ABOUT TAIWAN
THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW
MORE THAN YOU THINK​
Taiwan is a mysterious far away island in the minds of the majority of the world, and when most people think of it, they merely see the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, formerly the tallest building in the world.
But there is so much more to Taiwan. It’s an island that is 70% covered by mountains, lakes and jungle. So mountainous in fact, that it boasts 268 peaks over 3000m, making it one of the most mountainous places on earth.
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Taiwan is also home to wonderful people, who are always keen to help out and welcome foreign guests with open arms.
Taipei is a high-tech, bustling modern city home to 2.6 million residents. Combined with the suburbs that stretch far beyond the rivers surrounding the city called "New Taipei City", this boosts the greater population up to 7 million. From the stylish retail area called Xinyi, the location of the 101 tower, to the traditional old port areas, to ancient temples, palaces and markets, there is no shortage of things to see.
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Taipei also has one of the world's most enviable bike path networks, with around 150km of paths tracing the riverside, through parks that head off in every direction, giving cyclists a safe, car free passage around and beyond the city.
NORTHERN TAIWAN
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Taipei itself could satisfy those in search of perfectly paved mountain roads and amazing views. The city is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and access to them comes right at the city edges and at the end of the riverside bike paths. One moment you’re in the bustling city, the next you are alone with the sounds of the jungle and the breeze in your face.
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You could easily ride around for a week, on different roads, in different mountain ranges, with different scenery all within a day's ride. One thing's for sure, you'll be blown away with the beauty of it all.
TAIWANESE CULTURE
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The culture of Taiwan is varied. In the cities, it's ultra modern and the pace of life is fast. As you move away from the urban areas, attitudes and the tempo of life change dramatically.
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Taiwan is obviously influenced by it's Chinese heritage but is also heavily influenced by Japanese culture, due to the Japanese occupation of the island for 50 years, from 1895 to 1945.
When you move further into the mountainous areas the culture changes again, as they are home to the many indigenous settlements. Taiwan has 16 individually recognised indigenous groups and although they are to be found island wide, the majority of the villages are in the mountains, and we'll pass through many of them.
TAIWANESE FOOD
Taiwan is also a foodie paradise with unique options ranging from international restaurants in the cities, fresh seafood along the coasts, local delicacies that can be found in the many vibrant night markets, or the clean, simple but delicious fare typical of the mountain villages. You can try a bowl of beef noodles, steamed dumplings or dare you try the infamous "stinky" tofu?, so loved by the Taiwanese.
Whatever you fancy, you won't go hungry in this country.
QUALITY ACCOMMODATION
Over the years, Taiwan has been largely off the Western world's tourism radar. This is partially due to Taiwan's geographical location and also because it has lacked the historical attention that neighbours China and Japan have enjoyed. However, it's long been established to the Asian tourist market. As a result, there are a multitude of quality accommodation options and we have done our best to find the most appropriate places possible to allow the weary cyclist the best chance to recover for the next big day in the saddle. From the 5-star hotels of the big cities, hot spring hotels, traditional village homestays and mountain villas, Taiwan can provide you with the rest you need.
