Explore Taichung from All Angles: Cycle Through Xinshe Flower Sea and Ride to Fengyuan

▲ The Xinshe Flower Sea Carpet Festival draws large crowds. (Photo / Taken fromTaichung Tourism Network’s official Facebook page)

By the Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The Xinshe Flower Sea Carpet Festival, which opened on November 7, has seen remarkable popularity. According to statistics released by the Tourism Bureau, a single-day visitor count exceeding 210,000 was recorded as of yesterday (the 17th). However, the Houfeng Bicycle Path and Dongfeng Green Corridor—both key routes to the flower sea—remain sparsely populated.To encourage people to pause and appreciate the beautiful scenery en route to the flower sea, the Taichung County Bicycle Association has collaborated with local bicycle businesses to launch the “Visit Xinshe Flower Sea and Cycle in Fengyuan” event. This initiative provides different routes to the flower sea, offering unique views of the landscapes in Xinshe and Fengyuan.

The Xinshe Flower Sea attracts over ten thousand visitors daily, and major access roads such as National Freeway No. 4 and Fengshi Road have become heavily congested. In comparison, the Houfeng Bicycle Path and Dongfeng Green Corridor—also essential routes to the Xinshe Flower Sea—are remarkably quiet. To boost surrounding tourism, the Taichung County Bicycle Association has partnered with 39 bicycle shops across Houli, Fengyuan, Shigang, and Dongshi areas to launch a “Cycle Through Flower Sea & Enjoy 20% Discount” campaign. This effort not only draws visitors but also promotes green tourism in neighboring regions.

%The association’s chairperson suggests that cyclists can take an alternative route via the Dongfeng Bicycle Path, starting from under the National Freeway No. 4 overpass and pedaling all the way “into” the flower sea event. Along the way, cyclists will pass landmarks such as the Shigang Dam, Lover’s Wooden Bridge, Dongfeng Iron Bridge, and the Dongshi Hakka Cultural Museum. Alternatively, they can choose the Houfeng Bicycle Path, which takes them through Tunnel No. 9 and a series of hairpin turns, offering views of the natural landscape along the Dajia River. By taking either of these two cycling routes into the Xinshe Flower Sea, visitors can avoid traffic jams and immerse themselves in nature.

The chairman of the Taichung County Bicycle Association recommends that the public consider taking the Dongfeng Bicycle Path, starting from under the National Freeway No. 4 bridge and cycling all the way into the flower sea festival. The route features attractions such as the Shigang Dam, Lover’s Wooden Bridge, Dongfeng Iron Bridge, and the Dongshi Hakka Cultural Museum. Another option is the Houfeng Bicycle Path, which goes through Tunnel No. 9 and includes thrilling hairpin turns, while also showcasing the natural scenery along the Dajia River. Cycling into the Xinshe Flower Sea via these two different paths not only helps avoid traffic but also allows for a more immersive experience in nature.

Xie Zhizhong, a member of the Taichung City Council, also suggests that cyclists first avoid the traffic congestion, enjoy a refreshing journey through nature, and then step into the vibrant flower sea—making the trip richer and more diverse.