Hualien → Lishan 花蓮 → 梨山

Get up early, as you're about to set foot in one of Taiwan's best-known natural wonders: Taroko National Park 太魯閣國家公園. Check with the local authorities to avoid losing time on temporary or scheduled roadblocks due to reconstruction works, as you'll need time on your side to make your way to the top.

If all lights are green, start riding from Hualien via Xiulin into the gorge and get overwhelmed by its beauty from the very start. If you see fit, stop midway to visit one of the temples, pagodas or other sights. About 17 km into the gorge, at an altitude of (just) 450 m, you'll pass Tianxiang 天祥 with the very last 7-Eleven to load up on food and water. There will be absolutely nothing left until today's final destination, so don't take this advice lightly.

Measured from sea level, the road up to the Dayuling 大禹嶺 junction at 2,550 m altitude is 74 km of constant climbing at 5–6%. Take the tunnel on the right towards your final destination, Lishan 梨山: another 27 km, including a little more climbing.

The most iconic place to stay overnight in Lishan 梨山 is the former summer palace of president Chiang Kai-shek, the Lishan Guesthouse 梨山賓館. It makes for a perfect reward after your long day in the saddle.