Daxi Cycling in Taoyuan: A Mountain Journey Through Shimen Reservoir and Jiaoban Mountain

Introduction

Daxi, Taoyuan—a historic old-street town famous for dried tofu and woodwork—hides a surprisingly delightful mountain cycling landscape. Shimen Reservoir is Taiwan’s first large-scale reservoir, covering a vast area of 8,000 hectares; Cape Horn Mountain is the traditional territory of the Atayal people and the site of President Chiang Kai-shek’s vacation retreat. Starting from Daxi Old Street, climbing along the Dahan River to Shimen Reservoir, then turning into Cape Horn Mountain, a half-day ride weaves together culture, water conservancy, and mountain scenery into one spectacular route.

Route Planning

Daxi Old Street: A Historical Warm-Up Before Departure

Daxi Old Street is the most completely preserved collection of Baroque-style street-front buildings in Taoyuan. During the Qing Dynasty, it flourished thanks to thriving water transport on the Dahan River, leaving behind rows of exquisite facades decorated with washed terrazzo and stucco ornamentation. Woodworking is Daxi’s traditional industry, and the woodwork shops along the street still craft high-quality altar tables and carved wooden furniture. Dried tofu is a must-buy souvenir in Daxi, with numerous flavors available for tasting along the street.

Enjoying a breakfast of soy milk and sesame flatbread with scallions at the old street before setting off is the most traditional way to begin a Daxi ride.

Shimen Reservoir: A Pride of Taiwan’s Water Engineering

Heading along Provincial Highway 4 toward Shimen Reservoir, the route climbs through the Dahan River valley, and the reservoir’s outline gradually emerges between the ridges. The Shimen Reservoir dam stands 133 meters tall, with a scenic walkway along the dam crest offering panoramic views of the vast, shimmering water surface. The lake mirrors the mountain shadows on both shores—a spectacular sight on clear days.

• Spillway: The flood discharge during typhoon season is a dramatic and awe-inspiring sight, though this is usually not visible during cycling season; instead, enjoy the tranquil reservoir surface.
• Power Plant Tours: Free guided tours are offered every weekend, introducing the reservoir’s power generation and flood regulation functions.

Climbing Cape Horn Mountain on Provincial Highway 7: The Atayal Mountain Homeland

Heading north from Shimen Reservoir onto Provincial Highway 7, the climb begins—this stretch is one of the most challenging road cycling climbs in the Taoyuan area. The average gradient is around 6%, with some sections reaching 8%, gaining approximately 400 meters in elevation, requiring a steady, consistent pedaling rhythm.

Cape Horn Mountain Park houses the former retreat site of Chiang Kai-shek, and the park’s observation deck offers superb panoramic views of the winding gorge carved by the Dahan River. The neighboring Fuxing District is home to several Atayal tribes, and Lala Mountain is a renowned producer of Taiwan’s famous persimmons and peaches. During summer and autumn, fruit stalls line the roadside, making it the perfect stop to refuel with natural energy.

Practical Tips

Supply Planning

• Refuel with breakfast at Daxi Old Street; the Shimen Live Fish Area is the perfect lunch spot (famous for its variety of freshwater fish dishes).
• A small convenience store and snack stalls are located next to Cape Horn Mountain Park.
• Before the full descent back, it’s recommended to stock up on drinking water at Cape Horn Mountain.

Road Surface Cautions

• The Cape Horn Mountain section of Provincial Highway 7 sees tourist traffic on holidays; ride on the right side and stay clear of large vehicles.
• The descent has many curves, making speed control especially important; wearing gloves throughout is recommended to protect your hands.

Extended Itinerary

• From Cape Horn Mountain, continue toward Fuxing town center (further along Provincial Highway 7) to extend the ride to Lala Mountain, adding approximately 40 km to the total distance. A two-day itinerary is recommended.

Conclusion

A cycling trip through Daxi is a complete story with the old street as its prologue, the reservoir as its climax, and the mountains as its finale. Each stretch speaks a different language: the historical depth of the streets, the vast tranquility of the water, and the lush serenity of the forests. Take this itinerary with you, and let Daxi’s landscapes write the richest chapter of your weekend ride.

Related Reading

• Daxi Old Street to Shimen Reservoir Route, Taoyuan: A Complete Guide to Riding with Lake Views
• Daxi Shimen Reservoir One-Day Ride, Taoyuan: A Classic Northern Reservoir Challenge
• Shimen Reservoir Loop Route, Taoyuan: A Family-Friendly Weekend Outing
• Northern Taiwan Cycling Highlights: A Weekend Ride from the Tamsui River Bikeway to Shimen Reservoir