Nanzhuang → Taichung 南庄 → 台中
via Tai'an 泰安 & Dongshi 東勢
Dashed lines are the options for this stage, see below.
Stage 3
The road out of Nanzhuang leads up straight away, but after passing the tunnel at 900 m altitude, a long beautiful descent awaits all the way down to Tai'an 泰安. Hop on Provincial Highway No. 3 for a bit (the most travelled road for cyclists heading south), but don't miss the much more beautiful road off the main route through Pinglin 坪林. Next up are a few kilometres on a funny bike path brimming with tourists on fat bikes!
After Dongshi 東勢 you'll pass through a semi-industrial plain from where you can see Taichung 台中 on the horizon. Descend into the city to the Taihu Brewing bar/restaurant, where you can chill on their rooftop terrace. The area around there (West) is best to stay for the night. Find fellow road cyclists at Stand Collection, a premium cycling apparel store with open group rides.
Options for this stage
shortcutSkip Taichung126 km (−37) · 2,270 m up (−430) · one long day, or two easy ones · compared to stages 3 and 4 together
Nanzhuang – Zhuolan – Dongshi – Puli
We'd understand if you are so struck by the Taiwanese rural beauty that you'd rather skip a big city. In that case, cycle via provincial roads no. 8 and the lovely no. 21 directly towards Puli. Do it in one long day, or find an overnight stay in or around Zhuolan 卓蘭 (~58 km) or Dongshi 東勢 (~68 km).