Beiheng Highway Bicycle Route Starting Point Introduction
Feeling like life is monotonous? Why not plan an epic journey to stimulate your uninspired life with new challenges! Journey goal - "Conquer the Northern Cross-Island Highway. I’m not afraid of heights!" This time, instead of taking a car or bus, challenge yourself with a high-difficulty cycling adventure. An 80-kilometer uphill ride awaits, exploring Jiapanshan, Dongyan Mountain, and Balin from Daxi all the way to Zhuangwei in Yilan. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful mountains, rivers, and scenery, as you roam the vast land and rediscover your passion and original intent! Starting from the beginning point of the Northern Cross-Island Highway - Cikang Road in Daxi District, you will pass by Daxi Mausoleum and Cihu Mausoleum. The Two Chiang Memorial Park, which hasn’t been swarmed with crowds early in the morning, appears particularly serene. Continuing uphill, you will pass through the New Baiji Tunnel, where leisurely vacationers in scenic restaurants and farms contrast amusingly with your fast-paced cycling. Before entering Sanmin Village in the Fuxing District, the mostly straight sections provide a great opportunity for time recovery and a full sprint. Wandering amidst magnificent mountains and artistic installations that showcase tribal characteristics, you’ll successively pass through the Yuanshan area, New Village, and the Jiapanshan Business District where you can dine and replenish water. Just before reaching Balin, this is the only stop for supplies. After passing Jiapanshan and entering Luofu Village, you will reach one of the three famous bridges along the Northern Cross-Island Highway—Luofu Bridge! Looking out over the breathtaking and grand Dahan River valley fills you with energy. Continuing uphill through the Ronghua Tunnel and the Xuewu Tunnel, you will arrive at the Ronghua Dam, which once supplied irrigation water for agriculture. After that, you’ll encounter the Biyawai Tribe, known for conserving Mikado pheasants and the blue-bellied pheasant, where the Atayal people live in harmony with nature, creating a welcoming environment for travelers. A brief rest at Surle allows you to replenish your strength for the journey to Balin. Once you start from the Balin Bridge, a series of steep climbs present a test of endurance and willpower. By now, you will have cycled 50 kilometers, so don't give up easily! After passing through Guanghua and conquering a series of hairpin bends, you'll reach the highest point of the Northern Cross-Island Highway—Sileng, where the excitement of seeing the altitude sign at 1170 meters is truly unforgettable! As you descend towards Xicun, the border between Taoyuan and Yilan, this cross-border journey is coming to an end. In Yilan, you’ll encounter mostly downhill sections. After passing through the Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area, you'll face the last major challenge—Qilan's hairpin bends, after which you can easily conquer Yuanshan and Yilan City, reaching the easternmost point of the Northern Cross-Island Highway—Zhuangwei Pavilion, perfectly concluding this journey.
