Sun Moon Lake has just been named a 2026 Tour de France Cycle City, one of only 25 destinations worldwide and just six outside France, putting fresh international attention on a country whose cycling culture has long outpaced its reputation. World Expeditions has timed a new seven-day guided ride to match, moving riders from the lake’s mountain-framed shores through tea country, historic Tainan and out to the Pacific coast.
Taiwan Cycle: Mountains, Culture & Coast launches with an inaugural departure on 16 November 2026, followed by further departures from March to November 2027. It also lands as Taiwan’s annual Cycling Festival runs from September to December 2026, giving the new itinerary a season’s worth of local momentum to ride alongside.
A small country with an outsized ride
‘Taiwan has been hiding in plain sight as an adventure destination, but that is clearly changing,’ said Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions. ‘It has a deeply embedded cycling culture, superb riding and an extraordinary amount to experience in a relatively small area. Add one of Asia’s most exciting food scenes, mountains, tea country, hot springs and the Pacific coast, and you have a destination made for active travel. With Sun Moon Lake now receiving international recognition from the Tour de France, there couldn’t be a better time to discover Taiwan from the bike saddle.’
The itinerary opens with a 30-kilometre circuit of Sun Moon Lake before heading into the Nantou Valley and rural communities, then climbing into Taiwan’s tea-growing hills. From there, riders descend the 36 Bends, an 11.8-kilometre road with 36 numbered hairpin turns that has become something of a rite of passage for cyclists in the region.
History, food and hot springs along the way
The route continues into Tainan, Taiwan’s historic former capital, known for its temples, heritage architecture and food traditions. The city’s culinary reputation has grown further this year with its first Michelin-starred restaurant, part of the expanded 2026 Michelin Guide Taiwan.
From Tainan, the ride heads south through rural valleys and hot springs toward the Pacific coast, with rides toward Baisha Beach, Nanwan Beach and the southern peninsula rounding out the journey. Daily distances generally run between 30 and 66 kilometres, and the itinerary is graded Moderate/Grade 5, better suited to confident cyclists with a solid level of fitness given the undulating terrain, climbs and descents involved.
What’s included on the ride
Riders are accompanied by a bilingual cycling guide throughout, with a bike mechanic and support vehicle on hand during cycling days. A 24-speed GIANT bike is included in the trip, and e-bikes are available on request for those wanting extra support on the climbs. Accommodation is in three-star hotels with ensuite facilities each night.
