Seven Bicycle Trails in Four Central Taiwan Counties/Cities Establish a "Cycling Tourism" Discount Information Network

▲ Starting point of the Houfeng Bicycle Trail. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The "Central Taiwan Cycling Discount Information E-Coupon" platform, jointly established by authorities from Taichung, Miaoli, Changhua, and Nantou,Central Taiwan Discount Information E-Couponhad its first phase officially launched on the 30th. In addition to showcasing the main cycling routes promoted by each county/city, the platform also recommends quality tourism businesses nearby, such as restaurants, leisure venues, hotels, craft shops, hands-on experiences, and tourist factories, giving cyclists a rich and fulfilling experience.

“Explore Central Taiwan: Enjoy an Active Cycling AdventureThe four central Taiwan counties/cities recommend the following seven cycling routes:

Taichung City

1. Houfeng Bicycle TrailStretching 4.5 kilometers, the trail features diverse scenery and breathtaking views. Cyclists can admire the landscapes along the Dajia River from the Hualiang Steel Bridge and experience the unique Nine Tunnels, with a continuous feast of scenery that is truly astonishing.

▲ The divergence point between the Houfeng Bicycle Trail and the Dongfeng Green Corridor. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

2. Dongfeng Bicycle TrailThis 12-kilometer green corridor is the first bicycle-only path in Taiwan converted from an abandoned railway, and it's also the country’s only enclosed bicycle trail. With picturesque scenery and pleasant surroundings, the route is accompanied by farmland and shaded paths, free from vehicle traffic, offering cyclists the joy of riding uninterrupted.

▲ Map of the Miaoli Tonghua Green Corridor Bicycle Route (Photo / from Central Taiwan Discount Information E-Coupon)

Miaoli County

1. Tonghua Green Corridor Bicycle Trail: Starting north from the Jian Mountain Bridge in Toufen Township, the trail utilizes the old mountain railway line of Zhuqiao, passing through tunnels and reaching the high-speed rail area of Houlong before arriving at the Miaoli Railway Station. It continues through the Gongweixu Tunnel under Meili Mountain to Nanshi and Tongluo Railway Stations, the Tongluo Hakka Courtyard, the Sanyi Shuangtan Leisure Agriculture Area, the Shengxing Railway Station, the Yutengping (Longteng) Broken Bridge, and the Liyutan Reservoir, finally connecting to the Yili Bridge and Taichung City. The total length is 50 kilometers.

▲ Map of the Miaoli Great River Love Bicycle Route (Photo / from Central Taiwan Discount Information E-Coupon)

2. Great River Love Bicycle Trail: Starting from the Guanyiyi Ecological Park in Zhunan Township, the route follows a dedicated bicycle path along the Zhonggang River, offering beautiful riverside views. The path runs along the top of the levee by the mouth of the Zhonggang River, featuring smooth and comfortable sections ideal for cycling.

▲ Map of the Changhua Bagua Mountain Bicycle Trail (Photo / from the Changhua Cycling Leisure Tourism Papago website)

Changhua County

Bagua Mountain Bicycle Trail: Following New Taipei, Taipei, and Kaohsiung, Changhua is the first county/city in central Taiwan to promote the "U-BIKE Public Bicycle System." The "Changhua U-BIKE Public Bicycle System" provides a convenient public bike service network. The Changhua County Government has also carried out comprehensive planning and supporting measures, such as enhanced nighttime lighting and installation of bicycle signals, allowing riders to fully appreciate the county’s commitment to creating a bike-friendly environment.

▲ Map of the Lianlian Jiji – Shuili Chengtan Bicycle Route (Photo / from Central Taiwan Discount Information E-Coupon)

Nantou County

1. Lianlian Jiji Bicycle Trail: The Jiji Bicycle Loop is a circular system that has been awarded the “Health and Leisure Type” first prize in the Executive Yuan’s Bicycle Trail Evaluation. Next to the green tunnel lies the railway line used by the Jiji Train, where riders can take in views of the river weir catchment area, the Julu Bridge, and the Zhuoshui River bed. Afterward, cyclists can enjoy local banana-based snacks in Jiji Old Street, then continue along County Road 27, passing the Military History Park and the Mingxin Academy before entering the Shuili urban area.

2. Shuili Checheng Railway Bicycle Trail: The Shuili Bicycle Trail is built along the banks of the Zhuoshui River and the Shuili River. The scenic route offers picturesque views, including the Mushroom Shed, Zhuoshui River, Qilin Eye, century-old camphor trees, the Fire-Water Spring, Shuili Snake Kiln, and Checheng. Surrounded by ancient camphor forests, you can enjoy the refreshing phytoncides, while the red- and black-tiled rooftops of Checheng town mark the last stop of the Jiji Railway.

“Central Taiwan Discount Information Network E-Coupon”has specially launched a stamp collection campaign where you can exchange stamps for souvenirs. The details are as follows:
1. The cross-county stamp collection activity for souvenir exchanges begins on August 1, 2014.
2. Complete cycling across three counties/cities (by collecting stamps from participating shops or tourist centers) to exchange for one commemorative headscarf.
3. Spend a minimum of NT$500 at participating discount stores (with invoice as proof), or collect stamps from two different participating shops (regardless of spending amount), to exchange for one exquisite souvenir.
4. Leaflet pick-up and souvenir exchanges: Miaoli County Tourism Service Center, Bagua Mountain Giant Buddha Scenic Area Visitor Center, Shihkang Traveler Service Center, Jiji Visitor Center (Jiji Station).
5. Please go to any of the above visitor centers to exchange your souvenir. Each person is limited to one exchange, while supplies last. For more activity details, please check the website announcement: http://www.tcecoupon.com.tw/.