Houfeng Bike Path Introduction
The Houfeng Bikeway (0k~5.8k) is insured for public liability. The section of the Houfeng Bikeway was renovated from the old Taiwan Railway Shanshan Line, featuring diverse landscapes along the way. Besides lush fields and serene rural scenery, it also boasts the magnificent Hualiang Steel Bridge, which spans the wide valley of the Dajia River. The Hualiang Steel Bridge was constructed during the Japanese colonial era and completed in 1908 (Meiji 41). Its substructure is made of concrete block stone caissons, and the bridge seat consists of brick and stone, making it a rare transportation artifact. From a distance, its grand scale is immediately apparent. The Hualiang Steel Bridge is also the southernmost attraction of the old Taiwan Railway Shanshan Line, measuring 382 meters in length. Each pair of bridge piers features a set of steel trusses, commonly referred to as Hualiang, showcasing the combination of strength and beauty in engineering. Biking along the trail allows visitors to view distant mountains and flowing water from the Hualiang Steel Bridge. Another popular attraction on the Houfeng Bikeway is the No. 9 Tunnel, which was also built in 1908 and is the longest tunnel on the old Taiwan Railway Shanshan Line, measuring 1.2 kilometers. The southern entrance bears the inscription "Meteorological Majestic" by the fifth governor-general Sakuma Samata from the Japanese colonial era, while the northern entrance has the inscription "Unobstructed Beneath" by the civil governor Gotō Shinpei. In addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery along the Dajia River, the Houfeng Bikeway offers a unique experience of traversing through special tunnels, creating a feast of scenic views along this leisurely cycling journey that is both enriching and astonishing. The bikeway connects to the 13.6-kilometer "Dongfeng Bicycle Green Corridor," forming a total of 19 kilometers of cycling paths, with each section boasting different scenic features, ensuring that cyclists fully enjoy the pleasure of biking. The Dongfeng Railway Green Corridor is the first dedicated bicycle path in the country revitalized from an old railway and is the only closed type bicycle path in Taiwan, surrounded by beautiful scenery and pleasant views, with fields and shade accompanying cyclists, free from vehicle interference, making it a delightful riding experience. On a good day, hop on a bicycle and experience the green Dajia River waiting for you.
