The best road cycling routes in the Ali Mountains

The Ali Mountains offer a diverse range of road cycling routes, characterized by significant elevation changes, from lower valleys to over 3,200 meters. You'll find well-paved mountain roads winding through ancient forests, tea farms, and indigenous villages. Most routes feature challenging climbs with numerous switchbacks, providing extensive views of the surrounding mountain ranges. There are 14 routes available, with 10 rated as difficult, 3 as moderate, and 1 as easy.

Yes, while many routes are challenging, there is at least one easy option. The Roadbike loop from Wangming Village is an easy 27.8 km (17.3 miles) route with an elevation gain of around 277 meters, offering a less strenuous experience.

For experienced cyclists seeking a significant challenge, routes like the Great view into the jungle loop from 竹崎 stand out. This difficult route spans 117.2 km (72.8 miles) with an impressive 3,473 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Roadbike loop from Nanxi District, covering 119.9 km (74.5 miles) with nearly 2,788 meters of ascent.

The Ali Mountains are rich in natural beauty. Along your rides, you might encounter ancient forests with impressive trees like the Giant Formosan Red Cypress Trees. Other notable natural sights include the mystical Sisters Ponds and the Three-Generation Tree. The region is also famous for its dramatic 'sea of clouds' and stunning sunrises from various viewpoints.

Yes, cycling routes like Route 169 offer glimpses into the culture of indigenous Zou people in their mountain villages. You can also find attractions such as the Alishan Forest Railway, one of the world's renowned mountaineering railways, and the Shouzhen Temple. The historical street of Fenqihu, once a railway station, is also a charming stop.

The Ali Mountains offer unique experiences year-round, but the best time for road cycling generally avoids the peak rainy season. The region is known for significant temperature drops between the bottom and top of climbs (15-20°C), so checking weather conditions and dressing in layers is crucial regardless of the season.

The road cycling routes in the Ali Mountains are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 3 reviews. Over 360 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the challenging ascents, extensive views, and the unique experience of cycling through ancient forests and tea plantations.

Yes, the Night View of Sun Moon Lake loop from 水里 is a moderate 39.5 km (24.5 miles) route that provides views of Sun Moon Lake, particularly scenic during the evening.

Many of the routes in the Ali Mountains are designed as loops, offering a complete circular journey. Examples include the Guanshan Industry Road loop from Yujing District and the 台18 53.9K – 65.8K台18 loop from Chukou Village, allowing you to start and finish in the same location.

You can expect to cycle through incredibly diverse landscapes. Routes traverse ancient forests with towering trees, lush tea farms, and scenic vistas of rolling mountain ranges. The region is also known for its unique 'sea of clouds' phenomenon and dramatic sunrises, offering breathtaking backdrops for your ride.

Provincial Highway No. 18, also known as 'Alishan Road,' is a prominent cycling route celebrated for its diverse landscapes, including tea farms and scenic vistas, as it climbs towards the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. Route 169, especially north from Shizhao, offers quiet mountain roads with spectacular views of tea and betel nut plantations, and passes through indigenous Zou villages, known for steep climbs and descents.