Roam Central Taiwan on a Happy Cycling Adventure

Text by the editorial team of MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network

 

Taiwan is a kingdom of bicycle manufacturing. World-class cycling events such as the Tour de France feature bikes made in Taiwan. With its premium bicycle industry, Taiwan enjoys exceptional advantages in developing cycling, especially riding the wave of eco-friendly and healthy travel trends. Coupled with planned efforts by governments at all levels — around NT$7.8 billion has been invested over the past five years — the total length of Taiwan’s bike paths has increased dramatically from 900 kilometers in 1998 to 4,016 kilometers in 2003, marking abundant achievements.The Sun Moon Lake lakeside cycling route was honored as one of the world’s top ten most beautiful cycling paths by CNNGO, a lifestyle travel website under CNN.In the future, central and local governments will continue to promote the initiative, planning to invest another NT$1.2 billion to build new routes connecting the entire island. The goal is to complete Taiwan’s national cycling network by the end of 2015, forming a world-class cycling island.

The “Central Taiwan E-Coupon” promotional

 

 

Taichung City

Photo caption: Route maps of the Houfeng Bicycle Path and Dongfeng Green Corridor Bicycle Path. (Image source / Central Taiwan Discount Information Network)

 

1. The Houfeng Bicycle Path is 4.5 kilometers long, featuring varied scenery and breathtaking views throughout. From the Huayang Steel Bridge, you can gaze at the landscapes along the Dajia River, and experience the uniquely designed No. 9 Tunnel. The continuous visual feast is truly astonishing.

Miaoli County

2. Big River Love Bicycle Path: Begins at the Guanyiyi Eco-Park in Zhunan Town and follows a dedicated bicycle path along the Zhonggang River. You can enjoy riverside views as you ride along the flat and smooth embankment top near the mouth of the Zhonggang River—comfortable and easy cycling all the way.

Changhua County

Bagua Mountain Bicycle Path: 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 cycling network. The Changhua County Government has also carried out comprehensive planning and supporting measures, such as enhanced nighttime lighting and installation of bicycle traffic signals, allowing everyone to experience the county government’s dedication to creating a bike-friendly public transport environment through riding the U-BIKE system.

Nantou County

1. Lianlian Jiji Bicycle Path: The Jiji Cycling Loop System was once awarded the “Health & Leisure Type” First Prize in the Executive Yuan’s Bicycle Path Evaluation. Next to the Green Tunnel is the railway where the Jiji Train runs. Along the route, you can view the scenic reservoir catchment area, Julu Bridge, and the bed of the Zhuoshui River. Then, enjoy local banana-based snacks in the historic Jiji Old Street before continuing along Provincial Highway 27, passing the Military History Park and Mingxin Academy into the Shuili area.

 

Route map of the Shuili-Jiji Bicycle Path. (Image source / Central Taiwan Discount Information Network)

 

2. Shuili Checheng Bicycle Path: The Shuili cycling path is built along the Zhuoshui River and Shuili River, offering beautiful scenery along the way. You can admire sights such as the mushroom sheds, 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 phytoncide-rich air. The red- and black-tiled Checheng town is the last station of the Jiji Railway.

The cross-county cycling feature of the “Central Taiwan Discount Information Network” is the highlight of this event. By leveraging joint marketing across central Taiwan, it attracts visitors’ attention. Additionally, to enhance the fun of the campaign and create real consumer opportunities for participating discount partner shops, the “Central Taiwan Discount Information Network E-Coupon” has launched a special foldout stamp-collecting and souvenir-redemption activity. Details are as follows:

 

1. The cross-county stamp-collecting souvenir redemption event begins on August 1, 2014.

2. Complete cycling across three counties/cities (by collecting stamps from participating shops or tourist centers) to redeem a commemorative headscarf.

3. Spend a minimum of NT$500 at discounted partner shops (with receipt as proof), or collect stamps from two different partner shops (regardless of spending amount), to redeem a premium souvenir.

4. Foldouts can be collected and souvenirs redeemed at: Miaoli County Tourism Service Center, Bagua Mountain Giant Buddha Scenic Area Visitor Center, Shihkang Tourist Service Center, and Jiji Visitor Center (Jiji Station).

5.     Please exchange your souvenir at any of the tourist centers listed above. Each person is limited to one souvenir, and souvenirs will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies last. For more event information, please refer to the announcements on the “Central Taiwan Discounts Information Network” website.