Houfeng Bikeway Introduction
The Houfeng Bikeway (0k~5.8k) is insured for public liability. The section of the Houfeng Bikeway has been renovated from the old Taiwan Railway Mountain Line, featuring diverse scenery along the way. In addition to lush fields and tranquil rural landscapes, there is the majestic Hualiang Steel Bridge, spanning the wide valley of the Dajia River. The Hualiang Steel Bridge, a signature of the Houfeng Bikeway, was completed during the Japanese colonial period (Meiji 41) in 1908. Its substructure consists of concrete block caissons, with the bridge body made of brick angular stones, making it a rare transportation artifact. Observing from a distance, you can immediately sense its grandiosity. The Hualiang Steel Bridge is also the southernmost attraction along the old Taiwan Railway Mountain Line, measuring 382 meters in length, with a steel truss commonly known as "Hualiang" on every two piers—an engineering work that combines strength and beauty. While biking on the path, you can view distant mountains and flowing waters from the Hualiang Steel Bridge. Another popular attraction on the Houfeng Bikeway is the "No. 9 Tunnel," also constructed in 1908, measuring 1.2 kilometers long, making it the longest tunnel on the Taiwan Railway Mountain Line. The southern entrance features an inscription by the 5th Governor-General of the Japanese occupation, Sakuma Samata, reading "Majestic Weather," while the northern entrance bears the words "Submarine Motion" by Governor-General Gotō Shinpei. The Houfeng Bikeway offers stunning views along the banks of the Dajia River, exceptional scenery, and a unique tunnel experience, creating a visual feast that enriches this leisurely bike trip and amazes riders. The bikeway connects with the 13.6-kilometer "Dongfeng Bicycle Green Corridor," forming a total of 19 kilometers of cycling paths, each segment showcasing different scenic features, ensuring the public enjoys the fun of biking. The Dongfeng Railway Green Corridor is the first dedicated bike path in the country revitalized from an old railway and is also the only closed-type dedicated bike path in Taiwan. With beautiful landscapes along the way, the scenic views are pleasant, accompanied by fields and shade while being free from vehicular interference, making it full of riding fun. On a fine day, hop on your bike; the green Dajia River awaits your experience.
