Taiwan’s New Island Loop by Bike: Cycling Route No. 2 Opens in December
Taiwan is opening a second cycling route around the whole island. Taiwan Cycling Route No. 2 runs for 1,019.4km and is scheduled to open to the public in December 2026, once a final inspection is complete.
Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai rode sections of the route in New Taipei City ahead of the opening. Riders, he said, “can get to know Taiwan better by riding one section at a time”.
How is Route No. 2 different from the original loop?
Taiwan’s first round-island route, Cycling Route No. 1, has drawn riders from around the world for years. It runs for 960.8km. The new loop is a little longer and gives riders far more space away from traffic.
- Exclusive bike lanes make up 37% of Route No. 2, against 11.2% of Route No. 1.
- The share where cyclists ride in an outer lane alongside motor traffic falls to 12.3%, from 37.4%.
- More than half of the route is rated cyclist friendly overall.
The route stitches together bike lanes, local highways, riverside roads and old railway lines, with new signs, guard rails, resurfaced paving and refreshment stops along the way.
Which railway stations are set up for cyclists?
Four railway stations on the route have covered cycling lanes, bike repair and assembly areas, and public bike rental. They make it simple to ride a stretch, then hop on a train to the next one.
- Dongshan, in Yilan County on the northeast coast
- Ershuei, in Changhua County in central Taiwan
- Chaojhou, in Pingtung County in the far south
- Chihshang, in Taitung County in the East Rift Valley
The Tourism Administration is also planning luggage transfer services for overseas cyclists, so riders can travel light between overnight stops.
Highlights along the way
The route links several of Taiwan’s favourite rides. The North Coast follows the sea past rocky headlands and fishing harbours. The Ershuei Bikeway in Changhua runs along the foot of the Bagua Mountains through farmland and quiet villages.
In the south, the canal greenway follows the Chianan Irrigation Canal, completed in 1930 to bring water to the farmland of the Chianan Plain. It remains one of the largest irrigation works in Taiwan, and the path beside it makes a gentle, shaded ride.
How Route No. 2 builds on ten years of Route No. 1
Cycling Route No. 1 opened on 30 December 2015. Its kilometre zero sits at Songshan Station in Taipei, and most riders travel anticlockwise, down the west coast, round the southern tip and back up the east.
Riding the whole loop usually takes 9 to 12 days, with 3.5 to 6.5 hours in the saddle each day on the standard 9 day plan. The biggest climb is the Shouka climb in the south, which rises close to 500m. Brown and white signs mark the route every 2km.
Route No. 2 gives riders a second line around the island. It leans towards quieter roads, more dedicated lanes and more time in small towns, so riders can mix the two loops and choose the sections that suit them.
When is the best time to ride Taiwan by bike?
The route opens in December, at the start of Taiwan’s cooler, drier months. Autumn and spring are the most comfortable seasons for long days in the saddle, while summer brings heat and the chance of typhoons. Plan a week for a relaxed taste of the loop, riding one section a day and using the train between cycling stations.
Planning a ride on Taiwan Cycling Route No. 2
Taiwan has built up a good support network for visiting cyclists. A few things make the trip easier.
- Rent a bike at one of the four cycling stations, or from rental shops in the larger cities.
- Use luggage transfer services, so you carry only what you need for the day.
- Stay in bike friendly B&Bs, which are used to riders arriving with bikes and kit.
- Call in at the visitor centres in the main hubs, where staff speak English and can help with routes.
If you’d like company on the road, the Tourism Administration’s 2026 calendar includes the Taiwan KOM Pacific Classic mountain climb from 26 to 31 October, and an edition of L’Etape du Tour de France at Sun Moon Lake in October and November.
Common questions about Taiwan’s Cycling Route No. 2
When does Taiwan’s Cycling Route No. 2 open?
The route is scheduled to open to the public in December 2026, following a final inspection.
How long is Taiwan’s Cycling Route No. 2?
Cycling Route No. 2 runs for 1,019.4km around the island. The original Route No. 1 is 960.8km.
How much of the route is on dedicated bike lanes?
Exclusive bike lanes make up 37% of Route No. 2, compared with 11.2% of Route No. 1.
Can you rent a bike along the route?
Yes. Dongshan, Ershuei, Chaojhou and Chihshang railway stations offer public bike rental, along with repair and assembly areas and covered cycling lanes.
How long does it take to cycle around Taiwan?
Most riders take 9 to 12 days to complete the original Route No. 1 loop. Route No. 2 is about 59km longer, so plan for a similar length of trip or ride it in sections.
Source: Ministry of Transportation and Communications, reported by Taipei Times, 1 October 2026. Route No. 1 background: Ministry of Transportation and Communications. Event dates and visitor services: Tourism Administration, Ride Taiwan 2026, 4 January 2026.
