9 days and 8 nights of fun cycling around the island | Giant Cycling Tour | Departing from Taichung

07:30

Meeting point information: 7:30 AM, Exit 3 of Taichung High Speed ​​Rail Station.

In the morning, with the assistance of staff, we conducted bicycle adjustments, riding lessons, and safety briefings. On the first day of our island tour, we first adapted to the group riding style, familiarized ourselves with bicycle operation and riding posture, and the lead rider set a suitable pace to guide everyone in gradually developing teamwork and order.

With the lead rider's whistle, we set off for Chiayi. Today's route was mostly flat. In the morning, we crossed the outer ring road of Changhua City, passed Xihu, and crossed the Xiluo Bridge for lunch. In the afternoon, when we entered Chiayi City, there were more cars and motorcycles coming and going, so we needed to pay close attention to the traffic conditions, obey traffic signals, and be aware of vehicles entering and exiting each alley.

【Xihu Sugar Factory】Originally the Xihu Sugar Factory during the Japanese occupation, it was founded by the prominent Gu Xianrong family of Lukang as the Dahe Sugar Company. Later, with the rise of imported sugar with lower costs, Taiwan's sugar industry gradually reduced production. Xihu Sugar Factory was the only sugar factory in Changhua County that continued to operate normally after the 1950s. It ceased sugar production in 2002 and is now a sugar industry tourism park. We must not miss the famous sugar factory ice cream.

【Xiluo Bridge】The Xiluo Bridge is 1939.03 meters long and 7.3 meters wide. It has 32 piers and 31 spans. It adopts the Warren bridge design and is constructed with a steel frame and cement as the main material. At the time of its completion, it was the second largest bridge in the world after the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA, and the largest bridge in the Far East.

The Chiayi Performing Arts Center is a professional performance venue that combines music, drama, dance, and other diverse arts. Since its opening in 2005, it has become an important arts and cultural performance platform in the Yunlin-Chiayi area, regularly hosting concerts, drama festivals, and family activities to promote local culture and arts education.

Today was the longest ride of the day on the western half of the journey. The good news is that we've entered the Chianan Plain, where there aren't any significant ups and downs except for overpasses. As we crossed the Tropic of Cancer and entered the tropics, the gradually rising temperatures made us feel lethargic and drowsy, especially since we were hitting a plateau. We reminded ourselves to stay alert, be mindful of the "enthusiastic" traffic in the city, and drink plenty of water and use sunscreen! Lunch was a feast of various Tainan snacks, along with chilled traditional black tea to fuel our journey. Onward to southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung, here we come!

The Tropic of Cancer Marker Park is located in Shuishang Township, Chiayi City, marking the northernmost latitude (approximately 23.5°N) where the sun is directly overhead on the summer solstice. The park features a landmark tower and exhibition hall, introducing astronomical and geographical knowledge such as the Earth's tilt, the sun's movement, and seasonal changes. (Passing by without stopping)

【Houbi Railway Station】Houbi Railway Station is located in Houbi District, Tainan City. Built during the Japanese occupation, it is one of the few well-preserved wooden railway stations in Taiwan. The station has a beautiful design and a nostalgic atmosphere. In front of the station is a statue of the main character from the movie "No Rice, No Joy," showcasing the local rural spirit.

【Qieding Lover's Pier】Qieding Lover's Pier is located in Xingda Harbor, Qieding District, Kaohsiung City. It is a romantic spot that combines sea views, art, and leisure. It features a Lover's Bridge, a floating theater, and a heart-shaped plaza, making it a great place for cycling, relaxing, and taking photos.

I'll leave Kaohsiung this morning by bike, following the city's bike paths to avoid rush hour traffic, and then head towards Chaozhou in Pingtung along County Road 188. The morning is mostly flat. After lunch, shortly after entering the Ping-E Highway, the beautiful coastline will gradually come into view. The road conditions will then become more hilly, with nearly 20 kilometers of hilly terrain, which can be considered a warm-up for tomorrow's Shouka Challenge. In winter, be careful of the downwind winds, keep your center of gravity low, maintain flexibility in your elbows and knees, and review your shifting techniques.

【Chaozhou Hot and Cold Ice】Red beans, large red beans, taro, shaved ice, plus the old shop's unique hand-cut Q glutinous rice balls, the hot filling with shaved ice, and drizzled with traditionally made sugar syrup before serving, this delicious hot and cold ice that must be eaten within a limited time is secretly hidden in this Chaozhou town.

[Pinge Highway Sea View] In the afternoon, we drove south along the Pinge Highway, watching the golden sunset disappear into the horizon. Only we can understand this feeling, because we have conquered another day and are one step closer to the day we successfully circle Taiwan.

【Haikou Port】Haikou Port, located in Checheng Township, Pingtung County, was originally a small fishing port, but was later transformed into a tourist fishing port. The port area features an art museum overlooking the sea and a sunset seawall, blending art and natural landscapes, making it an excellent spot to enjoy the sunset breeze and coastal scenery.

Today we'll be climbing Shouka, at an altitude of 450 meters, a must-do challenge for every island-circling adventurer. In the morning, County Road 199 follows the valley with its ups and downs. After passing Mudan Reservoir, there's a significant 2-3km uphill climb, followed by a gradual ascent through hilly terrain. Remember to conserve your energy for the three small hills in the afternoon before reaching Shouka. Upon arrival at Shouka, don't forget to take a heroic photo to commemorate your conquest! A 12km downhill stretch awaits, leading to Dawu Township for a delicious seafood lunch. The afternoon's ride follows the beautiful Pacific Ocean, accompanying you through three hills before reaching Zhiben. After the challenge of Shouka, we believe everyone will be confident in completing this island-circling feat.

【Mudan Reservoir】Mudan Reservoir is the largest reservoir in Pingtung, formed by collecting water from the tributaries of the Sichong River: the Rureng River and the Mudan River. Surrounded by mountains, Mudan Reservoir boasts enchanting scenery, with verdant peaks reflected in the rippling water, creating a picturesque landscape that is hard to leave behind.

Mudan Reservoir is the largest reservoir in Pingtung, formed by collecting water from the Rureng River and Mudan River, tributaries of the Sichong River. Surrounded by mountains, Mudan Reservoir boasts enchanting scenery; the verdant hills reflected in the rippling water create a picturesque landscape that is truly captivating.

【Jinlun Bridge】Jinlun Bridge is located in Taimali Township, Taitung County. It spans the Jinlun River, is about 1.3 kilometers long, and is 40 meters high. The Pacific Ocean and Dawu Mountain are located on both sides of the bridge. The scenery is magnificent and it is known as "the most beautiful viaduct in Taiwan". It is an important landmark of the Southern Cross-Island Highway.

Today's route follows the East Rift Valley northwards, primarily through hilly terrain, making it the longest cycling day in the eastern half of Taiwan. The goal is to complete 70km by morning. After passing Beinan, the route begins to climb, reaching a high point of 250m above sea level at Longguomai, followed by a long downhill section into Luye, then on to Chishang. Chishang is located on the watershed between the Xiuguluan River and the Beinan River (285m above sea level), so until lunchtime, the route is mostly gentle uphill. In the afternoon, the route turns onto County Road 193 at Lehe, passing Guanyin and Chunri, before finally reaching Ruisui for the night. County Road 193 is hilly, with lush greenery on both sides, and endless rice paddies and views of the Central Mountain Range along the way. Even the most tired body can be healed by this beautiful scenery.

The East Rift Valley is located at the suture zone where the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate collide, creating numerous fault zones. Combined with the three major river systems—the Hualien River, the Xiuguluan River, and the Beinan River—forming a dense network, all originating at altitudes of 2,000 to 3,000 meters, the high mountains and rapid currents have resulted in a rich variety of natural landscapes.

【Chishang Rice Box】Because of the good water quality, the rice grown in Chishang is especially fragrant when cooked. Due to the long train journey, Chishang bento boxes sold on the platform in the early days have evolved into a local specialty. Chishang bento boxes have three main characteristics: they must be made with Chishang rice, they are served in wooden boxes, and they are dry bento boxes.

County Road 193 runs parallel to the East Rift Valley (Provincial Highway 9) and the East Rift Coastal Highway (Provincial Highway 11), making it the most suitable area for cycling in Yosemite. County Road 193 in Hualien starts from Sanzhan in Xincheng Township in the north and ends at Lehe in Yuli Township in the south, with a total length of 110.9 kilometers. It is known as the most beautiful county road.

【Mizuho Onsen】The temperature of Mizuho Onsen is about 48 degrees Celsius. The spring water is a weakly alkaline "chloride carbonate spring". It is also rich in minerals such as iron and barium. When the iron in the spring water comes into contact with the air, it will form a layer of yellowish-brown crystals with a slightly rusty taste on the surface of the water, which is called "Yuhan" or "Onsen Hana".

As the trip nears its end, we always cherish the time spent with our island-hopping companions. This morning, we cycled about 70km to Hualien Station, had lunch, took the train to Yilan Station, and then cycled another 10km to our hotel to enjoy the Jiaoxi Hot Springs. In the evening, after showering and changing, we can meet up with our island-hopping companions and have dinner together on Jiaoxi Old Street.

【Da Nong Da Fu Plain Forest Park】With its expansive views and vast open landscape, it is a breathtaking place. The park is perfect for exploring by bicycle. Spring brings flowers, summer brings fireflies, autumn brings maple leaves, and winter brings bird watching. It is wonderful in all four seasons!

【Jiaoxi Hot Spring】Due to the unique geology of Yilan and the presence of underground heat sources and faults, rainwater seeps into the underground rock layers and is quickly heated by underground heat energy, turning into a scalding hot spring. Jiaoxi Hot Spring is a sodium bicarbonate spring, with a clear and odorless color. Therefore, whether you soak, bathe, or treat it to make mineral water for drinking, it is beneficial to your health and is known as the "hot spring among hot springs".

In the morning, I cycled along the northeast coastline. Some sections had narrow shoulders, so I was especially careful of large vehicles overtaking from behind. Shortly after the Old Caoling Tunnel, I began a gentle uphill climb on Provincial Highway 2C, reaching an altitude of approximately 210 meters at the tunnel entrance. After passing through the tunnel, I descended steeply into the town of Shifen for lunch. In the afternoon, after passing through another tunnel, I continued a long downhill climb into the bustling city areas of Nuannuan, Qidu, and Nangang. Unlike the tranquility of the east coast, today I returned to the west, requiring me to pay particular attention to the traffic conditions in the city centers.

【Beiguan Tidal Park】Beiguan Tidal Park, also known as Lancheng Park, is located on the northeast coast of Taiwan. It is a seaside park with rich scenery, featuring natural rock formations such as unicorns, tofu rocks, and small capes, all sculpted by millions of years of erosion. These are unique landscapes along the east coast. From there, one can see Turtle Island and the Lanyang Plain in the distance, while up close, the crashing waves create a magnificent spectacle, making it one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Lanyang.

【Old Caoling Tunnel】Located at the border of New Taipei City and Yilan County, Taiwan, the Old Caoling Tunnel is a historic railway tunnel built in 1924 as part of the Taiwan Railways Administration's Yilan Line. The tunnel is approximately 2 kilometers long and has been converted into dedicated bicycle and pedestrian paths. The old railway features are preserved along the route, and you can even hear the Taiwanese folk song "Diu Diu Dang" inside.

【Shifen Old Street】Shifen Old Street is located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan. It is an old street full of nostalgic atmosphere and was once an important settlement during the prosperous period of coal mining. Today, it is famous for its sky lantern culture. Visitors can release sky lanterns by the railway to pray for blessings, taste local snacks, and enjoy the old street atmosphere.

As the trip nears its end, we always cherish the time spent with our cycling partners. In the morning, we took a section of the Taipei Riverside Bikeway to avoid city traffic. After exiting the riverside bike path, we entered a hilly area with varying elevations. After lunch, we faced an uphill climb of about 5km, ascending from an altitude of 150m to a hill level of approximately 300m. This was followed by a continuous 15km gentle downhill stretch. Today's route included a variety of conditions: flat roads, undulating terrain, continuous uphill climbs, and continuous downhill descents.

【Riverside Bikeway】The riverside bikeway is built along the banks of the Tamsui River, Dahan River, Xindian River, Keelung River and other rivers, connecting Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan and Keelung. It is more than 100 kilometers long and has a wide network. The scenery along the river is beautiful and you can enjoy the scenery where the city and nature intertwine.

【Xinpu New Farmers Market】A unique market combining agriculture, culture, and community exchange. Converted from a former grain warehouse, the market provides a direct sales platform for local smallholder farmers, selling eco-friendly farm produce. Visitors can also sample local specialty agricultural snacks.

Today I'm finally completing my round-the-island ride! With a mix of excitement and reluctance, I must remain focused and aim for a safe finish! I'll hop on my bike and gradually leave Hsinchu city, joining the western coastal highway. It's mostly flat, and while traffic isn't heavy, speeds are high, so be careful not to ride side-by-side and maintain a safe distance. In the afternoon, I'll pass through the coastal section of Taichung City. As I approach the Taichung High Speed ​​Rail station, traffic will gradually increase, so I need to pay extra attention to the road conditions and complete the final leg safely, becoming a true round-the-island warrior! Triumphant return!

【Xiangshan Wetland】Xiangshan Wetland is one of the largest intertidal wetlands in northern Taiwan, covering an area of ​​approximately 1,768 hectares and boasting rich ecological resources. It serves as an important stopover for migratory birds heading south, and is home to rare species such as the Black-faced Spoonbill and the Stilt Plover.

【Zhuifen Station】One of the five wooden stations built during the Japanese occupation period on the Taiwan Railways Coastal Line, it was built in 1922 and still retains its original cypress wood structure and Japanese architectural style. Due to the auspicious meaning of "achieving success in catching up with scores", it attracts many test takers to buy commemorative tickets.

※As the route avoids Taichung city, this itinerary will not include a stop at the Bicycle Culture Exploration Museum for rest, but each person will receive one admission voucher.

[Disbandment Location] Approximately 5:00 PM at Taichung High Speed ​​Rail Station.