{"id":3040,"date":"2012-01-16T08:09:15","date_gmt":"2012-01-16T00:09:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.worldbiking.info\/wordpress\/?p=3040"},"modified":"2016-12-27T09:08:44","modified_gmt":"2016-12-27T14:08:44","slug":"taiwan-bicycle-touring-information","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.worldbiking.info\/wordpress\/2012\/01\/taiwan-bicycle-touring-information\/","title":{"rendered":"A Practical Guide to Bicycle Touring in Taiwan"},"content":{"rendered":"[tab:Intro]\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span>Taiwan was recently ranked by Lonely Planet as one of the top destinations to discover in 2012. \u00a0We couldn’t agree more.<\/p>\n

Great scenery, reasonable prices and a variety of climatic zones make Taiwan an excellent bicycle touring destination. \u00a0Surprisingly, Taiwan sees few foreign visitors. \u00a0This is one spot in Asia well off the banana pancake trail.<\/p>\n

Taiwan is a sweet potato shaped \u00a0island just off the coast of China. \u00a0It is home to around 23 million people, most of whom live on the west coast.<\/p>\n

The center of the country is very\u00a0mountainous, with 100 peaks over 3,000 metres. The highest is Jade Mountain (Yu Shan \u7389\u5c71) at 3,952 m (12,966 ft).<\/p>\n

Not only is this the highest mountain in \u00a0Taiwan, but all East Asia.<\/p>\n

When to go bicycle touring in Taiwan<\/h4>\n

You can go bicycle touring in Taiwan pretty much year round.<\/p>\n

The climate varies depending on elevation and whether you’re in the north or south. \u00a0Fall and spring are probably the best times to visit overall. \u00a0Rain can fall at any time of the year, so make sure you’re prepared.<\/p>\n

Summers can be sweltering hot, but would be a good time to escape to the mountains and tour on one of the three cross-island highways.<\/p>\n

We cycle toured Taiwan in late November and the weather was almost perfect. \u00a0A little rainy and cool in the north, but warm and sunny further south.<\/p>\n

Our Verdict<\/h4>\n

Taiwan is a good choice for a short bicycle touring holiday or as part of a longer Asia tour. \u00a0 Biking Taiwan can be as easy or as difficult as you want to make it. \u00a0If you want a challenge, hit the mountains and cycle one of the cross island roads. \u00a0If you want to take it a little easier, stick to biking the quiet roads of Taiwan’s east coast.<\/p>\n

All in all, cycling Taiwan poses few difficulties. \u00a0You rarely have to cycle long distances without services, roads are in good condition and the country is safe enough that you can camp just about anywhere.<\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n