Cycling

This page is a work in progress. The following video is a useful guide to bikepacking in Taiwan. It gives a good idea about road conditions and options for accommodation including camping.

Cycling Taiwan – Everything You Need to Know (YouTube video)

My cycling tours in Taiwan

Blue Giant bicycle in front of a mural depicting an underwater scene of fish swimming
The bike I hired for my 2023 tour of the east coast

When I was living in Taiwan I completed a few short cycling tours. Here are the links to the relevant blog articles.

On my most recent visit to Taiwan in 2023 I spent five days bikepacking on the east coast. Details can be found here [pdf file].

Bicycle hire

Line of YouBikes in their docking stations in Taipei
YouBikes lined up in their docking stations beside a road in Taipei

There are many options for bike hire in Taiwan. The main one being Taiwan’s YouBike system which is now in most of the major cities. These bikes are best suited to short trips in the city. The system is very easy to use once you register online.

Blue giant bicycle with black panniers in front of a sign for A-sheng bike hire in Hualien
Giant bike hired from A-sheng in Hualien. Rear panniers, lights and a basic toolkit were included.

If you are looking for a bike to use for touring or long distance rides try these options.

Round the island cycling

Brown vertical street sign with Taiwan No. 1 Cycling Route written in Chinese and English
Sign indicating Taiwan’s No. 1 Cycling Route (環島1號線)

Cycling around Taiwan (known as 環島 in Mandarin) has become increasing popular and is seen as a rite of passage by many Taiwanese. The distance is around 1000 kilometres and may take 7 to 14 days depending on the exact route and your level of fitness. Check the links for more details of the route.