LIYU LAKE (鯉魚潭)

Liyu Lake (aka Carp Lake) is situated a short drive southwest of Hualien City. As the county’s largest lake, it has been spruced up with a round-lake trail to attract hikers and bikers. The lake can be visited by private car or public transport and is a relaxing outdoor excursion that’s suitable for the whole family.

BADE CYCLE LOOP (八德區自行車O型)

Taoyuan's Bade District is perhaps best known for its bald pine grove–a tourist trap that fills up with Instagrammers when the leaves turn deep orange, but there's more to this area than seasonally picturesque trees. There are grand old houses, odd shrines, and living relics of a lifestyle long-since forgotten in the cities.

TAITUNG MOUNTAIN OCEAN BIKEWAY (臺東山海鐵馬道)

Taitung Ocean Mountain Bikeway was designed as a great loop encircling Taitung City. It was meant to take riders along the old railway line, over the river, past huge mountains, before looping back to bring you along the seafront. Sadly, only a portion of the original trail is still there, but that doesn't mean you can't forge your own route!

SUN MOON LAKE FULL CYCLE LOOP

For those wishing to experience all of Taiwan in a short time, you could do a lot worse than trying out this loop. As a microcosm of Taiwan it covers almost all the bases: grand temples, spectacular mountain scenery, aboriginal culture, bustling old streets and well crafted tourist experiences, (and of course sharing the road with motorists who view traffic rules as optional).