Orchid Fern Bike Path Introduction
The Orchid Fern Bicycle Path, stretching 7.4 kilometers between Jiou Ru and Changzhi, is a dedicated bike path planned under the elevated highway of the Southern Taiwan Second Expressway in Pingtung. It is the first national-level bicycle path in Taiwan. The path is sheltered from the sun and rain by the high bridge above, ensuring a comfortable riding experience. Special traffic signals for bicycles are installed along the route to enhance safety, allowing riders to enjoy the fun of cycling in the wind. Along the Orchid Fern Bicycle Path, various flowers and plants, such as orchids, bougainvillea, and deer fern, have been planted, creating a lush outdoor green corridor. Additionally, carefully crafted installations by various artists add unique artistic elements to the landscape, giving the Orchid Fern Bicycle Path a distinctive charm. The path crosses the towns of Jiou Ru, Yan Pu, and Changzhi, connecting many rural roads. By following the signposts along the way, cyclists can reach many interesting spots. For example, after a strenuous ride, one can quench their thirst with freshly squeezed kumquat lemonade at the Lemon Marketing Cooperative; those who enjoy rural scenery can visit the Elderly Village to see koi fish in the ditches, traditional Min-style Sanheyuan architecture with a hundred-year history, and a two-hundred-year-old tree. If you want to play in the water, visit the Spring Ecology Area, where naturally emerging groundwater collects, creating bubbles in the stream, which is quite an interesting phenomenon. Therefore, cyclists visiting the Orchid Fern Bicycle Path are encouraged to explore the extended rural paths on either side and deeply experience the local culture and embrace the simplicity of rural life.
