Taiwan:
A Biking Paradise in Asia

With the winds of LOHAS (lifestyles of health and sustainability) blowing strong, the green way to travel—by bike—has become a prevailing trend around the globe and is getting hot in Taiwan. Recently, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau (TTB) has been promoting cycling tours in Taiwan via numerous initiatives, which have successfully kicked off a spinning spree to explore the intriguing island renowned for its beautiful landscape, cultural legacy, great cuisine and friendly people.

Cycling Leads the Way to Green Travel
Traveling around by bike always has its advantages. For one, it is wonderful to feel the breeze sweeping through one’s hair while indulging in a picturesque journey. Cycling also offers freedom unmatched by any other vehicles, as riders can easily slow down or simply hop off their bikes at any time to discover more interesting places and talk with locals.

Certainly, traveling by bike is an unbeatable way to relish the beauty of Taiwan. Measuring just 36,000 square kilometers, Taiwan is not big, but it boasts a unique and diverse landscape best explored by cycling. From majestic peaks of over 1,200 meters to endless plains, the island stretches over many ecosystems that are home to myriad flora and fauna.

Keeping in step with the rise of LOHAS and the global efforts to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions, the TTB has been promoting bicycle tours in Taiwan as a truly ideal way to “travel green.” With an extensive transportation network that interweaves seamlessly with cycling routes, travelers can experience the most magnificent parts of Taiwan in just a few days.

Taiwan’s Must-See Biking Routes
There is no better time to get acquainted with Taiwan, as its transportation system has been enhanced to become super bike-friendly. The island’s rail and highway arteries are integrated with biking routes that penetrate deep into the countryside and local cultural spots. These routes are conveniently outfitted with bilingual explanation boards and travel information kiosks, as well as rest stops that offer repair, safety and guide services. At present, five of Taiwan’s major bike routes are designed to offer a comprehensive view of the island’s most inspiring attractions:

• The Danshui Bike Route offers both cultural and natural attractions. After enjoying the charming scenery of the Left Bank of Bali along the Danshui River, travelers can visit the Shisanhang Museum of Archaeology before heading to the Left Bank Hostel to have a relaxing espresso and wait for the wonderful sunset. Then they can set out for Hongshulin Nature Reserve and finish the day savoring delicious local dishes at Danshui Old Street.


• Beginning in the outskirts of Fengyuan City and passing through Shigang to Dongshi, the Dongfong Green Passage is Taiwan’s first bicycle path created from an abandoned railway track. The excursion offers a perfect way to enjoy the rustic surroundings—and don’t miss the old narrow-gauge railway locomotive from the Japanese Occupation Period at the Meizi Railway Park.


• The Sun Moon Lake Bike Route perhaps least needs introduction, as the natural charm of this alpine lake is well known far and wide. This bikeway amazingly captures the beauty of major scenic attractions of Sun Moon Lake in intimate detail, and with a year-round temperature ranging from 15°C to 24°C, this area is perfect for a cycling tour.


• Riding on a bike is the closest way to get in touch with nature. This becomes pleasantly apparent when you’re pedaling along the Taroko Hualien Bike Route. Taroko is famous for its stunning marble gorge, which has been sculpted by the Liwu River over millions of years. You just can’t resist the temptation to pause and marvel at one of nature’s finest creations.


• Meanwhile, Guanshan offers a special treat to cyclists with its scenic township. The 12-km Guanshan Bike Route follows the enchanting Beinan and Hongshi Rivers and is bordered by the green of rice fields, which turn a brilliant yellow during the rape flower season. The endless terrain, complemented by the symphony of birds and insects, is simply soul-soothing.

“Let’s Bike Taiwan 2009”

To promote Taiwan as the ultimate destination for cycling tours, the TTB collaborated with Taiwan’s leading bicycle manufacturer, Giant, and China Airlines in the “Let’s Bike Taiwan 2009” promotion event. This five-day program—which ran from September 28 to October 2, 2009—attracted 500 enthusiastic travelers from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, America and Europe.

The thrilling debut for the “Let’s Bike Taiwan 2009” event kicked off at Sun Moon Lake. Hundreds of passionate cyclists set off following a ceremony presided over by Taiwan Tourism Ambassador Fei Lun Hai (“Fahrenheit”)—a popular Taiwanese boy band—and the China Airlines bicycle team, for a trip around the Sun Moon Lake trail, where they were also treated to the region’s famous black tea, Thao tribal performances and a boat tour.

International cyclists were equally captivated by the four other enthralling routes during subsequent days, which featured the Golden Danshui River route, renowned for its bewitching sunset; the Azure East Coast track with astounding views of the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range; the Pastoral East Rift Valley path, reputed for its rustic beauty; and the Dapeng Bay route, a tour of ecology and gourmet seafood.

Of course, there is much more to explore in Taiwan. New fascinating bike routes are being developed to make Taiwan a travel paradise for cyclists. So grab your bike and explore—there’s never been a better time to travel green in Taiwan!