Bikepacking from Taitung to Hualien City

Get ready for one of Taiwan’s most legendary rides! Starting from the laid-back seaside town of Taitung, you’ll head north along the stunning east coast all the way up to Hualien City. It’s a big journey—over 216 kilometers—but it’s a favorite for cyclists chasing epic ocean views and a taste of rural Taiwan.

The route traces mostly quiet coastal roads, weaving between the sparkling blue Pacific and dramatic green cliffs. You’ll roll through sleepy fishing villages, alongside rice paddies, and past tiny temples, with a gentle climb here and there (total ascent is about 1,600 meters, but nothing too steep). Road surfaces are mostly paved, though prepare for a few rougher patches—nature rules out here!

Hualien City greets you at the end, bustling and friendly, famous as the gateway to the jaw-dropping Taroko Gorge. Whether you stop to dip your toes in the ocean or sample some local snacks along the way, this cycling adventure is all about the journey—and the sense of accomplishment when you arrive in Hualien!