Central Taiwan Plain Cycling: A Rural Scenery Route from Changhua Tianzhong to Puli

Introduction

The Changhua Plain in central Taiwan is one of the island’s granaries, where vast paddy fields and rural settlements form a tranquil landscape distinct from the city. Starting from Tianzhong Township in Changhua County, the route heads east across the Zhuoshui River bed, enters Nantou County, and climbs steadily to the Puli Basin at an elevation of 400 meters, covering approximately 120 kilometers in total. This route is not known for extreme challenges, but rather for winning over every rider’s heart with its rural charm, local snacks, and cultural scenery.

Route Planning and Segments

Segment 1: Tianzhong to Jiji (Approx. 40 km)

Tianzhong Station is the starting point, conveniently accessible by train with a bike from other counties and cities. After departing, you ride through the Tianzhong countryside on straight, well-paved roads, where you can see a variety of crops: rice paddies, vineyards, and sugar apple orchards present different faces with the changing seasons.

After passing through Ershui Township, you enter the Zhuoshui River bed, a stretch with a distinctive character. The river bed is wide, and the gravel and sandy ground require careful tire selection—road bikes are advised to use tires of at least 32c. The river bed scenery is spectacular, especially during the dry season, when you can truly feel the majestic power of Taiwan’s longest river.

Segment 2: Jiji to Shuili (Approx. 15 km)

The Jiji Line railway is a famous tourist rail route in central Taiwan, and Jiji Station retains its Japanese-style wooden station building, making it an excellent photo spot. The stretch from Jiji to Shuili runs along the Zhuoshui River, with forest paths interspersed and lush greenery throughout. Shuili’s town center offers resupply options, and the locally renowned “Shuili Snake Kiln Ceramic Cultural Park” is well worth a visit.

Segment 3: Shuili to Puli (Approx. 65 km)

Heading northeast from Shuili, the road begins a gradual climb, rising from 280 meters to the 400-meter elevation of the Puli Basin. This segment is the most challenging part of the entire route, but the gradient is gentle and never suffocating. Passing through Toushe Living Basin and the Sun Moon Lake perimeter road at Zhongming Village, you eventually enter Puli’s town center.

Puli is known as the “City of Butterflies,” and its unique basin topography supports a diverse butterfly population. Riding in spring and summer, you will often see butterflies of all colors fluttering along the roadside—the most enchanting surprise of this route.

Rural Food and Resupply

Central Taiwan’s rural snacks are rich and varied. Here are must-tries along the way:

• Tianzhong Old Street: Rice cake and bowl rice cake, authentic Changhua flavors
• Jiji Town Center: Banana popsicles and corn soup, Jiji specialties
• Shuili Market: Pig’s blood cake and braised pork rice
• Puli Town Center: Puli Shaoxing wine lees tofu, triangular tofu, and aiyu jelly

Practical Tips

• Season Selection: Autumn and winter (October to February of the following year) offer cool weather, making it the best season for riding this route
• Zhuoshui River Bed Caution: After typhoon season, river bed conditions are unstable; check local rider information before setting out
• Taking Your Bike on the Train: The TRA Jiji Line accepts folding bikes and packed bicycles, so you can ride the train from Tianzhong to Jiji to skip the first segment
• Accommodation Options: Puli’s town center has many guesthouses at affordable prices; book lodging with parking available
• Return Trip: You can take a bus from Puli to Taichung, or return along the same route

Conclusion

The rural landscape of central Taiwan is the scenery most easily overlooked by city riders. The route from Tianzhong, Changhua to Puli does not rely on extreme terrain to impress; instead, it weaves together the vast river bed of the Zhuoshui River, the honest warmth of rural communities, the historical feel of the Jiji Line, and the hidden charm of the Puli Basin to create an unforgettable countryside cycling experience. Bring your bike, slow down, and the beauty of central Taiwan is waiting for you to discover.

Related Reading

• Central West Coast: The Flat Resupply Route from Changhua to Taichung
• Changhua Bagua Mountain Range Traverse: A Multi-Terrain Riding Guide to Central Taiwan’s Hill Country
• Changhua to Lukang: A Plains Riding Experience on Taiwan’s Bicycle Path System
• Changhua Tianwei Roadside Flower Garden to Lukang: A Cultural Cycling Route Through the Central Plains