Location: Nantou
Distance: 53km Elevation Gain: 2,700m
Occupying our number 2 spot in this epic list of 100 hill climbs is the noteworthy Puli to Wuling climb. This registers as a rite of passage for many cyclists on the island. It starts at the geographical center of Taiwan at 450m above sea level in Puli and finishes at 3,275m above sea level at Wuling. This route takes you up Provincial Highway No.14 and 14A climbing 2800 meters over a distance of 53 kilometers. The first 15 kilometers weigh in at a gentle 3%, but then kicks up 5km before you arrive at Wushe. This being the only road up to Wuling from the west, there is always a lot of commercial farming traffic and tourist buses.
Wushe is a fairly substantial village with several convenience stores and restaurants. There are two turns off from here to major tourist attractions. The first, just before the village, is onto Local Road Tou 83, which takes you to Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area, covered in #000 of our series. This area gets really busy in Autumn for the maple leaf season.
If you stay on No. 14 heading due east, it takes you to the Lushan hot spring area. Although there are several hot spring hotels open here, multiple floodings of the town over the years have left it to be condemned, but it’s still worth a visit. The entire ride can be done from Puli to the summit in 5 to 7 hours. As mentioned, it can get very cold after 2000 meters above sea level, especially during the winter months. During the summer, this area is known for extreme weather in the afternoons. Avoid this climb if there is a typhoon heading toward the island.
Just outside Wushe, the climbing really starts up, separating the boys from the men. Many cycling organizations use this road as a key event in both spring and autumn. During the summer a night ride up this climb is actually a pleasant experience. This is certainly one climb to put on the list, double-check road and weather conditions before setting off for this one; it can get really cold up there.
After you pass Wushe, the road gets narrower and is down to a tight two lanes. Keep to the hard right to let large vehicles pass. Looking off to the right as you ascend, there are great views of Wanta Reservoir.
As for critical information, the rider should be aware of: There are plenty of 7-11 stops along this climb. The last 7-11 is located at 1750 meters above sea level. There is a police station and various shops along the way after the last 7-11. Always likely to be a lot of tourist traffic here, travelling up to Qingjing Farm: More info here.
Unlike the east side climb, there can be a lot of traffic on this road for better or worse, so if you get into any trouble, most likely someone will probably stop and offer help. There are a few places where the gradient goes over 10%, and during events, you are likely to see as many people walking their bikes up.
Overall, the ride can be done from Puli to the summit in 5 to 7 hours. As mentioned, it can get very cold after 2000 meters above sea level, especially during the winter months and don’t forget that altitude is going to be a factor once you ascend over 3,000m. During the summer, this area is known for extreme weather in the afternoons. Avoid this climb if there is a typhoon heading toward the island. As you reach the top, you can start counting the kilometer markers to the finish, which is at No. 14A 31.5.
The must-have photo op at the top is across the road from a parking lot. Most people will carry their bikes up some stairs to get this photo with their bike and the plaque for 3,275m. In addition, the rider would be advised to wear some high-viz gear or at least have front and rear flashing lights.
Here are the GPX and KML files.