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In our last post, we talked about cruising through Taipei on a YouBike. Today, we're kicking it up a notch! If you're itching to escape the city buzz, feel the wind rush past your ears, and earn that epic view from the top of a climb, then this one's for you.
We've picked out three of Taipei’s most iconic road cycling routes. Whether you're a beginner looking for a chill ride or a seasoned climber ready to test your legs, you'll find your perfect challenge here.
The routes are scouted and ready. Now, all that's left is for you to get on your bike!
Route 1 – Beginner-Friendly: The Taipei Riverside Loop
If you've just arrived in Taiwan and are still shaking off the jet lag, or you just want a safe, uninterrupted ride to wake up your legs, there's no better place to start than the riverside.
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The Route: Start at Dadaocheng Pier → Head through Yuanshan → Meiti Riverside Park → Loop around Shezi Island.
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Distance: About 20-25 km (12-15 miles)
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Elevation Gain: Almost zero. It's pancake flat!
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Conditions: 100% dedicated bike path. No traffic lights, no cars, no scooters.
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Time Needed: 1.5 - 2 hours (perfect for a relaxed pace with photo stops).
Why We Love It:
This route is like a VIP lane built just for cyclists. It's smooth, scenic, and has plenty of rest stops with bathrooms, convenience stores, and coffee stands. The best part? You can completely switch off your traffic brain and just focus on the ride and the beautiful scenery.
Rider's Tip: Ride this route around sunset. The sky turns into this incredible orange-pink canvas, and the view is so stunning you might forget to pedal. Just keep an eye out for walkers and joggers who also love the path.
Route 2 – Intermediate Challenge: The Yangmingshan Classic Loop
When the flat riverside paths start to feel a bit too easy and you're craving a real challenge, it's time to head for the mountains. Yangmingshan is a rite of passage for every cyclist in Northern Taiwan and a fantastic place to train.
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The Route: Start from Shilin MRT Station → Climb up Yangde Blvd → Pass Chinese Culture University → Lengshuikeng → Qingtiangang → Finish with a long descent back to Beitou or Tianmu.
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Distance: About 40-45 km (25-28 miles)
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Elevation Gain: 900 - 1200 m (3,000-4,000 ft). Time to feel the burn!
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Conditions: Mountain roads with car and scooter traffic.
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Time Needed: 3 - 4 hours (including breaks, photos, and moments of questioning your life choices on the climb).
Why We Love It:
The views from Yangmingshan are absolutely worth the sweat. As you climb, the city shrinks beneath you. You'll ride through lush forests, past steaming volcanic fumaroles, and get to tick off famous landmarks like Lengshuikeng. On weekends, the mountain is buzzing with local cycling teams, giving it a great, energetic vibe.
Rider's Tip: This is a serious climb, so pace yourself. And make absolutely sure your brakes are in top condition—the descents are long, steep, and technical. Safety first!
Route 3 – Advanced & Epic: The Feng Gui Zui Challenge
Alright, you hardcore climbers, this one is for you. In the Taipei cycling community, Feng Gui Zui is more than just a road—it's a legendary climb, a benchmark, a badge of honor.
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The Route: Start near the National Palace Museum → The "real" start is at Fenglin Bridge → Climb to the Feng Gui Zui Pavilion at the top.
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Distance: About 6.5 km / 4 miles (from Fenglin Bridge).
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Elevation Gain: Around 400 m (1,300 ft).
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Conditions: A narrow mountain road with occasional car traffic.
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Time Needed: 40 minutes to 1.5 hours (depending on how beast-mode you are).
Why We Love It:
The appeal of Feng Gui Zui is its pure, relentless challenge. For 6.5 kilometers, the gradient is consistently steep with almost no flat sections to catch your breath. It's a brutal test of your fitness and your willpower. But the feeling of accomplishment when you finally reach the pavilion at the top and take your victory photo is unbeatable. You're not competing against anyone else; you're conquering the voice in your head that told you to stop.
Rider's Tip: This is a pure climbing effort, so a good warm-up is essential. The road is narrow, so be extremely careful of oncoming traffic on the descent. And don't forget to snap a picture with the pavilion—it's your proof of honor in Taipei!
Final Thoughts
From a relaxing riverside cruise to a grueling mountain suffer-fest, Taipei offers a route for every cyclist's ambition.
So what are you waiting for? Pick your challenge, check your gear, and get out there. It's time to write your own story on the roads of this incredible city.
See you on the road!
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