Summer is the perfect time to be a one-day Taipei local！ The “Ride a Bike Through the City Gates” event takes the public on an exploration of Taipei’s city gates, both past and present.

By／MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team, compiled and reported

How else can you enjoy summer in Taipei? The Taipei City Department of Information and Tourism has launched the “Ride a Bike Through the City Gates” themed tour, led by Taipei U-Biker Li Lizhong, where participants ride YouBikes through four major city gates to explore the old and new sides of Taipei. To allow travelers from all over to experience Taipei’s unique local culture, the Department of Information and Tourism has been holding various experience events since May 21, gathering experts from different fields who transform into “Taipei U-Bikers,” “Taipei Foodies,” “Taipei Nature Lovers,” and “Taipei Trendsetters” to share the unique charm of Taipei with travel enthusiasts.

Starting from the Beimen (North Gate), a national historic site, the route passes by the Futo Street Western-style Building, a Japanese colonial-era commercial structure on Yanping North Road, and the Zhongshan Hall, an arts and cultural exhibition venue. It then continues along Zhonghua Road to the former site of Ximen (West Gate), through Aiguo West Road to reach Nanmen (South Gate) and Xiaonanmen (Little South Gate), and finally arrives at Dongmen (East Gate) on Zhongshan South Road. By cycling, the former outline of Taipei’s old city gradually takes shape. The tour not only connects many famous attractions—including Ximen Red House, the West Honganji Temple, the Presidential Office, and 228 Peace Memorial Park—but also includes hidden gems such as the Sun Yun-suan Memorial Hall and the Taipei Botanical Garden. The journey concludes at the long-established Park No. 1 Café, where participants can enjoy a refreshing glass of sour plum soup, with its nostalgic old-time flavor providing a perfect ending to the tour.

Li Lizhong, a columnist specializing in bicycle travel, noted that Taipei currently has four remaining city gates: Beimen, Xiaonanmen, Nanmen, and Dongmen, with Beimen being the only one that fully retains its Qing Dynasty construction appearance. These gates have endured the test of time, following the former lines of demolished city walls along Zhonghua Road, Zhongxiao West Road, Zhongshan South Road, and Aiguo West Road. Carved by time and remembered with nostalgia, the forgotten old city of Taipei seems to come back to life. On weekends, while cycling slowly, participants not only listen with great interest but also take out their phones to document this little journey. Riding around the city gates feels like traveling through a time tunnel, witnessing the historical traces of Taipei’s gates.

Wang Shijia, head of the Urban Tourism Division of the Department of Information and Tourism, said that this year’s theme is “Fresh Experiences for Taipei Travelers.” Many series of events have been planned, and registration for the experience activities has been very popular. Through the “Ride a Bike Through the City Gates” event, the goal is to let everyone experience Taipei at a different pace. In addition, there are two online submission campaigns: “Share Your Taipei Hidden Gems” and “The Ultimate One-Day Taipei Itinerary,” inviting everyone to share their personal experiences and travel routes. Simply submit online for a chance to win a variety of great Taipei gifts！For more details about the event, visit the “Fresh Experiences for Taipei Travelers” event website (URL: http://2016.travel.taipei) or the Taipei Tourism website (URL: http://www.travel.taipei/).