Taiwan Round-Island: Cycling Route No. 1

Round-island loop from Taipei · Taiwan

Moderate10 daysAsia~£950 est.

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Overview

Taiwan is the only country that has built a numbered national highway purely for circumnavigating itself by bicycle. Cycling Route No. 1 loops roughly 960km around the island: west-coast plains stacked with temples and night markets, the tropical cape at Kenting, and the east's headline act — the Pacific road beneath the Qingshui Cliffs, where green mountains fall 800m into ultramarine sea. Riding 'huandao' is a rite of passage for Taiwanese; locals will cheer you at traffic lights. Logistics are absurdly friendly. 7-Elevens every few kilometres function as feed stations; police stations offer water and pump loans; Giant shops in Taipei rent quality touring bikes one-way. The variable that catches people out is the Suhua Highway — its tunnels carry heavy lorries, and most riders sensibly hop the coastal train between Su'ao and Hualien, bikes aboard. Ten days suits a steady 90–100km rhythm. Ride October–November or March–April, dodging typhoons and the northeast monsoon's drizzle. Budget around £950 with small hotels, beef noodle soup and more 7-Eleven coffee than you planned. Start and finish at Taipei's Songshan station, where the Route 1 marker makes the obligatory photo.