Guandu Golden Riverside Biking Trail Introduction
Before the Keelung River merges into the Tamsui River, it creates a beautiful curve around Shajia Island. On the northern bank and west of the Huan Gang Creek, precious rice paddies of metropolitan Taipei are preserved, connecting to the estuarine mangrove natural reserve. This allows people to escape from the hustle and bustle within a very short distance. Riding a bicycle along this area, one can especially appreciate the simple and unpretentious atmosphere of the rural past, feeling grounded and relaxed. Strolling along the embankment at sunset, with gentle river breezes and birds chirping, the Guandu Nature Reserve is vibrant and full of unique romantic wild charm. The cycling path through the Guandu Plain is an open route, starting from the western endpoint at Guandu Temple, then heading east along the Guandu flood control embankment to the Eight Immortals Temple. Turning 90 degrees north, it traverses the Guandu Plain until reaching the southern side of the MRT tracks on Zhonghua North Road in Beitou, exiting at the fragrant rice road west of the Political Warfare School. For visitors who cannot bring their own bicycles, starting from Guandu Temple is more convenient due to its proximity to the MRT station, and bicycles or tandem bikes can be rented there. The original vendors along the riverside section near Guandu Temple have been completely removed, replaced by easy-to-navigate pedestrian walkways. The fishing boats that used to dock by the small bridge over the Zhonggang River have moved to the banks of the Tamsui River, giving up the nostalgic feel of the fishing port, but the water area now offers a refreshing new aspect.
