One island, two routes: How to choose between Taiwan Cycling Routes No. 1 and No. 2

Taiwan Cycling Route No. 2 is set to offer cyclists a new way to discover the island, from coastal roads to quiet rural landscapes. While some riders dream of pedaling all the way around Taiwan in one continuous journey, others prefer to explore at a slower pace, taking one stretch at a time and returning for another ride on a different weekend.

Scheduled to officially open by the end of December 2026, Cycling Route No. 2 will join the established Route No. 1 as another option for cycling around Taiwan. But the two routes offer different riding environments and travel experiences, so which one is right for you?

Cycling Route No. 1: The classic round-island challenge

For many cyclists, the appeal of riding around Taiwan lies in the journey itself: setting off each morning, watching the landscape change and gradually making their way around the island. 

At 960.8 kilometers, Cycling Route No. 1 follows major provincial roads through cities, rural communities and coastal stretches, offering a classic long-distance cycling experience.

The Tourism Administration advises allowing about nine days to complete the circuit, though some finish in less time while others spread the journey over two weeks or longer. The route suits travelers who enjoy sustained riding and want the sense of achievement that comes with reaching the finish line after circling the island.

Cycling Route No. 2: A slower way to discover Taiwan

For travelers who would rather linger than race the calendar, Taiwan Cycling Route No. 2 offers a different way to experience the island. Instead of focusing on one continuous journey, it brings together existing bikeways, local roads, riverside paths and former railway corridors, encouraging cyclists to explore one section at a time.

A ride might mean following the coast for a day, pedaling through the countryside over a weekend or returning for another stretch on a future trip. Spanning 1,019.4 kilometers, Route No. 2 is designed to make cycling more flexible, with connections to railway stations that can help riders combine train travel with shorter rides.

The route is scheduled to officially open by the end of December 2026.

Two routes, different riding environments

The difference between the routes is not simply that one is longer than the other. Their road layouts also affect the kind of cycling experience riders can expect.

Route No. 1 was developed primarily around provincial highways, offering an established way to complete the island circuit, while Route No. 2 incorporates a broader mix of cycling paths and local routes, with a greater emphasis on separating cyclists from motor traffic where possible.

According to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, off-road dedicated bicycle paths will account for 37% of Route No. 2, compared with 11.2% of Route No. 1. The share of roads where cyclists must share the outer lane with motor vehicles will be 12.3% on Route No. 2, compared with 37.4% on Route No. 1.

These numbers matter for riders who are concerned about traffic. But they do not mean Route No. 2 is completely separated from motor vehicles; road conditions still vary, and cyclists should check individual sections before setting out.

What can you experience along Route No. 2?

Route No. 2 brings together different types of cycling environments rather than relying on one continuous road system.

On the north coast, riders can experience coastal scenery. In central Taiwan, the Ershui bikeway offers views of railway infrastructure and flowering trees, while the Chianan Plain features a greenway following an old irrigation channel.

These examples illustrate how Route No. 2 aims to connect cycling with local landscapes and communities. Instead of treating the island as a distance to cover, riders can use individual sections as the starting point for a more leisurely visit.

The route's design also makes it possible to plan around a particular region or experience. Travelers with limited time do not necessarily need to complete the entire circuit to enjoy a cycling trip in Taiwan.

When the train becomes part of the journey

A round-island cycling trip does not necessarily have to begin and end on a bicycle.

Route No. 2 is being developed with connections to railway stations including Dongshan, Ershui, Chaozhou and Chishang. These links are intended to make it easier for riders to combine train travel with shorter cycling trips, opening up more options for visitors who do not want to ride the entire route.

For example, travelers could plan a cycling outing around one region rather than committing to a continuous journey around the island. The railway network may also offer more flexibility when arranging the start and end points of a trip, depending on available train services and bicycle transport rules.

The government is also considering services for international cyclists, including luggage transfer. Travelers should check which facilities and services are operating before departure, as some arrangements are still being developed.

Choose the right route

The best route depends less on the number of kilometers than on the kind of trip you want to take.

Choose Cycling Route No. 1 if you want the full challenge.

You have time for a multi-day journey and want to finish with the satisfaction of having cycled around Taiwan. It is a good match for travelers who see the journey itself as the main goal.

Choose Cycling Route No. 2 if you prefer to explore at your own pace.

You would rather spend a weekend riding through one area than commit to a continuous round-island trip. You may also want to combine cycling with train travel or return for different sections on separate visits.

Neither option automatically guarantees an easier ride. Fitness, elevation, traffic and the conditions of individual roads all matter, so choose a route that matches your experience and check the details of each section before setting out.