In previous posts, we have stated that Nantou, Yunlin and Chiayi counties have some of the best riding in the country. A virtual spiderweb of never-ending interconnecting roads that will take the rider deep into the most rural and remote parts of Taiwan that are accessible on a road bike.
In #006 of our series, we covered the primary road to Alishan, the No. 18. A great well-maintained road, but one of the busiest in the country. The main appeal of the No. 159A is that it runs parallel to the No. 18 taking the rider to Shizhuo and then connects to the No. 18 just 25km from the gate to Alishan.
This is one of the most convenient roads to access by public transport with the start being right outside Chiayi train station. From the station take a right turn to get onto MInzu Rd., this is the 0km marker on the No. 159A.
The first 10 – 12km is through the city on relatively flat roads. The rider will pass the two scenic areas of Lantan and Renitan Reservoirs which are off to the right of the road. The latter reservoir marks the border between Chiayi city and county.
At the 12.5km marker is the last 7-11 to pick up supplies. There are also a few small shops at the 18km marker. Apart from these there aren’t really any other shops along the way until the rider reaches the town at Shizhuo.
Once the rider crosses the intersection with Provincial Highway No. 3 the real climb begins. This is a steeper climb than the No. 18, but by far more rewarding scenery-wise. There are practically no straight sections as it twists and turns into the hills. Densely forested all the way means there is plenty of cover from the sun. There are only 2 or 3 short downhill sections that have to be dealt with. It doesn’t take long before the road offers commanding views back down to Chiayi city.
There are a few small villages along the way, mostly farming communities tending the betel nut, bamboo and tea plantations that the area is famous for. The rider should be advised that this road is rough in several sections. It’s just not well maintained and you are definitely going to encounter potholes or sections under repair.
At the 45km marker on the road the rider is popped out at the intersection with the No. 18. This is the town of Shizhuo at an altitude of 1,289m. There are lots of convenience stores, restaurants and guest houses at this location.
If the rider turns left at Shizhuo, just a hundred meters up the road there is a turn-off for the No. 169 to Fenchihu. This is one of the stops on the Alishan Railway Line and an extremely popular tourist town. The 169 is also of note as it connects to the No. 149A which is covered in #032 of our series.
“The 169 is also of note as it connects to the No. 149A which is covered in the next post of our series”
We haven’t got 149A yet, so that will need to be edited once it’s finally posted.
Otherwise all good.
So nice to have these notes to help piece together some great riding opportunities. Thanks! 40 years ago when I first scouted these areas, it was always: “I wonder if this might connect with…” You guys are doing the work, which is so appreciated in the English language sphere. Is the last map added as a suggestion for a northern exit? (I.e., “Continuing north on the descent from Fenchihu on 169, …”)
Thanks for that Craig, glad you are finding it useful. Your options would be to continue into the hills on the 169 or descend on the No. 18.
You would just need to decide your destination.
Living in Khh I tend to start a lot of these from the N. then make my way back home. So, tomorrow I’ll be taking the train to Taichung, then riding down towards Yunlin or Chiayi.
Craig, thanks for your comment! We are pushing this on FB…. We need to take our posts to IG, Threads, etc…I refuse to let the classic blog experience perish due to social media’s expanding and reaching tentacles.