The Miaoli Old Town Line from Sanyi to Shengxing to Longteng Broken Bridge is getting a railway bike experience.

▲ A railway bike in Jeju Island. (Photo / Reporter Chen Rui-zhong)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Have you ever tried cycling on a railway track? The “railway bike”—which has gained popularity in countries such as Germany, South Korea, and Norway—is also coming to Miaoli. This year, Miaoli County Government was selected for the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Bureau “Cross-Domain Highlight Project” with the theme “Charming Heritage of the Old Mountain Line & International Slow City.” The awarded funds will be used to create a railway bike experience on the Old Mountain Line, with the goal of showcasing the area’s beauty to more people and aligning with international trends.

▲ Shengxing Station is a famous historical site, and the opening of the railway bike route is expected to attract more visitors. (Photo / Screenshot from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications Tourism Bureau)

The Miaoli railway bike route stretches approximately 15.9 kilometers, making it Taiwan’s first recreational and sightseeing transport option that combines all three elements. The route starts at Sanyi Railway Station, passing eight railway sections and three suspension bridges, including the renowned Shengxing Station, Yutengping Broken Bridge (also known as Longteng Broken Bridge), and Taichung’s Tai’an Station. The bike can accommodate up to four passengers.It is hoped that riders can slowly soak in the beauty of the mountains and forests, enjoy the unique charm where the railway blends with the surrounding woodland, breathe in the forest’s phytoncides, and experience a one-of-a-kind railway and mountain journey. The entire route is scheduled to launch in October 2018, in conjunction with the Taichung Houli International Flower Expo, to showcase the beauty of Miaoli’s Old Mountain Line to the world.