7 days
From US $1,495
Self-Guided Hualien to Taitung Bike Tour
Join us on a scenic journey through Taiwan's breathtaking east coast and inland landscapes, exploring the picturesque towns of Hualien and Guangfu, and cycling through tranquil farmlands, coastal views, and lush valleys. Discover iconic spots like Qixingtan Beach, Brown Boulevard, and Dapo Pond, and enjoy the rich natural beauty surrounding every ride.
With opportunities to explore at your own pace, this self-guided tour offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to capture stunning views, including the dramatic coastline near Taitung, where the tour concludes.
Stay in handpicked accommodations like the oceanfront Kaishen Starlight Hotel, where you can unwind and soak in the serene ambiance. Whether it’s cycling, sightseeing, or simply taking in the local culture, this tour promises a fulfilling experience on Taiwan’s east coast.
Hualien
Taitung
casual
moderate
70km / 42mi
Min. 2, Max. 12
Hualien
Taitung
Highlights
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Day | Place | casual Inns or similar | Meals | Distance | Activity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DAY 1 | Hualien | Kadda Hotel | |||
DAY 2 | Guangfu | Maple Leaf Vacation Farm | B | 70km / 43mi | cycling |
DAY 3 | Chenggong | Happiness House B&B | B | 90km / 56mi | cycling |
DAY 4 | Chishang | Ai Rou Mi B&B | B | 75km / 43mi | cycling |
DAY 5 | Chishang | Ai Rou Mi B&B | B | 65km / 40mi | cycling |
DAY 6 | Taitung | Kaishen Starlight Hotel | B | 70km / 43mi | cycling |
DAY 7 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Hualien
Arrive in Hualien and check into our pre-booked hotel. If you arrive early, feel free to explore the area by visiting highlights such as Taroko Gorge, Qixingtan Beach, or the vibrant Dongdamen Night Market. In the evening, our team will meet you for a trip briefing and assist with your bike fitting to ensure you're ready for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Guangfu
Start your day with an invigorating ride from Hualien to the charming township of Guangfu. This scenic route takes you through a captivating blend of coastal and rural landscapes. Pedal alongside the sparkling Pacific Ocean, passing through tranquil farmlands and small villages.
Along the way, take in views of majestic mountains to the west and the open sea to the east. The route offers a mix of gently rolling terrain and flat sections, making it an enjoyable ride for cyclists of all levels. As you approach Guangfu, you'll be greeted by the lush surroundings of the East Rift Valley, a perfect setting to end your ride.
Day 3: Chenggong
Today we transition from the lush greenery of the East Rift Valley to Taiwan’s stunning eastern coastline.
As you leave the valley behind, the route opens up into a soothing blend of rural charm and ocean views, passing through quiet villages and picturesque rice fields. The Pacific coastline is our constant companion as we ride south, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs.
Enjoy the serene beauty of the landscape cycling through this less-traveled part of Taiwan, experiencing the tranquil charm and coastal allure along the way.
Day 4: Chishang
Today’s ride takes you through the vibrant landscapes of Taiwan's East Coast and inland valleys, offering a delightful mix of cultural and natural beauty. As you journey, the scenery shifts from coastal views to fertile plains and rice paddies, showcasing the agricultural heart of Taiwan. The route winds through peaceful rural areas and offers a chance to take in the local way of life, with traditional farmhouses dotting the landscape.
Chishang, your destination for the day, is renowned for its premium rice and picturesque fields. In fact, the rice from Chishang was so prized in medieval times that even the Emperor of Japan is said to favored it over other varieties, so make sure to have some local rice for dinner tonight.
This quiet town has a laidback air to it, with locals preferring to commute by bicycles rather than motorcycles or cars, making it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the tranquil countryside.
Expect serene surroundings, green expanses, blue skies hemmed in by distant mountains, and a relaxed atmosphere all around as you finish your day in this charming township.
Day 5: Chishang
Rural charm and scenic beauty are the flavor of the day as you cycle through the picturesque Chishang countryside. This loop takes you along serene roads, weaving through rice paddies, traditional farmhouses, and quiet villages. As you pedal, take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lush farmlands, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the East Rift Valley.
The ride offers a gentle mix of rolling terrain, making it accessible for riders of all levels. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic spots like Brown Boulevard, with its endless stretches of green fields, and the peaceful Dapo Pond, where you can pause to enjoy the serenity of nature.
This loop is designed to showcase the region’s agricultural heart while offering a relaxing and memorable ride through one of Taiwan’s most beautiful landscapes.
If you have the time, you can also visit the local rice museum to learn more about Chishang's rice culture, engage in DIY activities, take cooking lessons and more.
Day 6: Taitung
Today’s ride takes you even deeper into Taiwan’s diverse landscapes as you journey toward Taitung. Starting inland, the route winds through fertile farmlands, rolling hills, and quiet villages, offering a glimpse into the local agricultural life. You’ll cycle alongside lush green fields, mountain vistas, and peaceful rivers, with plenty of chances to stop and take in the serene surroundings.
As you approach Taitung, the route shifts towards the coast, where you'll finish your ride with stunning ocean views. Your destination, the Kaishen Starlight Hotel, sits right by the water, offering a perfect spot to unwind after a day of cycling. Relax and enjoy the ocean breeze as you take in the beautiful coastal scenery.
Day 7: Departure
After enjoying your final breakfast, take the morning at your own pace. Whether you choose to explore more of Taitung’s coastal charm or simply relax. Once ready, please make your own departure plans.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
What to Expect
Taiwan is an off-beat tourist destination, so expect small, but comfortable and tastefully designed boutique hotels at most places. Also, Eastern Taiwan is sparsely populated, so expect a quiet, laid back ambience on most evenings once the cycling is done.
A self-guided bike tour offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, but it also requires some preparation. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, here’s what you can expect:
Basic Bike Maintenance: While we provide well-maintained bikes, you’ll need to handle minor repairs, such as fixing a flat tire or adjusting the brakes. We suggest learning basic repair skills and carrying tools like a multi-tool.
Navigation: You’ll be in charge of navigating the route using provided maps, route notes, or GPS. Confidence in following directions is key, and it's important to be able to correct your path if you stray from the route.
Route Difficulty & Fitness: Our tours cater to various fitness levels, but it’s important to choose a route that matches your ability. Be ready for the distances and terrain outlined in your itinerary.
Safety First: Wearing a helmet is essential, and obeying local traffic rules is crucial. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in new or remote areas.
Luggage Transfers: We take care of transporting your luggage from one accommodation to the next, so you can focus on the ride. Simply drop off your bags at the designated time each morning, and they’ll be waiting for you at your next stop.
Weather
Spring (Feb to April) and autumn (September to November) are the ideal seasons for cycling in Taiwan. During spring, temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), and there might be occasional rain showers. Autumn offers even more pleasant conditions with temperatures between 24°C and 30°C (75°F to 86°F) and lower chances of rain. These seasons provide comfortable weather for cycling and exploring the scenic East Coast of Taiwan.
January
Good
February
Best
March
Best
April
Best
May
Mixed
June
Offseason
July
Offseason
August
Offseason
September
Mixed
October
Best
November
Best
December
Good
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
Visa
Citizens of over 50 nations including the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and the EU are eligible for visa-free entry to Taiwan for visits not exceeding 90 days, provided your passport is valid throughout the duration of the stay. The complete list of countries that are exempt from Taiwan visa requirements for short-term stays can be viewed on the official website of the Taiwanese Bureau of Consular Affairs.