Cycling Taiwan's East Coast: From Hualien to Taitung via Highway 11

If you're a cycling enthusiast looking for a scenic and adventurous route in Taiwan, the east coast is a great choice. Highway 11, which runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean, offers stunning views of the sea, the mountains, and the local culture. In this blog post, I will share my experience of cycling from Hualien to Taitung via Highway 11.

Preparation, we rent bike from Giant Hualien and return at Giant Taitung

Day 1: Hualien to Shitiping

The first day of our journey took us from Hualien to Shitiping, a distance of about 72 kilometers and this is the my longest ride on Strava! This route was relatively tough, as we had to cycle 5km uphill after passing one of the gas stations, as we cycled along the coastline and enjoyed the sea breeze and the sunshine. In this blog post, I will share my experience of the first day of our cycling trip.

We started our journey in the afternoon after solat Jumaat, after renting our bicycles and stocking up on some water and snacks and sent our luggage to Hualien Station and will collect it at Taitung Station. We cycled eastwards on Provincial Highway 11, which runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean and offers stunning views of the coastline and the mountains. The road was mostly smooth and wide, with some occasional traffic, but not too busy.

Along the way, we passed by several small towns and villages, such as Ji'an and Fengbin, where we saw some interesting sights and met some friendly locals. We also stopped at a few scenic spots, such as the Chongde Tunnel and the Xiaoyeliu Geopark, where we saw some unique rock formations and tidal pools. Our main highlight of the day was the Shitiping Scenic Area, which is a famous landmark that features a series of rocky terraces and pools. We parked our bicycles and walked around the area, taking some photos and admiring the natural beauty of the place. After spending some time at Shitiping, we continued our ride to our accommodation for the night Shitiping Campground. We arrived at campground at 9.30pm, YES! very long ride. We cooking for dinner before get rest and sleep.

7 Eeleven is very good place to rest. Charge phone, toilet, get some drink and food

Shitiping Campground

DAY 2: Shitiping to Ciliksay

Day 2 of our cycling journey along Taiwan's Route 11 took us from the picturesque town of Shitiping to the quaint village of Ciliksay. The route was approximately 56 kilometers long and offered stunning coastal views and a glimpse into traditional Taiwanese life. Our journey started with a climb up a winding road that offered us our first view of the Pacific Ocean. The view was breathtaking and we stopped to take some photos before continuing on our journey.

View at Shitiping Campground in the morning

Shitiping Campground

We stop for lunch at Changbin 7 Eleven, we have some banana and sweet potato. Our next stop was at the Pasongan Lookout,  It is situated at an elevation of 422 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the surrounding mountains, and the Hualien coast. The lookout point is accessible by car, but it is also a popular destination for cyclists and hikers. The road leading up to the lookout is steep and winding, but the views are well worth the effort. Once you reach the lookout, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, you can see as far as the mountains of the nearby Taroko National Park. The view is particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset, when the sky is painted in shades of red and orange.

Our next stop is Pasongan Sanxiantai. The name "Sanxiantai" means "Three Immortal Platform" in Chinese and refers to the three large rocks that jut out from the ocean and resemble three immortals walking on water. The main attraction of Pasongan Sanxiantai is the long and winding bridge that leads to the three rocks. The bridge is over 300 meters long and has a total of eight arches, each one representing a different Chinese cultural symbol. Walking across the bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding ocean and coastline, as well as the three rock formations. 

The area around Pasongan Sanxiantai is also known for its unique geological formations, including eroded sandstone cliffs and strange rock formations. December is typically a windy month in Pasongan Sanxiantai, Taiwan. The area is located on the eastern coast of Taiwan, which is known for its strong ocean winds and frequent storms during the winter months. If you plan to visit Pasongan Sanxiantai in December, it's important to come prepared for the wind. Dress in layers to stay warm, and bring a windproof jacket or coat to protect yourself from the gusts. It's also a good idea to wear a hat or beanie to keep your head warm, as well as sturdy shoes that can withstand the wind and slippery surfaces.

Pasongan Sanxiantai

We arrived at Ciliksay Campground around 6:00pm. The campground is situated in a forested area near the coast, with easy access to hiking trails and scenic beaches. The price of camping at Ciliksay campground varies depending on the season and the type of camping equipment you have. For us tent camping, the price we got is 150 NTD person per night. 

The facilities at Ciliksay campground are basic but sufficient for a comfortable camping experience. There are shared bathrooms and showers on site, as well as picnic tables and barbecue grills. The campground also has a small convenience store where you can buy basic supplies such as snacks and drinks. One of the main attractions of Ciliksay campground is its proximity to several scenic spots, including the Sanxiantai Scenic Area and the Caves of the Eight Immortals. The campground is also located near several hiking trails that lead through the surrounding forests and along the coastline.

We cooking for dinner before get rest and sleep.

Our campsite

Ciliksay Campground

Dinner

DAY 3: Ciliksay to Taitung City (Last Day)

Day 3 of the journey takes from Ciliksay campground to Taitung City, covering a distance of approximately 50 kilometers. We start our journey on 7.30am after breakfast. The route starts with a gentle downhill ride through the forested area near Ciliksay campground, before turning onto the Provincial Highway 11. This section of the road follows the coastline, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains. As we continue along the route, we pass through several small towns and fishing villages, including Jinfeng and Fugang. These towns offer opportunities to stop and rest, grab a bite to eat, and take in the local scenery.

After one hour cycling stop at local fruit juice restaurant and having some drink. Around 11.00am, we stopped to enjoy the view of ocean in Jialulan Recreation Area, one of the main attractions of the Jialulan Recreation Area is the natural stone seawall, which stretches for over a kilometer along the coast. The seawall is made up of basalt columns, which were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Visitors can walk along the seawall and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. Another popular attraction at the Jialulan Recreation Area is the sculpture park, which features a variety of modern and contemporary art installations. The sculptures are situated amidst a beautiful garden, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll or picnic but the wind is very strong at this time.

The route continues along the coast, passing through more small towns and villages before reaching Taitung City. The city is a bustling hub of activity, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore.

Overall, this three-day cycling trip from Hualien to Taitung City offers a mix of stunning coastal views, challenging terrain, and cultural attractions, making it a must-do for cycling enthusiasts visiting Taiwan.

The load

DAY 1: HUALIEN TO SHITIPING                                                                             
Distance - 71.76km
Elevation Gain - 689m

Time - 7h 47m

DAY 2: SHITIPING TO CILIKSAY (CHENGGONG)
Distance - 56.59km
Elevation Gain - 514m
Time - 6h 59m

DAY 3: CILIKSAY TO TAITUNG CITY
Distance - 49.23km
Elevation Gain - 342m

Time - 3h 49m

Return bike at Giant Taitung