For any cyclists living in the Hsinchu or Taoyuan areas, this climb needs no introduction. Road #60 to the Yulao Lookout is one of the most popular training climbs on the island. With a peak elevation of 1460m, great road conditions, and cafe at the top, this climb easily makes the list of Taiwan’s best climbs.
Located in Jianshi District in Hsinchu County, this climb is reachable from several different starting points. A round trip from Hsinchu HSR Station offers an approachable 100km/1600m ride, and a round trip from Zhudong will consist of 70 km and 1500m. For those with their own transportation, the best place to start is Neiwan Old Street (45 km/1200m round trip), this will ensure that one is able to grab an authentic Hakka dish before loading the bike back up later in the day. Leaving early will help you beat the motorcyclists and drivers heading over the mountain to Lalashan or Smangus.
From Neiwan Old Street follow the 120 east for about 3 km before turning right onto the 60 at Jianshi Rock and the bridge. At this turn, there is a Family Mart and Hi-Life to load up with supplies, the smart cyclist will choose the Hi-Life as this location has a bathroom where the FM does not. After loading up with food, keep your phone out as the sun should be rising up over Jianshi Shan to your left making for a great picture for your Strava.
The 60 will take you past Frog Rock Footpath and Lesan and Naluo villages before really ramping up, and ramp up it does, as the road climbs around 950m in the final 10km. You may want to get some extra sprockets on your cassette for this climb because you will be grinding your way to the top. To put it nicely, this climb is….efficient.
As you struggle up, you will be greeted by some great views of the surrounding area, as well as an odd scene of metal figurines created by a local aspiring artist.
Near the summit, there are two choices of road that will lead you to the lookout. Turning right will leave you with a steep but short final push; choose this option carefully as the final 100 meters range between 12-19%. Turning left is slightly longer but also more manageable.
Either option you choose will leave you gasping for air and elated to be at the summit. The cafe at the top only opens at 10:30 am, but there are alternative options in the form of a vending machine, a small restaurant, and some street vendors. As the name Yulao Lookout implies, there are also two viewing platforms that provide a great view of the mountains to the east.
From the top, you could opt to turn back around and finish your ride, or continue up and over and make it a big loop including highway 7, road 118, and back through Guanxi (125km, 2500m). This area is also an ideal place for a multi-day bike trip with truly endless beautiful destinations within reach; Lalashan, Taipingshan, Jianshi, Yilan, Wuling, Dongyanshan, Taipei, etc…
If turning around, you will come back with a sore arm from waving to other cyclists climbing up to Yulao Lookout.
Here are the GPX and KML files.
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