Houfeng Bicycle Path Introduction
The Houfeng Bike Path (0k~5.8k) is insured for public liability. The section of the Houfeng Bike Path has been reconstructed from the old Mountain Line of Taiwan Railways, featuring diverse landscapes along the way. In addition to lush fields and tranquil rural scenery, there is the magnificent Hualiang Steel Bridge, spanning the wide valley of the Dajia River. The signature Hualiang Steel Bridge was completed in 1908 during the Japanese occupation (Meiji 41), with its substructure made of concrete block foundation and the bridge piers constructed of brick corner stones, making it a rare piece of engineering craftsmanship. From a distance, one can immediately sense its majestic presence. The Hualiang Steel Bridge is also the southernmost attraction on the old Mountain Line of Taiwan Railways, measuring 382 meters in length, with a set of steel trusses colloquially called Hualiang on every two bridge piers, combining strength and beauty in its engineering design. As you bike through the path, you can enjoy the distant views of mountains and flowing water while crossing the Hualiang Steel Bridge. Another popular attraction along the Houfeng Bike Path is the No. 9 Tunnel, also built in 1908, which is the longest tunnel on the old Mountain Line at 1.2 kilometers. The southern entrance of the tunnel features the inscription "氣象雄深" (Majestic Weather) by the fifth governor during the Japanese occupation, Sakuma Samata, while the northern entrance bears the phrase "潛行不窒" (Smooth Passage) by the civil governor Goto Shinpei. The Houfeng Bike Path not only offers stunning views along the banks of the Dajia River but also a unique experience of traversing through the special tunnels, providing a feast for the eyes with successive scenic spots that make this leisurely cycling journey rich and astonishing. The bike path connects with the 13.6-kilometer Dongfeng Bicycle Green Corridor, forming a total bike trail of 19 kilometers, with each segment showcasing different scenic features, ensuring that the public can fully enjoy the pleasures of cycling. The Dongfeng Railway Green Corridor is the first bicycle-only path in the country built from an abandoned railway, and it's the only closed bicycle path in Taiwan. Along the way, the scenery is beautiful, pleasant, accompanied by farmland and shaded trees, free from vehicular interference, filled with riding pleasure. On a good day, hop on your bike and experience the green Dajia River waiting for you.
