Bike paths in Taiwan

Hi Dominique, I asked an AI the question, and here’s its answer. I’m also sharing the itinerary I found:

https://www.bikemap.net/fr/c/256795/

https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/tour/28359817

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/43554105

Cycling around Taiwan is a fantastic idea. The island is renowned for its cycling infrastructure and is often called the "bicycle kingdom." Here’s some info to help you plan your 2026 trip: Cycling paths and itinerary

Well-developed infrastructure: Taiwan has heavily invested in cycle tourism. You’ll find bike paths, roads with dedicated bike lanes, and clear signage. The tourism authorities even aim to make Taiwan a global model in this area. The main loop: The most classic route for cycling around the island is the "Formosa 900 Loop" (or simply "Tour of Taiwan"). It’s a circuit of about 900 to 1,000 km, usually completed in 9 to 15 days. The official route takes you along provincial roads that follow the coast. The two coasts: The west coast is more urbanized and flat, with cities and infrastructure close together. The east coast, on the other hand, is wilder, with stunning gorge and mountain landscapes. It’s often the most popular part for cyclists due to its natural beauty.

Distance

The total distance for a full loop around the island is about 968 km starting from Taipei. Most cycle tourists complete the tour in 10 to 15 days, averaging 70 to 100 km per day. Keep in mind that headwinds can sometimes make progress tricky on the west coast.

Camping and accommodation

Wild camping: Wild camping is generally tolerated in Taiwan, as long as you don’t set up on private property. However, it’s illegal to camp in national parks outside designated camping areas, which require a permit. Along the east coast, bivouacking is quite common and well-accepted, especially on beaches. Campsites and other accommodations: There are public and private campsites, but the availability is sometimes less dense than in other countries. If you plan to camp, it’s a good idea to check locations in advance. Taiwan offers a wide range of affordable accommodations, like youth hostels and "minshuku" (guesthouses), which can be a practical alternative if you don’t want to camp every night. Practical tips: The ground in camping areas can sometimes be wooden or tiled, making it harder to pitch a tent. Make sure to bring suitable equipment.

Other tips for your 2026 trip

Best time to go: Spring and autumn are the best seasons for cycling in Taiwan. The weather is more pleasant, and you’ll avoid typhoon season (May to October). Watch the weather: It can rain, especially on the east coast. Bring rain gear. Transporting your bike: You can rent a bike locally or bring your own. Many Taiwanese train stations allow bikes, which can be useful for skipping stages or dealing with bad weather.

Taiwan is a top destination for cycle tourism, with diverse landscapes and a well-developed cycling culture. Happy travels!

Thanks David for everything! Dominique

On the east coast, the road is gorgeous between Xiulin and the entrance to Taroko Gorge. The tunnels that were "back in my day" off-limits to cyclists now seem to all be lit and open to bikes. Some are wide enough to have a painted bike lane, others aren’t, so cars have to pass pretty close (thanks, Street View!)

Hi Dominique, I asked an AI the question, here’s its answer. I’m also posting the route I found:

https://www.bikemap.net/en/c/256795/

https://www.komoot.com/en-us/tour/28359817

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/43554105

It’s a great idea to cycle around Taiwan by bike. The island is renowned for its cycling infrastructure and is often nicknamed the "bicycle kingdom." Here’s some information to help you plan your trip in 2026: Cycling paths and route

Well-developed infrastructure: Taiwan has invested heavily in cycle tourism. You’ll find cycling paths, roads with lanes reserved for bikes, and clear signage. The tourism authorities even aim to make Taiwan a global model in this area. The main loop: The most classic route for cycling around the island is the "Formosa 900 Loop" (or simply "Tour of Taiwan"). It’s a circuit of about 900 to 1,000 km, usually completed in 9 to 15 days. The official route takes you along provincial roads that follow the coast. The two coasts: The west coast is more urbanized and flat, with cities and infrastructure close together. The east coast, on the other hand, is wilder, with stunning gorge and mountain landscapes. It’s often the most popular part for cyclists due to its natural beauty.

Distance

The total distance for a full loop around the island is about 968 km starting from Taipei. Most cycle tourists complete the tour in 10 to 15 days, averaging 70 to 100 km per day. It’s worth noting that headwinds can sometimes make progress difficult on the west coast.

Camping and accommodation

Wild camping: Wild camping is generally tolerated in Taiwan, as long as you don’t set up on private property. However, it’s illegal to camp in national parks outside designated camping areas, which require a permit. Along the east coast, it’s quite common and well-accepted to bivouac, especially on beaches. Campsites and other accommodations: There are public and private campsites, but the availability is sometimes less dense than in other countries. If you plan to camp, it’s a good idea to check locations in advance. Taiwan offers a wide variety of affordable accommodations, like youth hostels and "minshuku" (guesthouses), which can be a practical alternative if you don’t want to camp every night. Practical tips: The ground in camping areas can sometimes be wooden or tiled, making it harder to pitch a tent. Make sure to bring suitable equipment.

Other tips for your 2026 trip

Best time to go: Spring and autumn are the best seasons for cycling in Taiwan. The weather is more pleasant, and you’ll avoid typhoon season (May to October). Watch the weather: It can rain, especially on the east coast. Bring gear to protect yourself from the rain. Transporting your bike: You can rent a bike locally or bring your own. Many Taiwanese train stations allow bikes, which can be useful for skipping stages or in bad weather.

Taiwan is a top destination for cycle tourism, with varied landscapes and a highly developed cycling culture. Have a great trip!

Taiwan is neither the "bicycle kingdom" nor a country with a highly developed cycling culture. I’ve lived here for 8 years and I’m a cyclist.