The 4.4-kilometer-long "Zhutian Star" section of Pingtung’s Bicycle Highway officially opened last Saturday (the 12th), passing through Yongfeng Village, Futian Village, Lüfeng Village, Xishi Village, and Tiaodi Village in Zhutian Township. The Pingtung County Government spent two years on its development, including public art, landscape design, greening, a parent-child recreation area, a croquet court, a basketball court, a laundry area, and a remote-controlled car field, enriching the cycling experience along the bicycle highway.
The "Zhutian Star" in Zhutian, Pingtung has officially opened, giving cycling enthusiasts a new route to explore. (Photo provided by Pingtung County Government)
Pingtung County Magistrate Tsao Chi-hung stated that the Zhutian Star is close to 16 villages in Zhutian and Neipu townships, making it very much part of people's daily lives. It’s not just a cycling path but also a sports hub for local residents, essentially a “wellness village without walls.” He also encouraged flower farmers to plant orchids or Bougainvillea, the county flower of Pingtung, along the Zhutian Star. Visitors can cycle, exercise, and take walks while enjoying the flowers. With further planning such as an Oncidium orchid waterfall, a Phalaenopsis orchid waterfall, and organizing a flower festival along the bicycle highway, it could certainly rival the Taipei Flower Expo.
Public art installations have been set up along the Zhutian Star for visitors to enjoy. (Photo provided by Pingtung County Government)
The public art, planned by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, centers around Pingtung’s rural scenery, culture, and cycling culture. Five artists were invited to create works along the Zhutian Star. One piece, titled "Spinning Iron Horse," combines the 1817 invention of the bicycle by German Baron Karl Drais and the 1834 invention of the zoetrope by British mathematician William George Horner. On the opening day of the bicycle highway, as Magistrate Tsao rode a vintage-style bicycle, patterns inside the zoetrope spun continuously, creating the effect of a small animated film that amazed the public, with many lining up for the experience.
In addition, the organizers provided 150 bicycles for free riding experiences at the Happiness Rainbow Bridge in the County Sports Park and Xishi Railway Station. Three parent-child recreation areas along the route have been especially popular with both kids and adults, drawing large crowds. The market square also features community talent shows, street performances, and a lively handmade market with 60 booths offering Hakka specialties, crafts, local agricultural products, and curated souvenirs—making for a vibrant and exciting atmosphere.
● Read more: 2-Day Kaohsiung Wellness Cycling Tour
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