Houfeng Bike Path Introduction
The Houfeng Bicycle Path (0k~5.8k) is covered by public liability insurance. The Houfeng Bicycle Path is reconstructed from the old railway line of the Taiwan Railway's Shan Line, featuring diverse landscapes along the route. You’ll encounter lush fields and tranquil rural scenery, as well as the magnificent Hualiang Steel Bridge, which spans the broad valley of the Dajia River. The iconic Hualiang Steel Bridge, completed in 1908 during the Japanese colonial period (Meiji 41), has a substructure made of concrete blocks and a bridge seat constructed of brick cornerstones, making it a rare transportation artifact. From a distance, its majestic presence is immediately noticeable. The Hualiang Steel Bridge is also the southernmost attraction on the old Shan Line, measuring 382 meters in length, with a pair of steel trusses, colloquially known as Hualiang, above each pair of piers, representing a combination of strength and beauty in engineering. Riding along the bicycle path, you can admire distant mountains and flowing waters while crossing the Hualiang Steel Bridge. Another popular attraction on the Houfeng Bicycle Path is the No. 9 Tunnel, built in 1908. It is the longest tunnel on the old Shan Line, stretching 1.2 kilometers. The south portal features the inscription 'KiShokYongShin' by the fifth Japanese governor-general, Sakuma Samata, while the north portal bears the inscription 'SenKoMuChitsu' by Governor-General Gotō Shōjirō. The Houfeng Bicycle Path offers stunning views along the Dajia River and a unique tunnel experience, presenting a visual feast that makes this leisurely cycling trip both rich and astonishing. The bicycle path connects to the 13.6-kilometer Dongfeng Bicycle Green Corridor, creating a total of 19 kilometers of bike paths, with various scenic characteristics in each segment, allowing riders to fully enjoy the pleasure of cycling. The Dongfeng Railway Green Corridor is the first dedicated bicycle path in the country revitalized from an old railway, and it is also the only closed-type bike path in the nation. The route offers beautiful and pleasant scenery, accompanied by rural landscapes and shade from trees, free from vehicle interference, making it a delight for cycling. On a nice day, hop on your bike— the green Dajia River is waiting for you to experience it.
