Orchid Fern Cycling Path Introduction
The Orchid Fern Bicycle Path, stretching 7.4 kilometers between Jioujiao and Changzhi, is a dedicated bike path designed to utilize the available space beneath the elevated highway in Pingtung's southern section. It is also the first bicycle path in Taiwan designated for national highway standards. Due to the cover provided by the elevated bridge, riders need not worry about sun and rain, and the entire route is equipped with traffic signals specifically for bicycles, enhancing safety while riding so that cyclists can fully enjoy the thrill of riding against the wind. Along the Orchid Fern Bicycle Path, various flowers are planted on the bridge piers and open spaces, such as Phalaenopsis orchids, Dendrobium orchids, bougainvillea, and staghorn ferns, creating a lush green environment reminiscent of an outdoor green corridor. In addition, many installations created by artists have become part of the landscape, adding different artistic flavors to the Orchid Fern Bicycle Path. The path traverses the three townships of Jioujiao, Yanpu, and Changzhi, connecting many rural roads along the way. By simply following the scenic signboards set up along the route, cyclists can reach numerous charming attractions. For example, if you ride until you are sweating and thirsty, you can visit the Lemon Marketing Cooperative to squeeze a refreshing glass of kumquat lemonade, guaranteed to cool you down. Cyclists who love rural scenery can visit the Elder Village to see koi raised in a ditch, a century-old Minnan-style three-section compound, and a two-hundred-year-old jackfruit tree. If you're looking to have some fun in the water, head to the Yongquan Ecological Area, where water naturally gushes from the ground, creating bubbles in the stream that are quite an interesting phenomenon. Therefore, cyclists visiting the Orchid Fern Bicycle Path are encouraged to take advantage of the small rural roads extending on either side to deeply experience the local culture and enjoy a beautiful encounter with the simple countryside.
