Taiwanese rider climbed 3,000 meters to Nantou county’s Wuling peak on a unicycle, completing the 29-hour journey and celebrating with viral photos.
In Taiwan, night riders often venture to Wuling peak, the island's highest paved road, to catch the sunrise. While most make the journey on motorcycles, 24-year-old Hsieh Ming-wei (謝明洧) from Taichung took on the challenge with a unicycle.
Starting in Puli Township, Hsieh climbed over 3,000 meters to reach Wuling peak. After an arduous 29-hour effort, he arrived at the scenic platform, celebrating by lifting his unicycle. Photos of his accomplishment quickly went viral, captivating netizens.
An experienced cyclist, Hsieh frequently tackles mountain routes and has circumnavigated Taiwan on a bicycle. However, this was his first high-altitude attempt on a unicycle. He shared that the final 10-kilometer stretch involved a grueling 1,000-meter climb, which alone took four hours to complete.
While Hsieh’s achievement drew admiration, police issued a safety reminder. Nantou County Police Department’s Traffic Division warned that violating road safety regulations could lead to fines between NT$1,200 (US$37) and NT$3,600 (US$110).
Hsieh’s unicycle ascent highlights both the possibilities of personal challenge and the importance of ensuring safety on Taiwan’s high-altitude roads.