Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Instead of turning back at Xiaogetou you can also continue another 11km to Pinglin.
It's all downhill just past Helen Coffee and the views over the green-blue Feicui Reser-
voir are spellbinding.
From Pinglin, riders sometimes continue to Jiaoxi on the coast. This is about 40km
further, and consists of a long climb out of Pinglin followed by a long, steep, winding
descent to the alluvial plains of Ilan County
Swimming
There are many sweet spots for a dip in the rivers around Pinglin. You can swim just un-
der the bridge across from the Tea Museum or head northeast on County Rd 42.
Hiking & Walking
In the hills just north of the village, along the rivers and through the tea fields, there are
short paths suitable for families and strolling couples. Children usually like watching the
'flashing fish' in the rivers.
If you have your own vehicle (and map) there are numerous more challenging trails in
the Pinglin area. Look for the trail signs (in English and Chinese) around town to point
you in the right direction.
Sleeping & Eating
There are a couple of campgrounds heading south along the bike path, and also off
County Rd 42. You need your own transport to reach these as they are quite far from the
town centre.
For simple, cheap fare there are noodle shops and convenience stores along the main
road. The Tea Museum has a good attached
restaurant
(dishes NT$70-350)
with tea-fla-
voured dishes. For something simple go for the
guā bāo
(braised pork on a tea-flavoured
bun) or green tea noodles.
Drinking & Nightlife
Helen Coffee
COFFEE
(
www.helencoffee.com.tw
;
coffee NT$80; morning to dusk)
Most cyclists stop here, just past
Xiaogetou at the very top of the pass (around 16km from Bitan, or 11km from Pinglin).
The coffee shop is unmistakable on the left and has a deck with a half-million-dollar
view (there are some power lines) over a big forested valley. The turn-off for 47 is just a
few metres away.
