Starting Point of North Cross-Island Highway Cycling Route Introduction
Feeling like life is a bit monotonous? How about planning an adventure that will ignite new challenges in your uninspiring life! Journey objective - "Conquering the Northern Cross-Island Highway: Flawless at a Thousand Feet." This time, we won't be taking a car or bus; instead, we're challenging ourselves with a high-difficulty biking adventure. Covering a distance of 80 kilometers uphill, starting from Daxi and touring through Jiao Ban Mountain, Dongyan Mountain, and Ba Ling, we will make our way to Zhuangwei, Yilan. The route is filled with breathtaking mountains, beautiful waters, and stunning scenery, allowing you to explore the vastness of nature and rediscover your passion and original intent! Starting from the Northern Cross-Island Highway's starting point - Cikang Road in Daxi District, we head towards Daxi Cemetery and Cihu Cemetery. The Two Chiang's Memorial Area, devoid of crowds early in the morning, feels exceptionally tranquil. Continuing uphill through the Xinbaiji Tunnel, the leisurely figures of travelers at scenic restaurants and farms create an interesting contrast with your fast-moving bicycle. Before entering Sanmin Village in the Fuxing District, the route is mostly a straight stretch, a great opportunity to save time and push hard. Strolling alongside the magnificent mountains and installations rich in tribal culture, we pass by Yuanshan Foot, New Village, and the Jiao Ban Mountain commercial area, where you can dine and hydrate. Before reaching Ba Ling, this is the only stop to replenish supplies. After passing Jiao Ban Mountain and entering Luofu Li, we arrive at one of the three famous bridges of the Northern Cross-Island Highway - Luofu Bridge! The breathtaking view of the Dahan River Valley fills you with energizing vitality. Continuing uphill through the Ronghua Tunnel and the Xuewu Tunnel, after passing the Ronghua Dam, which once supplied irrigation water to agriculture, we reach the Biyawai tribe, known for conserving the Mikado Pheasant and the Blue-bellied Pitta. The Atayal people live harmoniously with nature in meticulously constructed living spaces that provide a sense of belonging for travelers. Taking a short break at Su Le, we gather our strength for the journey to Ba Ling; starting from Ba Ling Bridge is a series of steep climbs, a true test of endurance and willpower. By this time, you will have covered 50 kilometers, so don't give up easily! After passing Guanghua and conquering a series of hairpin bends, we reach the highest point of the Northern Cross-Island Highway - Siling, where the excitement of seeing the 1170-meter elevation sign is truly unforgettable! Continuing downhill to Xicun, the border between Taoyuan and Yilan, marks the end of this cross-border journey. Most of the biking in Yilan is downhill. After passing through Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area, we tackle the final major challenge - the Qilan hairpin bends, and then we can leisurely conquer Yuan Shan and Yilan City, finally reaching the easternmost point of the Northern Cross-Island Highway - Zhuangwei Pavilion, where the journey perfectly concludes.
