Hualien → Jiaoxi 花蓮 → 礁溪

along the Su'ao Coastal Highway 蘇澳公路

Stage 17b

133km

1,480m up

Effort: Moderate

Su'ao Coastal Highway 蘇澳公路: Partial closures since the April 2024 earthquake; might be solved by now. Many tunnels on this stretch, which are accessible by bike but not the nicest experience. More on closures →

Check with the local authorities whether there are any roadworks along the Su'ao Coastal Highway, or check the times they let traffic pass. This “highway” along the east coast consists of multiple old and new tunnels, and they're currently building car-only segments. On various stretches, motorised traffic takes a tunnel but cyclists can ride the spectacular old coastal road towering over the dramatic cliffs: absolutely stunning!

Once you reach the plain, you travel through Luodong 羅東 and Yilan 宜蘭 and make your way to Jiaoxi 礁溪.

The old coastal road along the Su'ao Highway (left) and the cliffs of the east coast (right)