Cycling day trip from Nantou City to Puli

This ride takes you from the heart of Nantou City all the way to Puli, right in the middle of Taiwan’s mountainous interior. You’ll cover about 60 km, and it’s definitely not flat—the route includes more than 2,300 meters of climbing as you wind your way through lush hills and into the peaks. While most of the journey follows access roads and quiet rural lanes, be ready for some patches of busy roads, especially near the towns.

Nantou City is known for being the administrative center of Nantou County and is the only landlocked county in Taiwan. As you pedal north, you’ll gradually leave the city bustle for tea fields, small villages, and stunning mountain views. The highest point of your ride tops out at over 1,000 meters, so expect some rewarding panoramas.

Your destination, Puli, is a charming town famous for its pure spring water and being the gateway to Sun Moon Lake. After a tough climb, treat yourself to some of their renowned noodles or a refreshing drink from one of Puli’s quaint cafes. Enjoy the ride and don’t forget to snap some photos along the way!