Location: Nantou
Distance: Each climb 9-12km Elevation Gain: 600-800m
In this post, I’d like to discuss the various climbs leading up to Sun Moon Lake, focusing on four popular routes that cyclists often take. Two of these routes start in Puli, while the other two begin on the Shuili side.
Let’s start with the Puli side. This ride is highly popular among cyclists from Taichung. You’ll head south towards Wufeng from Taichung and then take 14, which offers a pleasant ride. Once you reach Puli, the real climbing begins, and we’ll explore two different roads for the ascent.
The most common and traffic-heavy route to the lake is 21. It spans around nine kilometers and provides an elevation gain of approximately 500 meters, taking you from around 450 to 900 meters above sea level. While climbing, you’ll encounter a few sections with minor downhill moments, which you’ll have to tackle on the way back. This route is often the first significant climb for newbie cyclists attempting a longer tour, such as a round-the-island journey.
The second route, starting in Puli with a starting point very close to 21, is County Road No. 131. This climb is easier, with an average gradient of 1.9% according to Strava. Although it’s slightly longer, around 11 kilometers, it offers a less challenging ascent to the lake. The top section features a short, steep moment and provides access to the Wenwu Temple. The scenic views along this route make it a worthwhile option for both Taichung and Puli cyclists, especially those who prefer a less demanding climb.
While there are other less-traveled roads to reach Sun Moon Lake, I’ll focus on the two most commonly used arteries. Now, let’s shift our attention to the Shuili side. If you’re riding from Taichung and have a tailwind pushing you towards Shuili, this is a pleasant route to reach the lake. The main road, 21, which used to be a personal challenge for me, spans approximately 8.7 kilometers. Although the gradient isn’t too steep, it can feel like a long slog. The final part of the climb near the lake gets a bit steeper. Despite my initial struggle with this climb, I’ve grown to enjoy it. It takes around 30 minutes, or even less for more experienced riders, and offers a nice road with relatively low traffic, especially on weekdays.
The final climb I want to introduce is considered the best out of the four. To reach it, you need to make your way to Dili, avoiding the full descent on 21 towards Tatajia. Instead, head up 16, where you’ll notice signs for Sun Moon Lake. This road used to be called 63 but is now known as 97. It’s approximately 11 kilometers long, with the actual climb being around nine kilometers. This scenic route takes you along a single-lane road, somewhat reminiscent of a farming road.
While it does have some steep sections, averaging around 5%, it never becomes excessively challenging, with no gradients exceeding 10%. The secluded nature of this road, coupled with excellent views, makes it a delightful choice. You may encounter a few cars or see a person on a scooter, but overall, traffic will be minimal. This climb brings you to the I-Thao village on the far side of the lake, where you’ll find a Family Mart and a community center. However, reaching the Puli side of the lake or other areas will still require some additional riding.
Sun Moon Lake is undoubtedly a noteworthy destination, and the climbs leading up to it are worth exploring. It’s a long one-day ride from Taichung, requiring most of the day to complete, totaling around 150 kilometers. If you’re closer to Puli, the ride is more manageable, and you can finish it in the morning, leaving the rest of the day free. Additionally, cycling around the lake, with a circumference of 27 kilometers, offers a scenic and moderately challenging ride. Overall, Sun Moon Lake is a fantastic addition to your cycling itinerary, providing an enjoyable ride with manageable traffic. If you haven’t experienced it yet, I highly recommend giving it a try.
