Taiwan’s Best Family-Friendly Cycling Routes: Introduce Your Kids to the Island’s Most Beautiful Bike Paths

Taiwan may be small, but it boasts a bike path network that cyclists around the world envy. From north to south, from coastline to mountain forest, thousands of kilometers of bike paths link together the island’s most beautiful scenery. Many of these routes are especially well suited for exploring together with children.

The criteria for choosing a family route are simple: safe, flat, fun, and well-supplied with rest stops. Below are ten bike paths from across Taiwan that meet these criteria, presented from north to south. Each route comes with practical information so you can plan your next family cycling trip right away.

1. New Taipei Tamsui Golden Riverside Bikeway

Route Overview

• Distance: About 15 km (Guandu to Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf)
• Surface: Fully paved, flat
• Difficulty: Very easy
• Suitable age: 4 and up (can be ridden in sections)

Route Highlights

The route runs along the right bank of the Tamsui River, passing Guandu Nature Park, the Zhuwei mangrove forest, and Tamsui Old Street before arriving at Fisherman’s Wharf. The route is nearly flat throughout, with beautiful riverside scenery — especially unforgettable at dusk, when golden sunlight spreads across the water.

Highlights for Families

• Guandu Nature Park offers waterbird watching (bring binoculars if you can)
• Tamsui Old Street has a wide variety of snacks as a midway reward
• Fisherman’s Wharf has a large lawn where kids can run around
• You can take the Tamsui ferry back for extra fun

Practical Information

• Public restrooms and drinking fountains are available along the route
• Bike rental services are available near Guandu and Tamsui stations
• Crowds are larger on weekends — an early start helps you avoid the peak

2. Taipei Shezidao Island Loop Bikeway

Route Overview

• Distance: About 10 km (loop)
• Surface: Well paved
• Difficulty: Very easy
• Suitable age: 5 and up

Route Highlights

Shezidao sits at the confluence of the Keelung River and the Tamsui River, offering a rare pastoral landscape within Taipei City. The loop bikeway follows the dike, with river views on one side and farmland on the other, creating a feeling of stepping back in time.

Highlights for Families

• The island preserves traditional farming village scenery, letting kids see vegetable plots and crops up close
• The loop design means there’s no worry about taking a wrong turn
• Fewer people and vehicles than riverside paths in central Taipei, making it quieter and safer
• Daotou Park is a great scenic rest stop

3. Hsinchu 17km Coastal Bikeway

Route Overview

• Distance: About 17 km (Nanliao Fishing Port to Gangnan Canal)
• Surface: Paved, with some boardwalk sections
• Difficulty: Easy
• Suitable age: 6 and up

Route Highlights

Built along the Hsinchu coastline, this route lets you see the sea and hear the waves the whole way. It passes Nanliao Fishing Port, Seaview Park, the Fengqing Coast, and Hongmao Harbor. Strong sea breezes are a defining feature of this route — and also a challenge, so it’s best to ride with a tailwind on the way out and a headwind on the way back.

Highlights for Families

• Nanliao Fishing Port has giant kites and art installations, great for photos
• Several beach sections along the route are perfect for a quick play in the sand and water
• The viewing platform at Seaview Park offers a fantastic view
• Reward yourselves with fresh seafood at the fishing port at the end

Things to Note

• Winds are strong by the sea — bring windbreakers and sun protection
• Some boardwalk sections can be slippery when wet
• Northeast monsoon winds are strong in winter — not recommended during that season

4. Taichung Houfeng Bikeway + Dongfeng Green Bikeway Corridor

Route Overview

• Distance: Houfeng section about 4.5 km + Dongfeng section about 12 km
• Surface: Paved and flat (converted from a former railway)
• Difficulty: Very easy
• Suitable age: 4 and up (the Houfeng section alone works well)

Route Highlights

This may be Taiwan’s most popular family bike path. Converted from a former railway line, the surface is flat and wide. The Houfeng section’s two highlights — Tunnel No. 9 and the Flower Truss Steel Bridge — add a real sense of adventure to the ride. The Dongfeng section follows the Dajia River, weaving together farmland and mountain views.

Highlights for Families

• Tunnel No. 9 is about 1.27 km long — kids love the thrill of riding through it
• The Flower Truss Steel Bridge is a relic from the Japanese colonial era, spanning the Dajia River with a spectacular view
• The Dongfeng section has many rest stops and snack stands along the way
• At the starting point, Houli Horse Ranch lets you bring the kids to see the horses too

Practical Information

• Plenty of bike rental shops with a wide selection near Houli and Fengyuan stations
• Rental crowds are large on weekends — weekday visits or an early start are recommended

5. Nantou Jiji Green Tunnel Bikeway

Route Overview

• Distance: About 4.5 km (one way)
• Surface: Paved
• Difficulty: Very easy
• Suitable age: 4 and up

Route Highlights

Running alongside the Jiji rail line, this route is flanked by towering camphor trees forming a green tunnel, with sunlight filtering beautifully through the leaves. Short and flat, it’s one of the best routes for young children.

Highlights for Families

• The shade of the green tunnel keeps the ride cool even in summer
• The area around Jiji Station has a nostalgic small-town charm
• You can combine riding with taking the Jiji Line train, alternating between pedaling and riding the rails
• At the endpoint, Shuili Snake Kiln lets kids try their hand at pottery

6. Sun Moon Lake Loop Bikeway

Route Overview

• Distance: About 30 km (full loop); recommended family section: Xiangshan to Shuishe, about 3.5 km
• Surface: Paved (some sections have gradients)
• Difficulty: Easy (selected section) to moderate (full loop)
• Suitable age: 6 and up (selected section); 10 and up (full loop)

Route Highlights

Once named by CNN as one of the world’s ten most beautiful bike paths. Surrounded by lake and mountain scenery, every turn reveals a new picture-perfect view. The full loop has some challenging gradients, but the Xiangshan-to-Shuishe section is flat and showcases the finest scenery.

Highlights for Families

• The architecture of the Xiangshan Visitor Center is a highlight in itself
• The floating bikeway section feels like riding across the surface of the lake
• Combine it with a boat tour of the lake to enjoy Sun Moon Lake from both water and land
• Ita Thao Pier has Indigenous cuisine and snacks

7. Chiayi Puzi River Bikeway

Route Overview

• Distance: About 25 km (full route); recommended family section about 10 km
• Surface: Paved
• Difficulty: Easy
• Suitable age: 6 and up

Route Highlights

Built along the banks of the Puzi River, this route links Suantou Sugar Refinery, Liujiao Township, and Dongshi Fishing Port. The route is flat and straight, flanked by the classic pastoral scenery of the Chianan Plain — green rice paddies swaying in the wind, with flocks of egrets occasionally flying overhead.

Highlights for Families

• Suantou Sugar Refinery has a small train ride and old-fashioned popsicles
• Dongshi Fishing Port at the endpoint offers local specialties like oyster omelets and oyster vermicelli
• The straight, easy route is great for building confidence in kids who just learned to ride
• The wide-open pastoral scenery is a great opportunity for city kids to experience the countryside

8. Tainan Mountain-to-Sea Green Corridor Bikeway

Route Overview

• Distance: About 45 km (full route); recommended family section about 12 km (Taijiang section)
• Surface: Paved
• Difficulty: Easy (Taijiang section)
• Suitable age: 6 and up

Route Highlights

The Mountain-to-Sea Green Corridor runs from Taijiang National Park to Wushanto Reservoir, linking mountains and sea. The Taijiang section follows the Chianan Irrigation Canal, passing salt flats and fish farms where you can spot fiddler crabs and mudskippers.

Highlights for Families

• Taijiang National Park’s rich ecosystem serves as a natural outdoor classroom
• The Sicao Green Tunnel offers bamboo raft tours through the mangroves
• The salt flat sunset is a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts
• Along the way, sample local Tainan specialties like milkfish congee

9. Kaohsiung Love River Bikeway

Route Overview

• Distance: About 16 km (from the river’s source to its mouth)
• Surface: Paved
• Difficulty: Very easy
• Suitable age: 5 and up

Route Highlights

This route follows the Love River from upstream all the way to its mouth, linking together the finest sights in downtown Kaohsiung. Along the way you’ll pass the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, the Hakka Culture Park, and True Love Pier — a route that blends nature with urban culture.

Highlights for Families

• The large lawns around the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts are great for a rest and a picnic
• Plenty of cafes and restaurants line the riverbank
• The Pier-2 Art Center features a variety of creative exhibitions and art installations
• The Love River’s evening lights are dazzling — setting off at dusk offers a completely different atmosphere

10. Hualien Two Lakes Bikeway

Route Overview

• Distance: About 20 km (Liyu Lake to Qixingtan)
• Surface: Mostly paved
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Suitable age: 7 and up

Route Highlights

A classic route connecting the two major attractions of Liyu Lake and Qixingtan. It passes the Mugua River, downtown Hualien, and Beibin Park before arriving at Qixingtan on the Pacific coast. The scenery, sandwiched between mountains and sea, is grand and captivating.

Highlights for Families

• Liyu Lake offers boating and fish feeding, making it a perfect start or end point
• Qixingtan’s pebble beach lets kids collect stones and stack rock towers
• Along the way you’ll pass several famous Hualien shops, such as Gongzheng Baozi and the temple-front red tea stand
• Combine it with a trip to Taroko Gorge for a two-day, one-night Hualien family getaway

General Family Cycling Tips

Whichever route you choose, here are some general tips for family cycling:

Before You Go

• Check the weather forecast and avoid rain and extreme heat
• Confirm the operating hours and bike selection of rental shops along the route
• Bring plenty of water and snacks
• Make sure everyone wears a helmet

While Riding

• Keep an adult at the front and back of the group
• Take a break every 30 to 40 minutes
• Don’t rush — enjoy the process
• Take lots of photos and stop often to explore

After Riding

• Rehydrate and refuel
• Do some light stretching
• Talk with your kids about their favorite part of the day
• Start planning your next route

Closing Thoughts

Taiwan’s most beautiful scenery isn’t found in a travel brochure — it’s found on the road where you and your children pedal together, face the breeze, and slowly discover the world around you. Every bike path has its own unique story and scenery, and every kilometer you ride together will become one of the most beautiful memories of your child’s life.

Pick a route, set aside a weekend, bring the kids, and go. Taiwan’s bike paths are waiting for your whole family to explore.

Related Reading

• Taipei Guandu to Tamsui Riverside Route: The Complete Guide to an Easy Wetland Ecology Ride
• A Cyclist’s Travel Philosophy: 36 Ways to Explore Taiwan by Bike
• Taipei’s Complete 50km Riverside Bikeway: A Deep Dive into the Urban Green Corridor
• Taipei’s Urban Bikeway Network: The Complete Guide to City Cycling Routes