Bikepacking from Taitung to Hengchun

Set out from the laid-back coastal city of Taitung, famous for its relaxed vibe, aboriginal culture, and gorgeous Pacific views. Your destination is Hengchun, gateway to Kenting National Park and home to Taiwan’s best tropical beaches and a charming old town with preserved city walls.

This route is quite the adventure: almost 193 km with some serious ups and downs—over 8000 meters both ways! You’ll climb to more than 1000 meters at the highest point, so be prepared for some challenging hills as you skirt through the lush, mountainous spine of southern Taiwan.

Expect to ride mostly on quiet roads and remote tracks, with long stretches where you’ll have the road almost to yourself. Paved surfaces dominate about half the journey, but be ready for a mix—some sections are concrete, and you might hit patchy asphalt or other rougher bits along the way. There are also some busy road sections, especially near bigger towns, so make sure to stay alert.

Take your time: soak up the rolling scenery, sample hearty local eats in roadside villages, and finish strong in sunny Hengchun, where cold drinks and ocean breezes await!