Bikepacking from Hualien City to Taitung

Get ready for one of Taiwan’s most iconic cycling adventures: from Hualien City down to Taitung! Starting in Hualien—a laid-back city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the stunning Central Mountain Range—you’ll roll out onto quiet rural roads and enjoy the lush scenery the east coast is famous for.

This 217 km route really lets you soak up Taiwan’s wild beauty—think ocean cliffs, rice paddies, and sleepy villages. With a total ascent of around 1,670 meters, you’ll get your fair share of leg-burn, but the climbing is spread out and you won’t have to deal with anything too extreme (the max elevation is just under 400 meters).

Most of the ride is on peaceful roads with hardly any traffic, and you’ll spend plenty of time on mixed surfaces—keep in mind that around 80% of the official surface is “missing” data, so pack for anything! After all this, rolling into laid-back Taitung feels like paradise, with its artsy vibe and proximity to Pacific beaches—perfect for relaxing after a big ride. This tour is an all-time favorite for good reason!