Orchid Fern Bike Path Introduction
The Orchid Fern Bicycle Path between Jiuru and Changzhi is 7.4 kilometers long and was planned as a dedicated bicycle path using the space below the elevated highway of the Pingtung section of National Highway No. 2. It is also the first national highway-level bicycle path in Taiwan. Due to the coverage of the elevated bridge, riders need not worry about sun or rain, and the entire route is equipped with bicycle-specific signals to enhance safety during rides, allowing cyclists to enjoy the thrill of riding against the wind. Along the Orchid Fern Bicycle Path, various flowers and plants, such as orchids, bougainvillea, and staghorn ferns, have been planted on the bridge piers and open spaces, creating a green corridor outdoors. Additionally, many installation artworks created by artists become part of the landscape, adding a unique artistic flair to the Orchid Fern Bicycle Path. The path crosses the towns of Jiuru, Yanpu, and Changzhi, linking many rural roads along the way. By referring to the scenic markers set along the route, cyclists can access many charming attractions. For example, if you ride until you're sweaty and thirsty and desire a cup of calamondin lemon juice, you can visit the Lemon Marketing Cooperative to enjoy freshly squeezed juice, guaranteed to be refreshing and thirst-quenching. Cyclists who love rural scenery can visit Elderly Village to see koi raised in the ditches, the century-old Minnan-style Sanheyuan buildings, and the 200-year-old Persimmon tree. If you're looking to play in the water, head to the Spring Ecological Area, where natural groundwater emerges from below, creating interesting bubbles in the stream. Therefore, cyclists visiting the Orchid Fern Bicycle Path are encouraged to explore the extending countryside roads to deeply experience the local culture and have a beautiful encounter with the simple rural life.
