A Self-Guided Bike Tour of Taiwan’s Coast and East Rift Valley
*This tour was previously called: East Taiwan Self-guided Cycle Tour
Crave serene country roads, thrilling mountain climbs with long coastal descents, and a hot spring soak? This is your ultimate cycling adventure! Hop on a self-guided cycling tour along Taiwan's stunning East Coast, where you set the pace! This route, crafted from years of exploring Taiwan, offers a compact yet diverse journey. Cycle along peaceful, easy-to-follow roads through the East Coast and East Rift Valley and take in the island's breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy a perfectly balanced journey with manageable daily distances, mouthwatering local food, cozy inns and hotels, and quality bikes and helmets.
Learn more about the Self-guided style of touring
Special Announcement: Taroko National Park is currently closed until further notice due to earthquake damage and the subsequent repair work to make it safe for visitors again. We have adjusted our programs to offer alternative experiences and eagerly await the park's reopening to resume our regular operations.
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Overview
Start your journey in the magnificent Taroko Gorge, one of Taiwan’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, and pedal through the lush East Rift Valley and stunning East Coast.
Cycle along scenic roads that wind through tranquil countryside, discover charming indigenous villages, and take in the beauty of rice paddies and tropical fruit orchards. Your adventure concludes with a coastal ride into the laid-back surf village of Taitung.
Relish the freedom of setting your own pace—one of the pure joys of self-guided cycling—backed by Grasshopper’s seamless logistical support.
With your luggage transfers sorted, hotels booked, and navigational aids at your fingertips, all you have to focus on is the ride (and maybe where to find the best beef noodle soup).
Our mobile app has got you covered with audio commentary, insider tips on the best food spots, and precise route maps. Plus, you’ll be riding top-quality bikes, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable adventure throughout.
What's the riding like?
Covering 254km (157.8mi), this tour features well-maintained roads with some designated cycle lanes. The terrain offers a mix of gently rolling sections along the East Coast and a few short but steep ascents with rewarding long descents over the Coastal Mountain Range.
You’ll find that traffic is generally light, though you might encounter busier stretches here and there. The ride is designed to be manageable, with plenty of opportunities to take in the beautiful scenery and explore charming spots along the way.
Unsure about the challenge? Reach out to our guest support team to inquire about optional van support upgrades.
For an extra boost, upgrade to our pedal-assist E-bikes for $375 or a Rikalau Audaz 325 Titanium Road bike for $240.
Single Room Option: +$700 USD
Traveling with companions but prefer your own space? Choose this option to have a private room while sharing the tour with fellow travelers.
Solo Rider Option: +$1200 USD
Traveling alone? This option ensures you have a private room to yourself and covers all the extra costs of solo travel.
Highlights
- Walk along Swallow Grotto in Taroko Gorge, then relax in your luxurious accommodation within the gorge.
- Discover East Rift Valley’s bright green rice paddies, indigenous culture, and soothing hot springs.
- Visit the Tropic of Cancer Monument, Saoba Monoliths, and enjoy a cuppa amidst the tea farms of Wuhe.
- Cycle Taiwan’s outstanding coastline, exploring Sanxiantai, Shanyuan Beach, and Taitung’s night markets.
- Paddle a SUP on the emerald, green waters of Donghe River Gorge.
Inclusions
- 5 nights in comfortable hotels, resorts and B&B's
- All breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Quality bike, and a helmet
- Navigational device loaded with GPS routes mounted to your bike
- Self-guided app and navigation equipment
- A bike fitting & briefing with a Grasshopper representative on Day 1
- Luggage transfers and on-call support
- Memento cycling jersey and water bottle
What our Guests Say
Day to Day
This morning you’ll make your way to the train station for the beautiful journey along the spectacular east coast to Xincheng station (Taroko). Train tickets will be delivered to your chosen hotel in advance. You’ll be met on arrival at Xincheng train station by one of our friendly tour leaders and head for a local lunch and a full briefing to the week ahead.
After lunch you’ll transfer to your overnight lodgings, deep in the gorge, stopping en route for a short walk along Swallow’s Grotto, one of the most dramatic sections. On arrival at the hotel you’ll check in and then have a bike fitting, after which your tour leader will depart. The rest of the afternoon can be spent riding further west into gorge (part of the famous King of the Mountain route), wandering to a nearby monastery, or just soaking up the views.
Special Announcement: Taroko National Park is currently closed until further notice due to earthquake damage and the subsequent repair work to make it safe for visitors again. We have adjusted our programs to offer alternative experiences and eagerly await the park's reopening to resume our regular operations.
Today you get an early start to make the exhilarating ride down through Taroko Gorge and to the sea, maybe stopping for a hike along the Lushui-Heliu, or Shakadang trails before emerging onto the Pacific Coast. Avoiding the main highway you ride narrow lanes lined with banana palms and temples, taking beachside rest stops on the way south along the coast. Tonight you stay in a small boutique bed and breakfast overlooking the sea in the fishing village of Yanliao. There is an excellent seafood restaurant just a short walk from the hotel.
Special Information:
Follow our detailed route maps on our app, which also offers tips on must-see stops, local highlights, and insights into history and culture with audio guides and language tips.
Today, you’ll enjoy two cycling rides: the first is a 57.6 km (35.7 mi) journey down through the stunning Taroko Gorge to the sea, with an 864m elevation gain throughout the day, on mostly paved paths, plus a few unpaved spots.
The second, optional ride from your hotel in Yanliao is a 17.1 km (10.5 mi) scenic route with a 526m elevation gain on smooth paved roads.
Special Announcement: Taroko National Park is currently closed until further notice due to earthquake damage and the subsequent repair work to make it safe for visitors again. We have adjusted our programs to offer alternative experiences and eagerly await the park's reopening to resume our regular operations.
For a break from the coast, today you’ll venture into the picturesque but little visited East Rift Valley, a land of lush green rice paddies and small indigenous communities, heading south on a lovely little road to Fuyuan, where walking trails and soothing hot springs await! Dinner tonight is included at the hotel.
Special Information:
Cycle from hotel to hotel, stopping to enjoy our recommended highlights and must-see stops along the way.
Enjoy a 66.3 km (41.2 mi) ride with a 1077m elevation gain throughout the day—this is the highest elevation gain on the tour—all on smooth, paved paths.
This morning you can begin your ride with a short diversion to visit the Tropic of Cancer Monument, the Saoba Monoliths (Taiwan’s version of Stone Henge), and for a cuppa amidst the tea farms of Wuhe. From here today’s ride continues south through the ever-widening Rift Valley, mountains on either side, before bearing east across the Coastal Mountain Range. After a short, steep climb there’s a wonderful long descent offering spectacular views down the coast. Once back on the coastal road it’s just a short ride to your ocean side hotel which has a lovely pool.
For those with the energy in the afternoon there’s the chance to SUP, kayak or just swim at nearby Stone Umbrella Beach, named for the otherworldly coastal rock formations here.
Special Information:
Today’s ride takes you 66km (41mi) from hotel to hotel, with a 604m elevation gain throughout the day, mostly on paved paths.
Enjoy your ocean-side hotel, and if you're up for it, take a 2.6 km (.6 mi) ride on a mix of paved and unpaved paths to Stone Umbrella Beach for some SUP or a refreshing swim.
Your final day’s ride takes you south along the ever more impressive coastline, and throws up a host of possible stops including a hike to magical Sanxiantai, a rugged and rocky island formed by a long extinct volcano, delicious baozi (filled steamed bun) in Donghe, a coffee in the laid-back surf mecca of Dulan (also famous as an indigenous arts centre), a swim at beautiful Shanyuan Beach, or exploring the otherworldly coastal rock formations at Xiao Yeliu. The ride ends in Taitung, where there are temples, parks, an arts district and night markets to explore, or you could just take relax in the hotel pool.
Special Information:
Finish your tour with the longest ride, 67.9km (42.2mi) with a 777m elevation gain throughout the day, all on smooth, paved paths.
This morning you’ll be met by a Grasshopper tour leader, return your bikes and equipment, and then be transferred to the train station or airport for your onward journey.
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
This self-guided cycling adventure allows you to discover the natural wonders of Taiwan at your own pace and with your own choice of stops, meals, and activities while incorporating our knowledge of the must-see destinations as well as the hidden gems. We’ve taken care of the details, specially crafting an easy-to-follow and beautiful route in this cycling-friendly country as well as taking care of your accommodations and luggage transfer. Take our expertise and pursue your own adventure as you explore the rugged Pacific coast of Taiwan by bike!
