3 Day Soft Cycling Trip:
Hualien to Taitung to Green Island to Taitung(Total distance about 180km)

Day 1:

Hualien to Jichi

We’ll head out from Hualien early morning and begin making our way south. Although Jichi Beach is only 30km south of Hualien, this stretch is actually the most difficult part of the entire trip. There are two daunting climbs that might prove difficult for inexperienced riders. These climbs make Jichi an ideal choice for your first day’s destination. Besides, Jichi is worth exploration.

I will make reservations at Hou Hu Bed & Breakfast at Jichi Beach, just off the road and into the mountains. This sprawling bed and breakfast offers stunning vistas of the beach and is one of the most luxurious spots on the east coast. Lodges back onto private decks built over rice paddies and vast expanses of grass in which to explore. Hou Hu is a wonderous place to rest your legs after a day of riding.Click here to have a look at the rooms: http://www.houhu.com.tw/eng/guestroom-2.html

Day 2 :

Jichi to Jhuhu

After a hearty breakfast and a cup of coffee or three it’s back on the road, heading south toward Taitung. The road immediately south of Jichi is a treat. Rolling hills and well-paved roads make for some of the most spectacular cycling in Taiwan. And although you cross from Hualien to Taitung counties on this stretch of ride, the entire day’s ride is less than 60km. Some highlights from Jichi to Jhuhu include Fongbin, the Tropic of Cancer and Basian Caves. All of these sites are accessible for visits given your time frame, so don’t hesitate to stop and snap some photos along the way.

Jhuhu offers a nice place to spend the night for a few reasons. First, it’s close to the Yu-Chang Highway for those looking to cross the mountains and double back to Hualien via Highway 9. Also, the Jhuhu area has some of the choicest seafood restaurants on the coast for your dining pleasure. But most importantly is Jhuhu Bed & Breakfast.

Nestled high in the coastal range, this spot is beyond beautiful. Four gorgeous villas overlook a valley plucked from storybooks. This is truly the closest one gets to “the middle of nowhere” in Taiwan, except it has running water… and personal hot springs, and virtually every amenity you could imagine.

Day 3:

Jhuhu to Green Island

I’ve done the ride to Taitung on several occasions and I have never really enjoyed the stretch from Chenggong to Taitung. This is usually because I am tired from cycling all day and I’m just in a hurry to get to my destination. If you are soft traveling, however, and you leave in the morning from Jhuhu as opposed to Hualien, this ride is actually quite pretty. Highlights include San Yuan Beach, Beinan and everyone’s favorite roadside attraction: Water Running Up.

We will then board the ferry for Green Island :

Package includes the following:

Ferry boarding pass × 1(round trip) per person
Room 1night 2 day Click here for look at rooms: http://www.greenislandadventures.com/packages.htm
Snorkeling-guided excursion (includes all equipment and guide)
Hot spring ticket 1pp
Breakfast
Internet available!

The salt water hot springs should soak away tired bones and muscle. Green Island is agreat place to cycle and going slow means seeing more of this beautiful little island. The next day we will take the ferry back to Taitung where you can board the train back.

Cost for 2 persons including b/fast and accommodation
NT 9 000 per person sharing
Cost for 4 persons including b/fast and accommodation
NT 8 000 per person sharing
Cost for 6 persons including b/fast and accommodation
NT 7 500 per person sharing
( add NT 3500 if you need to rent a bike from us). Add NT 6000 to package price for singles.
This tour is also available in a cheaper non-luxury version where bike hostels and cheaper hotels are used. Subtract NT 1500 per person sharing.

5 Day Soft Cycling Trip:
Hualien to Taitung to Green Island To Hualien(Total distance about 340km)

The plan is to cycle about 4-5 hours per day and stay in luxury accommodations at night, but we also included a price for budget accommodations below:

Day 1:

Day 2 :

Day 3:

We will then board the ferry for Green Island :

Package includes the following:

Ferry boarding pass × 1(round trip) per person
Room 1night 2 day Click here for look at rooms: http://www.greenislandadventures.com/packages.htm
Snorkeling-guided excursion (includes all equipment and guide)
Hot spring ticket 1pp
Breakfast
Internet available!

The salt water hot springs should soak away tired bones and muscle. Green Island is agreat place to cycle and going slow means seeing more of this beautiful little island.

Day 4:

Green Island to Guan Shan – This is the start of the Hua Tung
( East Rift Valley) leg of the trip.

Stop at the Guan Shan Rice co-op and observe rice art .

Guanshan has Taiwan’s first bike path with a total distance of 12 kilometers. The path is divided into two parts: water-sided (ChinSui) and mountain-sided (ChinShan). Beautiful flowers can be seen along the water-sided route; on the other hand, it’s a bit challenging with hills at the mountain-sided route. The path is well-planned along natural environment, beautiful sceneries, and without traffic; it is very safe for bicycle riders to enjoy their leisure time! Riders may smell pleasant odor, and feel gentle breeze when biking down the hills. Furthermore, during the season of flowers, the yellow sea of flowers will surely amaze riders with fine views!

Main Route:
Guanshan Water Park→ Nantian Temple→ Cishan Temple→ Daitian Temple→ Guanshan Water Park

Sleep over in Guan Shan area. Shan Shui Shen Resort & Spa This hotel is located in the flat field center, overlooks Dulan Mountain, Coast Mountain Ranges, Center Mountain Ranges, Luye High Terrace. Ideal for
leisure travelers.

Day 5:

Guan Shan to Hualien.

Start early in the morning and take in the pineapple farms , tea and coffee farms as well as a stop at a tea tasting facility.

Arrive Hualien late afternoon at train station.

This will be the end of the trip and from here will travel home. Ride safe.

Cost for 2 persons including b/fast and accommodation
NT 12 000 per person sharing
Cost for 4 persons including b/fast and accommodation
NT 10 000 per person sharing
Cost for 6 persons including b/fast and accommodation
NT 9 000 per person sharing
( add NT 3500 if you need to rent a bike from us). Add NT 6000 to package price for singles.
This tour is also available in a cheaper non-luxury version where bike hostels and cheaper hotels are used. Subtract NT 3000 per person sharing.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW E - BIKES

Biking Information

Check the weather before you depart. Rain and wind can seriously affect your ride. Pack rain gear regardless.

Take you bike in for a tune-up before you depart. Mechanics will ensure your bike is in fine working condition so you don’t have to worry.

Bring a set of Allan keys, a couple of replacement tubes and a pump in case of an emergency.

Pack food and water. There are some lonely stretches and patches down the coast.

Words by Ryan

After many requests we have come up with an almost perfect 7 day cycling tour for Eastern Taiwan. We welcome input and in this regard and offer to make hotel bookings at iour discounted rates as well as offer Englisg support through-out your journey. I will constantly work on this page as I cycle through Taiwan and gain firsthand info.

7 Day Soft Cycling Trip:
Hualien to Taitung to Green Island To Hualien(Total distance about 420km)

Day 1:

Take the early train down from Taipei to Su Ao .

Cycle the Su Ao Coastal Road down to Hualien - takes about 6-7 hours of constant cycling , but with breathtaking views. Look here for pics - notice the sheer cliffs and drop-offs!:

http://www.greenislandadventures.com/3daytour.htm

Arrive Hualien and check in at our Hotel in the center of Hualien close to the jade Market and lovely little shops and restaurants - look here for room pictures: http://www.greenislandadventures.com/othertravelpackages.htm

This hotel will be your base station for 2 nights and offers a buffet b/fast with western and chinese foods etc.The rate is NT 2100 per night per room. Internet is available as well as cable TV etc.

Day 2 :

Hualien has beautiful cycle routes but I suggest you cycle to Tienshang in Taroko Gorge on your 3rd day and enjoy the sheer beauty of this place and marble cliffs rising 400 metres above a marble coated river. Look here for Taroko pics.:

http://www.greenislandadventures.com/4daytour.htm

Day 3 's cycling is mild and will take about 3-4 hours one way to Tienshang in Taroko.

Return to hotel in Hualien early evening.R&R visit jade market etc.

Day 3:

Leisure day in Hualien and also recommended you cycle down the Hua Tung Valley ( East Rift Valley) and return to Hualien.

Day 4:

Check-out of hotel after b/fast.Now today it is suggested that you cycle down Highway 11 along the coast south towards Taitung. The small little fishing villages and rice paddies on the coast are pretty sights and the road is not busy at all. You will pass the Tropic of Cancer landmark , Basien Caves etc. A splendid route with something for all. I suggest you cycle to Cheng Gong and overnight there in any little small hotel you can find. We can also book rooms here for NT 2200 per night.

Day 5:

Today you want to visit the Oceanarium just south of Cheng Gong and then cycle leisurely to Fugang Harbor and arrive in tiome for the 2:30 pm ferry to Green island .

Package includes the following:

Ferry boarding pass × 1(round trip) per person bicycle included
Room 1n2d
Scooter × 1 (2 persons sharing)
Hot spring ticket 1pp
Breakfast
Internet available!
NT3000 pp

Green island offers great cycling ) and also a great opportunity to relax in one of only 3 salt water hotsprings in the world! after such a long journey.

Day 6:

After b/fast and snorkeling take ferry back to Fugang and then you can cycle to the train station to catch a train back to Taipei.

Cost for 2 persons including b/fast and accommodation
NT 15 000 per person sharing
Cost for 4 persons including b/fast and accommodation
NT 17 000 per person sharing
Cost for 6 persons including b/fast and accommodation
NT 19 000 per person sharing
( add NT 5000 if you need to rent a bike from us). Add NT 7000 for singles.

TAITUNG HOSTEL

Finally we now have an affordable, even cheap, accommodation alternative right in Fugang Harbor where the ferry departs for Green Island and also Orchid Island. We can offer you ferry tickets at a discount to Green Island and Orchid island too.

We offer a pick-up and drop-off service from the train station and bus stations in Taitung as well as Taitung Airport at small extra cost and bicycle rentals to explore the beautiful Highway 11 Coast-line in South East Taiwan all the way up to Hualien .

In addition we offer scuba courses and also scuba diving in Taitung; some of Taiwan's most prestine under water havens very few have seen before. Don't forget the seafood!, freshly cooked right here the harbor to your taste or join us in a BBQ overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Hostel Prices Currency: NT $		Weekday			Holiday (Friday & Saturday)
Hostel Prices Currency: NT $		2 days 1 night	3 days 2 nights	4 days 3nights	2 days 1 night	3 days 2 nights	4 days 3 nights
	Single bunk bed in shared room	$350	$700	$1000	$400	$800	$1200
	Double bed in private room	$800	$1600	$2200	$900	$1800	$2,500

Bicycle Rental :

Week Day:	NT 300 per day
Holiday Saturday & Sunday:	NT 400 per day
E - Bike (electric assisted bicycle)	NT 500 per day

Click here
to make a reservation for the hostel in Taitung - Fugang harbor
OR
For English call Eddie : 0972 065479
For Chinese Call Sophie: 0937 149824

Cycling in Taichung - Central Taiwan

By Tricia Chen, The China Post

Quality time on two wheels

Since the surge of the cycling trend, several old roads and tunnels have been recycled into biking trails in the past five years, leaving nothing to waste.

Ho-li Township, once dominated by a garbage dump (hard to believe these days), is now famous for a number of the best cycling routes in the country.

The town presents visitors with three main biking courses: the Tungshi and Shigang sections of Dongfong biking route, and the Houfong cycling trail.

The two sections of the Dongfong biking trail are longer routes suited for full-day treks by frequent cyclists.

So for a more laid back trip, visitors can settle on pedaling the shorter Houfong biking route, popular and perfect for the entire family.

Bike Away!

The Houfong Bikeway is about 4.5 kilometers long – biking it without stopping would only take about 45 minutes from one end to the other. Most cyclists begin their journey from the southwestern end's welcome sign, so we'll start from there, too.

Without steep hills to climb, intersections to cross and vehicles to avoid, the bikeway is laid-back and safe. Bikers have freedom to control their speed and can take in scenery along the route, which often conveys the local culture to visitors.

Visitors will cycle past rice fields, a few small factories and traditional single-story houses as well, before they stumble upon the delightful First Winery.

So Wine-derful

The Railway Valley Winery, the First Winery's official English name, has been offering visitors free wine-tasting sessions since five years ago.

According to Jennifer Chen, the third generation to manage the family business, the winery was founded by “Grandpa Chen,” who has a passion for vineyards.

The grapes that Grandpa Chen raises are sweet and juicy thanks to his thorough care and Taichung County's great weather, his granddaughter says.

The winery produces fruit wine, onion red and dry wines, and even sake.

The backyard where greeneries like vanilla can be found welcome visitors in an open, friendly manner.

Chen highlighted that visitors can take winemaking classes here, too. With reservations, people can even tour the wine cellar with pebbles spread across the floor; I was intrigued to discover that the pebbles prevent bottles from breaking during earthquakes.

The winery has organized a regular and a deluxe tour for visitors who are interested in a comprehensive experience there. The regular tour around the place takes about half an hour, while the longer version takes up to two hours; it goes into more detail of the vineyard's history, the differences in the wines they produce, as well as wine-drinking etiquette – I learnt some professional wine-tasting manners during my tour.

Taiwan CYCLE Tours

Taiwan Cycling Tours , Hualien , East Coast , Taroko Gorge, Hua Tung Valley , Highway 11, Cycle Green Island;bike trips/tours, e-Bikes, Rrafting and River Tracing / Canyoning and much more

3 Day Soft Cycling Trip:
Hualien to Taitung to Green Island to Taitung(Total distance about 180km)

5 Day Soft Cycling Trip:
Hualien to Taitung to Green Island To Hualien(Total distance about 340km)

The plan is to cycle about 4-5 hours per day and stay in luxury accommodations at night, but we also included a price for budget accommodations below:

Quality time on two wheels

Taiwan CYCLE Tours

Taiwan Cycling Tours , Hualien , East Coast , Taroko Gorge, Hua Tung Valley , Highway 11, Cycle Green Island;bike trips/tours, e-Bikes, Rrafting and River Tracing / Canyoning and much more

3 Day Soft Cycling Trip: Hualien to Taitung to Green Island to Taitung(Total distance about 180km)

5 Day Soft Cycling Trip: Hualien to Taitung to Green Island To Hualien(Total distance about 340km)

The plan is to cycle about 4-5 hours per day and stay in luxury accommodations at night, but we also included a price for budget accommodations below:

Quality time on two wheels

3 Day Soft Cycling Trip:
Hualien to Taitung to Green Island to Taitung(Total distance about 180km)

5 Day Soft Cycling Trip:
Hualien to Taitung to Green Island To Hualien(Total distance about 340km)