Overview
Taiwan is known as a world-class cycling destination and this compact loop of the wild East Coast showcases a variety of different spectacular landscapes. Starting in Taroko, the world’s deepest marble gorge, you’ll ride south along the stunning Pacific Coast, and then crossing the Coastal Mountains to the East Rift Valley, a lush, forgotten land of rice paddies, tropical fruit orchards, sleepy indigenous settlements, and hot springs! We follow the valley north to the laid-back city of Hualien where our ride ends.
Stop to capture the constantly changing scenery, strike a pose for friends back home and catch up effortlessly thanks to the power of the e-bike's assist, still rolling into your destination with plenty of daylight left to explore. Along the way, you’ll enjoy comfortable and well-located accommodations and fresh Taiwanese meals and you’ll come away with lasting memories of your cycling holiday.
Total Cycling: 365km / 226mi
Highlights
- Ride Pacific Highway 11 south to the Tropics
- Savor super-fresh seafood at Yanliao
- Explore bizarre coastal rock formations near pretty Shitiping Harbour
- Sample the indigenous culinary delights at Hualien Nightmarket
- Kayak the glistening waters of Liyu Lake
Day to Day
Today you’ll meet your tour leader at Taipei Main Station for the spectacular train ride along the coast to Taroko, the world’s deepest marble gorge, which forges its way through the Central Mountain Range. On arrival we’ll have some lunch and then take a short but stunning walk before continuing to our hotel in the heart of the gorge. Whether shrouded in mist or glowing in sunlight, this sheer marble gorge is a captivating sight. On arrival we’ll get to grips with our e-bikes and head out for a short test ride before dinner, and then a full briefing to the exciting week ahead!
We make an early start for the exhilarating ride down through Taroko Gorge and to the sea, stopping to trek a cliffcut path alongside the aquamarine waters of a tributary stream. On exiting the gorge we then ride narrow lanes lined with banana palms and temples, taking beachside rest stops on our way south along the coast. Our ride ends at the seaside settlement of Yanliao, famous for its seafood.
Today we ride south along the increasingly dramatic coastline, starting with some hills! We’ll make a few stops at some of the most spectacular points before reaching our lovely hotel at Shitiping. The afternoon is free to explore the otherworldly coastal scenery and lovely fishing harbour at Shitiping. In the evening we’ll head out for another excellent seafood dinner.
Today we continue our journey south on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Pacific East Coast, often compared with Hawaii. Just a few kilometres into the ride we’ll pass the Tropic of Cancer Monument which denotes our entry into the tropics, and then shortly after we’ll make a stop at Baxian Caves, the site of earliest known human settlement in Taiwan. Weather permitting we’ll have the chance to swim at lovely Stone Umbrella Beach, or to hike around the craggy volcanic islet of Sanxiantai on our route to the laid-back surf settlement of Donghe where we overnight.
Today’s ride is the longest of the tour, but also the most spectacular. We take a break from the coast, heading across the Coastal Mountain Range on a gorgeous little road which offers the chance to spot monkeys before climbing into the hills. Once we’ve crossed the mountains we’ll make our way north through the magical East Rift Valley, a land of lush rice paddies, fruit orchards and sleepy Amis villages nestled between the Coastal Mountains and the towering Central Mountain Range. Our long ride is rewarded by the chance to soothe weary limbs in the mineral rich hot springs at Ruisui.
Our final day’s ride takes us north on a lovely little road which hugs the valley side, passing through orange and pomelo orchards and eventually back to the coast and the city of Hualien where the ride ends. Today’s lunch will be at an amazing indigenous community-run organic farm restaurant, and in the evening there’ll be the chance to explore Hualien’s famous night market.
This morning we’ll head to beautiful Liyu Lake, first hiking into the jungly foothills for views before kayaking out onto the glimmering waters. After some lunch we’ll transfer to Hualien train station for your return train to Taipei. The tour ends on arrival at Taipei Train Station.
Dates & Price
EARLY RIDER PRIZE: Be in the first 4 to book a departure and get 5% OFF the tour price*
*Not applicable with guaranteed, private, or self-guided tours, other discounts, trip credit, or special offers
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WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
Since Taiwan is an extremely cycle-friendly country with unexpectedly beautiful scenery and few tourists, it is the ideal destination for an e-bike tour. We’ve crafted this itinerary to showcase the highlights of the Pacific coast on a ride that has been made more accessible to anyone with the inclusion of e-bikes. If you’re looking for tropical weather, Hawaii-like scenery, tasty cuisine and unforgettable cycling, then the Taiwan e-bike tour is for you.
