I believe all fellow cyclists have always dreamed of riding their bicycles up Wuling. Achieving the feeling of reaching Taiwan's highest point on the road with your own two feet is beyond words. Bone will gradually introduce three routes to Wuling, from easy to challenging. After reading, you can decide which route to challenge. Let's conquer 3,275 meters together!
When it comes to Taiwan's famous cycling challenge routes, riding up Wuling is undoubtedly at the top of the list. With its majestic mountains, cliffs, and rich history, the Wuling area is a sacred place in the hearts of cyclists. In the following sections, BounceBike will provide a brief introduction to three routes to Wuling. Starting with the easiest and progressing to the most challenging, they are the Westward route, the Eastward route, and the Northward route. Let's embark on the journey to Wuling together!
Join Bone on the journey to Wuling!
The Westward route is the shortest way to Wuling and has many supply points along the way, making it relatively easier compared to the Eastward and Northward routes. Starting from the Puli Geographic Center Monument, ride along Route 14 through Renzhihuan to Wushe, then take Route 14A through Cingjing Farm, Cuifeng, Yuanfeng, and Kunyang to reach Wuling. The total distance is 53 kilometers, with an elevation gain of 2,800 meters. The section before Renzhihuan is mostly flat, and Cingjing Farm marks the transition between the first and second halves of the Westward route. The challenging ascent begins here. The last 500 meters before Kunyang Parking Lot, with an average gradient of about 15%, is often a tough spot where many dismount. However, the steepest slopes are just before the Kunyang Parking Lot hairpin turn, so stand up and pedal even if you're tired. After Kunyang, only the last two kilometers remain, yet they are mentally the most challenging. Despite the archway being visible, there's a feeling that it's just out of reach. Keep motivating yourself to endure a bit more, as the final 100 meters are flat. Give your all and pedal to the finish line!
Whenever cyclists reach this point, they know what to do!
The Westward route passes by Taiwan's highest 7-Eleven, though that title now goes to the nearby FamilyMart.
This route was ranked as one of the top 10 must-ride cycling routes of a lifetime by cycling media GCN. The majority of the Eastward route follows Route 8, and the last 10 kilometers are on Route 14A. The total distance is 104 kilometers, with an elevation gain of around 3,400 meters. The first 90 kilometers feature mostly gradual slopes, with the final 10 kilometers being steep. Starting from sea level at Qixingtan, ride through the Taroko Arch, Tianxiang, Xibao, Xinbaiyang, Bilu Sacred Tree, Guanyuan (try the delicious rice dumplings at the gas station!), and finally climb to the Wuling Arch. The journey is mostly uphill. After Tianxiang, supply points become scarce, so be sure to stock up on provisions and monitor your energy levels. The highlight is undoubtedly the challenging final 10 kilometers from Dayuling to Wuling, averaging around a 7% gradient. At high altitude and after already riding 90 kilometers, it will truly test your limits.
The Eastward route offers breathtaking views of Taroko's stunning scenery.
The White Poplar Trail is located past Tianxiang and ends at the famous Shuilian Cave.
While the Westward and Eastward routes are more well-known due to races and convenience, Bone believes that the Northward route to Wuling offers the most beautiful and unique scenery. The majority of the Northward route follows Route 7, starting from Baitao Bridge and passing through Nanshan Tribe, Siyuan Yakou, Qingquan Bridge, and Lishan. In the middle and later stages, there's a stretch of Route 8 before rejoining Route 14A at Dayuling, the final challenge. The total distance is approximately 115 kilometers, with an elevation gain of around 2,800 meters. Most cyclists, including myself, start from Yilan or Luodong train stations, adding an extra hour or so to the total time. The first supply point, Nanshan Tribe, is 67 kilometers from the start, so make sure to stock up on supplies beforehand. If staying overnight in Lishan, I recommend setting off at 5 AM the next morning for a chance to witness the magnificent sunrise over the sea of clouds. The Lishan to Dayuling stretch is a gentle 1-2% incline over 30 kilometers, allowing for a rest before facing the challenging Dayuling ascent.
Staying overnight in Lishan allows you to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise over the sea of clouds.
Of course, you have to take a photo at the "888" marker!
Considering distance, gradient, and riding time, Bone believes that the Northward route is the most challenging. While it has the lowest average gradient among the three, its longer distance and intermittent climbs and descents make it more physically demanding than the continuous uphill of the other two routes. The Westward route, with its higher average gradient, is the easiest. Excluding the flat section before Renzhihuan, there's only around 37 kilometers of climbing left, shortening the riding time relatively.
The stretch from Nanshan to Lishan involves ups and downs and can be slightly more tiring compared to a continuous uphill.
Cycling up Wuling is a significant challenge, with steep mountain roads and ever-changing weather conditions that can leave you fatigued. Imagine if your beloved bike encounters issues during this time – all your hard work would be in vain. When tackling Wuling, remember to bring along a bike portable toolkit to ensure a safe ride!
The compact and versatile cycling companion, equipped with tire repair and adjustment tools.
As you ride your bicycle on the journey to Wuling, you'll not only be captivated by the natural beauty but also encounter cyclists and travelers from different places who will cheer you on and provide encouragement. The atmosphere of unity and camaraderie will make you fall in love with this unique way of traveling and riding. Cycling up Wuling is a dual baptism of the body and soul. It's a journey that helps you rediscover inner tranquility and experience the feeling of becoming one with nature. If this is your first time riding to Wuling, I believe this journey will become an unforgettable memory in your life and might even spark curiosity and desire for unknown routes. Let's get on our bikes and enjoy the liberating journey that Wuling offers us!