An epic 1,000km bike ride around Taiwan

Taiwan’s roads offer a remarkable way to see the island, and a 1,000km bike ride turns that journey into a serious test of endurance. The route brings together long coastal stretches, mountain roads, busy towns and changing landscapes across Taiwan. Covering such a distance by bicycle reveals the island at a slower pace while demanding steady effort from start to finish. Discover what makes an epic 1,000km ride around Taiwan so memorable and challenging. 

The birth of a ‘national’ cycle route

Long-distance biking has been popular in Taiwan for more than 50 years and the island is known as one of the world’s great cycling destinations. The idea of riding around the island became part of the national imagination after the 2006 film Island Etude followed a college student on a seven-day cycling journey.

The film brought attention to Taiwan’s historical sites, rural communities and Indigenous culture as the student travelled across the island. Its portrayal of meeting strangers and discovering lesser-known parts of Taiwan encouraged real-life students to follow the same path and experience the island beyond its cities.

As more cyclists began taking on the Huandao, the Taiwanese government inaugurated Taiwan Cycle Route No 1 in 2015. The route created a national network of roads and cycling paths that gave riders a recognised way to circle the island while connecting different landscapes and communities.

Circumnavigating Taiwan on two wheels

Most cyclists begin and end their journey in Taipei, but the Huandao can be joined from almost anywhere. A long-distance ride also allows cyclists to focus on individual sections such as the quieter eastern coast rather than completing the entire circuit in one trip.

The route from Taipei towards Taitung passes through Keelung before reaching Fulong, where the Old Caoling Tunnel has been converted into a 2.1km cycling path. Riding through the historic railway tunnel creates a clear change from the busy northern areas to the more open eastern coastline.

Taiwan’s eastern side has a character that differs sharply from the developed north and west. Its mountain range and limited flat land helped preserve the island’s Indigenous culture and left many communities less affected by the large-scale development found across the western plains.

Rural hospitality

Family-run guesthouses can make a long cycling journey feel much more personal, from a hut beside a marble gorge to a simple bed and breakfast near an empty shore. These stays also offer cyclists a closer connection with rural communities and everyday life along Taiwan’s eastern coast.

In Dulan, WaGaLiGong guesthouse reflects the warmth of the local Amis community, where visitors can learn about Indigenous culture, local traditions and the close relationship between people and nature. Sharing food, stories and Amis folk songs can turn an overnight stop into a memorable part of the journey.

That sense of hospitality continues beyond guesthouses, with locals often helping cyclists when they face unexpected problems. A repaired flat tyre, help finding a room or a home-cooked meal can become an important part of the Huandao experience and show how strongly rural hospitality shapes the ride.

A coming-of-age ritual

For many Taiwanese cyclists, the Huandao becomes more than a physical challenge and can feel like a coming-of-age ritual. Younger riders often take on the journey through school trips or with family members, creating memories that remain connected to the island long after the ride ends.

The road through Kenting is especially memorable, combining Taiwan’s only tropical national park with forest landscapes, wild deer and white-sand beaches. One of the favourite sections for cyclists is the mountain pass north of the park where a long climb eventually gives way to a sweeping descent beside views of the ocean.

Completing the full Huandao can also require patience when weather or exhaustion interrupts the journey. From my perspective, the strongest part of this route is not simply reaching the finish but slowing down enough to appreciate Taiwan’s countryside, coastal scenery and welcoming communities along the way.

Conclusion

A 1,000km bike ride around Taiwan is far more than a test of physical endurance, bringing together dramatic coastlines, mountain roads quiet villages and vibrant communities. Each section reveals a different side of the island, from historic routes and Indigenous traditions to memorable encounters with local people. Unexpected challenges, rural hospitality and changing scenery make the Huandao a journey filled with discovery rather than simply a race to the finish. For many cyclists, completing the circuit becomes a personal milestone shaped by patience, determination and unforgettable experiences. Ultimately, riding around Taiwan offers a unique way to understand the island beyond its major cities, one remarkable kilometre at a time.