Taichung Metropolitan Bikeways: Houfeng Bikeway to Dongfeng Bikeway

Taichung City is the core city of central Taiwan and one of the metropolitan areas with the most well-developed bikeway networks in Taiwan. Unlike mountain routes that require extensive climbing training, Taichung’s bikeway system is distinguished by its “conversion of old railway lines,” offering flat, safe, and scenic recreational riding experiences beloved by cyclists of all ages. The two most representative routes are the Houfeng Bikeway and the Dongfeng Bikeway. This article will take you on an in-depth look at these two classic Taiwanese bikeways.

Dongfeng Bikeway

Basic Information

• Total Length: Approximately 12.7 km (Fengyuan → Dongshi)
• Surface: Fully paved asphalt, approximately 3 meters wide
• Starting Point: Fengyuan Station (or the bikeway starting plaza)
• End Point: Dongshi Hakka Cultural Park
• Elevation Gain/Loss: Nearly flat, with an elevation difference of about 90 meters
• Difficulty: Very easy (suitable for the whole family)
• Opening Hours: Open all day

Route Features

The Dongfeng Bikeway was built on the corridor of the former Dongshi Line railway. The Dongshi Line was originally a branch line of the Taiwan Railways Administration, opening to traffic in 1958 and decommissioned in 2000. After its closure, it was converted into a bikeway, making it one of Taiwan’s earliest successful cases of converting an abandoned railway into a cycling path.

The entire route follows the watershed of a tributary of the Dajia River, passing through Fengyuan’s urban area, Shigang, and Dongshi. The terrain along the way is flat with wide-open views, making it the most relaxed and enjoyable cycling route in Taichung.

Major Attractions

Fengyuan Section (Starting Point to Shigang, approximately 7 km)

The Fengyuan section passes through the urban area and has multiple access points with convenient parking. Parks and pavilions along the way are well-equipped, making it suitable for family cycling.

Shigang Dam (approximately 7 km from Fengyuan)

The Shigang Dam spans the Dajia River and is an important irrigation water source facility for the central region. The dam was severely damaged after the 921 Earthquake but has since been repaired. From the dam structure, you can overlook the Dajia River valley—it is the most significant scenic node on the Dongfeng route.

Dongshi Section (Shigang to the End Point, approximately 5 km)

After entering Dongshi, more green fields and fruit trees appear on both sides. Dongshi is a renowned persimmon and pear production area in Taiwan. In autumn, fruit farmers can be seen drying persimmons by the roadside, creating a stunning expanse of orange-red hues.

Dongshi Hakka Cultural Park (End Point)

Dongshi is the area in Taichung City with the highest concentration of Hakka communities. The Hakka Cultural Park showcases a rich collection of Hakka artifacts, traditional architecture, and food culture, making it a great place to learn about Taiwan’s Hakka heritage.

Houfeng Bikeway

Basic Information

• Total Length: Approximately 15 km (Fengyuan → Houli)
• Surface: Asphalt pavement, with some sections of gravel path
• Starting Point: Fengyuan (connected to the Dongfeng Bikeway)
• End Point: Houli Horse Ranch or Yuemei
• Elevation Gain/Loss: Gentle terrain with slight undulations in some sections
• Difficulty: Easy (suitable for general recreational riding)
• Highlights: Hua-Liang Steel Bridge, Fenghou Iron Bridge, Houli Horse Ranch

Route Features

The Houfeng Bikeway also utilizes the corridor of a former railway line, connecting Fengyuan and Houli. The route passes through the Dajia River valley, where two historic iron bridges have been preserved in their original state—the most distinctive scenic elements of this route.

Major Attractions

Hua-Liang Steel Bridge

Built in 1908, the Hua-Liang Steel Bridge is one of Taiwan’s best-preserved railway steel bridges from the Japanese colonial era. The bridge is approximately 288 meters long and spans the Dajia River. Standing on the bridge, you can overlook the wide riverbed and distant mountain views. The truss structure of the steel bridge itself holds significant industrial aesthetic value and is a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts.

Fenghou Tunnel

The route passes through the “Fenghou Tunnel,” converted from an old railway tunnel, approximately 300 meters in length. The tunnel is equipped with lighting, and remains pleasantly cool even in the hot summer—a delightful surprise along the ride.

Houli Horse Ranch (Quanxing Horse Ranch)

Houli Horse Ranch is one of Taiwan’s oldest privately operated horse ranches, established during the Japanese colonial era. It offers equestrian performances, horseback riding experiences, and other activities, functioning as a distinctive leisure farm. The bikeway has parking and rest facilities nearby.

Dongfeng + Houfeng Combined Ride

The most popular way to ride is to connect the Dongfeng and Houfeng bikeways into one complete route, starting from Dongshi or linking up at Fengyuan, forming a bikeway route of approximately 28 kilometers. Here is a suggested itinerary:

Itinerary Planning (approximately 3 to 4 hours including stops):

1. Start from Dongshi → Shigang → Fengyuan (Dongfeng Bikeway, 12.7 km, about 1 hour)
2. Transfer to the Houfeng Bikeway at Fengyuan and head toward Houli (15 km, about 1.5 hours)
3. Stop at the Hua-Liang Steel Bridge for photography (30 minutes)
4. After lunch and a rest in Houli, return via the same route or take a shuttle bus

Rental Information and Transportation

Bicycle Rental

• Fengyuan Starting Point: Multiple rental shops near Fengyuan Station offer multi-person bicycles, tandem bikes, and more
• Dongshi Starting Point: Rental services are available around the Dongshi Hakka Cultural Park
• Cost: General bicycles approximately NT$100 to 150 per hour; full-day rentals approximately NT$400 to 600

Public Transportation

Fengyuan Station on the Taiwan Railways Administration is the most convenient starting point for transportation. The Taichung Mountain Line stops at Fengyuan, and it takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to reach from Taipei or Taichung.

Local Food Along the Way

• Fengyuan Miaodong Night Market: A well-known night market in Taichung; stinky tofu, crystal dumplings, and oyster vermicelli are signature items
• Dongshi Hakka Cuisine: Ban tiao (flat rice noodles), Hakka stir-fry, and ginger-scented pork tripe—authentic Taiwanese Hakka flavors
• Houli Dried Persimmons: A local specialty in autumn; semi-dried persimmons are sweet without being cloying
• Shigang Tofu: A local specialty of Shigang; handcrafted tofu with a fine, delicate texture

The Dongfeng and Houfeng bikeways are exemplary cases of metropolitan bikeway development in Taiwan. Whether you are a beginner on your first ride, a family with children, or a seasoned cyclist looking for a relaxing weekend, these two connected bikeways offer a perfect riding experience. With the dual appeal of railway history and culture alongside the natural scenery of the mountain town, every pedal stroke is filled with stories and warmth.

Related Reading

• Taichung Houfeng to Dongfeng Bikeway: The Most Beautiful Railway-Converted Corridor in Central Taiwan
• Taichung Metropolitan Cycling Map: A Complete Guide to Commuting and Leisure Bike Routes
• Taichung Dongfeng and Houfeng Bikeways: A Family-Friendly Green Corridor Along the Old Mountain Line
• Taiwan’s Railway-Converted Bikeways: A Complete Riding Guide to the Jiji Line and Old Mountain Line