cultural attractions. These routes have been carefully designed, with comprehensive supporting facilities ranging from road surface quality and signage systems to service amenities along the way.

Route 1: The Island-Circling Route

Basic Information

Route Highlights

Route No. 1 is the flagship route of Taiwan’s bicycle network, connecting the entire island:

• Features a unified blue signage system along the way
• Distance markers placed at regular intervals
• Integrates existing bike paths with low-traffic roads
• Passes through every county and city, offering a taste of Taiwan’s diverse cultures

Main Sections

1. Northern Section (Taipei → Hsinchu): Riverside bike paths connecting to the western trunk line
2. Western Section (Hsinchu → Kaohsiung): Southbound along Provincial Highway 1 or alternative routes
3. Southern Section (Kaohsiung → Taitung): Via the Hengchun Peninsula and the South Link Highway
4. Eastern Section (Taitung → Hualien): The Huadong Valley or the coastal route
5. Northern Section (Hualien → Taipei): The Suhua Highway or alternative routes

Route 2: The Northern Coast Route

Basic Information

Route Highlights

• Circles the coastline at Taiwan’s northernmost tip
• Passes through Yehliu Geopark and Keelung’s Heping Island
• Tamsui Old Street and Fisherman’s Wharf
• Spectacular ocean views along the North Coast Scenic Area
• Some sections share the road with Provincial Highway 2

Sun Moon Lake Bicycle Route

Basic Information

Route Highlights

Once named by CNN as one of the world’s ten most beautiful bike paths:

• Xiangshan Visitor Center Section: The most scenic lakeside stretch
• Shuishe → Xiangshan: A dedicated bike path with stunning lake and mountain views
• Crescent Bay: The most beautiful curve around the lake
• Lakeside Highway Section: Shared with vehicles, so caution is required
• Multiple viewing platforms and rest stops along the way

Recommended Ways to Ride

• Full loop around the lake, stopping for photos at every scenic spot
• Out-and-back ride on the Xiangshan section (the easiest and most scenic stretch)
• Combine with a cable car ride to enjoy Sun Moon Lake from above

Huadong Valley Bicycle Route

Basic Information

Route Highlights

Ride through the pastoral landscapes of the Huadong Valley:

• Guanshan Town Loop Bike Path: Taiwan’s first town-circling bike path
• Chishang Brown’s Boulevard: A rice-field avenue with no utility poles
• Ruisui Hot Springs: Recovery in hot springs after a day of riding
• Luye Highlands: Spectacular views during hot air balloon season
• Passes through several indigenous communities along the way

Western Coastal Bicycle Route

Basic Information

Route Highlights

Planned along Taiwan’s western coastline:

• Hsinchu’s 17-Kilometer Coastline: A dedicated bike path with beautiful ocean views
• Changhua Coast: Mangrove wetland ecology
• Dongshi, Chiayi: Oyster farm scenery
• Beimen, Tainan: Salt fields at sunset
• Qieding, Kaohsiung: Wetlands and migratory birds

Northeast Coast and Yilan Bicycle Route

Basic Information

Route Highlights

• Old Caoling Tunnel: A Japanese-era railway tunnel converted for cycling, 2.2 km long
• Longdong Bay: Majestic sea-eroded rock formations
• Fulong Beach: A great spot to stop for a swim midway
• Sandiao Cape Lighthouse: Taiwan’s easternmost point
• Zhuangwei Sand Dunes: A unique coastal landscape

Tips for Using the Bicycle Routes

General Etiquette

• Ride on the right side of the bike path
• Call out “passing through” or ring your bell when overtaking
• Yield to pedestrians
• Do not ride side by side and occupy the full width of the path
• Watch for oncoming traffic in both directions

Safety Notes

• Wear a helmet even on dedicated bike paths
• Be careful at intersections with regular roads
• Some sections are shared with pedestrians, so control your speed
• Road surfaces may be slippery after rain

Planning Advice

• Check for construction or closures on the route before setting out
• Some bike paths have restricted operating hours
• Bring plenty of water and food
• Download offline maps (some sections have poor cell reception)

Conclusion

Taiwan’s national-level bicycle route system continues to improve, offering a rich and diverse range of riding options from island-circling trunk routes to local specialty paths. Whether you’re an adventurer embarking on an epic island tour or a casual rider enjoying a relaxed weekend spin, you’ll find a route that suits you within this system. Taiwan may be small, but when you experience it at the pace of a bicycle, you’ll discover that this island is far more vast and wonderful than you ever imagined.

Related Reading

• Taiwan Island-Circling Cycling Tour Packages: A Complete Guide from Planning to Departure
• Taiwan Bicycle Policy Explained: A Rider’s Guide to Infrastructure and Legal Protections
• Introduction to Taiwan’s Bicycle Route System: Features and Connections of County-Level Bike Paths
• Taiwan Bicycle Route Construction: Government Investment in Building an Island-Wide Cycling Network