Dongfeng and Houfeng Bikeways in Taichung: A Family-Friendly Green Corridor Built on the Old Mountain Line

Turning an Old Railway into a Gift for Cyclists

The Dongfeng Bicycle Green Corridor stretches about 12 kilometers and is Taiwan’s first dedicated bike path converted from an abandoned railway. The Houfeng Bikeway spans about 4.5 kilometers and connects seamlessly with the Dongfeng Green Corridor. Together they total roughly 16 kilometers of nearly flat, car-free riding—the most suitable route in central Taiwan for bringing kids and grandparents along.

Route Structure

Tunnel No. 9 and the Huailiang Steel Bridge

The signature feature of the Houfeng Bikeway is Tunnel No. 9, about 1.3 kilometers long. Inside, the temperature stays around 20°C year-round—like natural air conditioning in summer—but it’s dim, so be sure to turn on your front light. Right after exiting the tunnel, you’ll hit the Huailiang Steel Bridge, which spans the Dajia River and is a prime photo spot.

Time and Staging Tips for Three Generations Riding Together

When riding this route with grandparents and kids, the goal isn’t finishing—it’s “no fatigue, no sunburn, no rushing.” Here’s the recommended pace:

• Total time: For 16 km including rest stops and photos, plan a leisurely 3 to 4 hours—don’t treat it as a workout
• Rest stops along the way: Shigang Dam (about 40 minutes of riding; see the dam structure and 921 Earthquake remains), Lover’s Wooden Bridge (photos and restrooms), and the Tunnel No. 9 entrance (the most exciting spot for kids—bring flashlights and make it a game)
• Gear: Make sure kids’ bikes have rear lights—Tunnel No. 9 is dark; for seniors, electric-assist bike rentals are available at both the Dongshi and Fengyuan ends
• Return strategy: If you’re worried about seniors’ stamina, ride one-way and return the bikes at the original station to avoid backtracking

Shigang Dam itself is a living lesson in surface ruptures from the 921 Earthquake. Stopping to explain it to the kids is far more meaningful than just pedaling hard the whole way.

Who It’s For

With extremely gentle grades and a fully enclosed, car-free route, this is the best place for beginners to build riding confidence. Electric-assist bikes and tandem rentals are widely available, making it stress-free for three generations to ride together.

Seasons and Crowds

Central Taiwan’s climate is stable, so the route is rideable year-round and one of the few that’s comfortable even in winter. But weekends and holidays draw huge crowds—strollers, tandem bikes, and electric-assist bikes all weave through the corridor, squeezing passing space and raising risks for kids. It’s strongly recommended to go on weekdays or weekend mornings between 7 and 9 a.m. Even with Tunnel No. 9’s natural cooling at midday in high summer, the exposed stretches still feel muggy. After September, daytime temperatures are noticeably cooler and more comfortable—the best months for outings with seniors. During cherry blossom and tung flower season (roughly March to April), the Dongshi end is at its most beautiful, but it’s also peak crowd time, so head out even earlier.

Supplies and Bike Rentals

Both the Dongshi and Fengyuan ends have large rental stations and bike repair points. Along the way, the Shigang and Puzikou settlements offer snacks and coffee, so supplies are never a concern.

Dongfeng and Houfeng remind us: cycling doesn’t have to mean climbing mountains or chasing PRs. Sometimes, quietly riding through an old tunnel with your parents and kids is the best this sport has to offer.

Related Reading

• Taichung Houfeng to Dongfeng Bikeway: Central Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Railway-Converted Corridor
• Taichung Metropolitan Bike Paths: Houfeng Bikeway to Dongfeng Bicycle Green Corridor
• Taichung Urban Cycling Map: A Complete Guide to Commuter and Leisure Bike Routes
• Taiwan’s Railway-Converted Bike Paths: A Complete Riding Guide to the Jiji Line and Old Mountain Line