Taiwan on two wheels

Taiwan provides one of the world's most beautiful backdrops for both competitive and leisure cycling. As a large mountainous island, the cycling routes are scenic and endless, it's no surprise the sport is a national obsession and the country boasts a friendly, local bike culture. As Asia's top cycling destination, Taiwan has a route for everyone, from challenging high-mountain routes to leisurely paths through tea fields.

Taiwan on Two Wheels for Beginners

The 19-mile perimeter around the picturesque Sun Moon Lake offers beginners a relaxing cycle. Looping Taiwan's largest alpine lake, the trail was named one of the world's “10 Breathtaking Cycling Routes” by CNN Travel. The 'Come! Bikeday' held in November is a scenic, family-friendly bicycle ride around Sun Moon Lake. Participants can choose from an array of events from the tannan challenge, the bikeday carnival, classical or fun rides.

For cyclists preferring more urban surrounds, the YouBike bike hire scheme is an excellent way to get around Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taichung City, and Changhua County. YouBikes complement the public transport systems, giving visitors the option of conveniently renting a bicycle to explore the city from multiple kiosks across the city.

For more information visit: i.youbike.com.tw/en/index.php

Taiwan on Two Wheels for Cycling Enthusiasts 

The enchanting scenery and stunning vistas ensure Taiwan has the most electrifying trails in Asia. More adventurous cyclists should head for the mountains for routes which are challenging and beautiful in equal measure. The East Rift Valley is framed by the majestic Central and Coastal Mountain ranges and welcome cyclists with endless side roads and bike paths. The Formosa 900 race, held in November, is a round island tour and takes in the best of the Rift Valley and pristine Hualien and Taitung counties.

The centre and south of Taiwan in particular is home to a maze of spectacular trails while the very south of Taiwan contains some of the best cross-country riding on the island. Hidden in the hills of Northern Taiwan, the La La Shan trail is an unrelenting 18km through pristine forest.

The Taiwan King of the Mountain challenge, held in November, starts with a 105 kilometre mountain ascent starting from sea level, climbs through scenic valleys to the finish at the summit of Hehuan Mountain in Huling at 10,700 feet. The route takes in a variety of breath taking scenery, showcasing the diversity of Taiwan's terrain.

For more information visit: theme.taiwanbike.tw/event/2015/en/index.html

Taiwan Cycling Ambassador competition

The Taiwan Tourism Bureau has launched a European-wide search for a young cycling enthusiast to become an ambassador at one of Taiwan's biggest cycling events, the Formosa 900. Sporty students are invited to submit creative and innovative ideas on how to promote Taiwan's cycling to his/her peers for a chance to become the Taiwan Cycling Ambassador. Interested applicants should email info[at]taiwantourismus.de and detail why they should be the next 'Taiwan Cycling Ambassador' until the 31 August 2015.

For further information on Taiwan, visit eng.taiwan.net.tw