Taichung Dakeng to Xinshe Countryside Ride: The Best Easy Weekend Route in Central Taiwan

Route Overview

The cycling route from Dakeng in Taichung to Xinshe is the top weekend choice for riders in central Taiwan. This route traverses the hilly terrain on the outskirts of Taichung, passing flower fields, orchards, cafés, and pastoral scenery along the way—a perfect route that combines both exercise and leisure.

Route Information

Item	Details
Start	Dakeng Roundabout, Taichung
End	Xinshe Flower Sea (or loop back to Dakeng)
Distance	Approx. 20km one way, approx. 45km loop
Total Climb	Approx. 500-700m
Surface	100% asphalt
Difficulty	★★ (Easy to moderate)
Suggested Time	3-4 hours (including rest stops)

Route Details

Dakeng to Zhongxingling (0-8km)

Starting from the Dakeng Roundabout, head toward Xinshe along Dongshan Road. The first few kilometers pass through the Dakeng commercial area, then the climbing gradually begins. The roadside is lined with neat betel nut orchards and fruit trees, with a gentle gradient (2-4%)—perfect for warming up.

Highlights along the way:

• Dakeng trail system entrances
• Roadside fruit stalls (seasonal fruit)
• Lookout point at Zhongxingling

Zhongxingling to Xinshe (8-20km)

After crossing Zhongxingling, the route enters the Xinshe Plateau. The scenery shifts from suburban hills to open highland farmland, with expansive views that suddenly open up.

Highlights along the way:

• Xinshe Flower Sea (in full bloom November-December)
• Xinshe Mushroom Street
• Various scenic restaurants and cafés
• Lavender Forest (a short detour is possible)

Loop Options (20-45km)

From Xinshe, several routes can take you back to Dakeng:

Route A: Return the same way (40km)

• The simplest option, heading back along the same road
• Mostly downhill on the return

Route B: Loop via Shigang (45km)

• Head from Xinshe toward Shigang
• Pass Shigang Dam
• Follow the Dongfeng Bikeway back to Dakeng
• Diverse scenery along the way

Best Riding Seasons

Season	Highlights	Recommendation
Spring (Mar-May)	Tung blossoms, peach blossoms	Best riding season
Summer (Jun-Aug)	Lychee, longan	Mind sun protection and hydration
Autumn (Sep-Nov)	Persimmons, silvergrass	Comfortable climate
Winter (Nov-Feb)	Flower sea season	Xinshe Flower Sea is a must-visit

Supply Stop Map

Location	Supply Type	Highlights
Dakeng Roundabout	Convenience stores, restaurants	Stock up before departure
Zhongxingling	Food stalls	Taro balls, tofu pudding
Xinshe Center	Restaurants, cafés	Best spot for lunch break
Xinshe Mushroom Street	Local specialties	Freshly grilled mushrooms
Shigang Dam	Convenience store	Refuel on the way back

Recommended Café Stops

The Xinshe area has many scenic cafés worth stopping at:

1. You Jian Yi Chui Yan: Japanese Zen-style architecture, reservation required
2. Xinshe Manor: European castle style
3. Lavender Forest: Romantic purple garden
4. Tao Li He Pan: Relaxed riverside atmosphere

Suitable Rider Types

This route is suitable for:

• Beginners looking for their first suburban route
• Couples on a date ride
• Families riding with kids (choose the shorter sections)
• Entry-level climbing practice
• Riders looking for Instagram-worthy photo spots

Notes

• Traffic is heavy in the Xinshe area on holidays—pay attention to road safety
• Parking lots may be full during flower sea season; bicycles are actually the best mode of transport
• Bring small change—there are many delicious food stalls along the way
• Control your speed on the downhill sections on the way back

Conclusion

The cycling route from Dakeng to Xinshe is the most suitable weekend bike route in Taichung. It doesn’t chase extreme climbs or distances; instead, it uses pastoral scenery, food, and coffee to infuse your weekend with a sense of leisurely happiness. Bring your bike and a good mood, and hit the road.

Related Reading

• Taichung Dakeng to Xinshe Flower Sea Route: A Hilly Ride Through Central Taiwan’s Flower Landscapes
• Bike Routes Along the Dakeng Hiking Trails in Taichung
• Riding from Dakeng to Xinshe: A Slow One-Day Ride Journal Through Mushrooms, Flower Seas, and Taichung’s Mountain Towns
• Dakeng to Xinshe Practical Guide: An 8.5km Gentle Climb Connecting Zhongxingling, the Main Training Artery of Taichung