Chishang Township Loop, Taitung: A Cycling Guide to Bailang Avenue

Introduction

Chishang Township in Taitung County is a small farming town famous across Taiwan for its rice, yet it has become the island’s most iconic destination for rural photography thanks to a single road: Bailang Avenue. What makes this road so captivating is that there isn’t a single utility pole along its entire length — all power lines were buried underground, leaving the view through a camera lens completely unobstructed. Nothing interrupts the golden waves of rice, the blue sky and white clouds, and the towering silhouette of the Central Mountain Range in the distance. Cycling through Bailang Avenue is one of the most treasured experiences Taiwan’s countryside has to offer.

Route Planning

The Chishang loop route is built around Bailang Avenue, linking up with the surrounding country lanes to form a complete circuit of roughly 15–20 kilometers:

The route has virtually no elevation gain, making it easy enough for children to complete comfortably.

The Appeal of Bailang Avenue

Bailang Avenue has become a pilgrimage site for photographers and cyclists alike because it captures the very best of Taiwan’s agricultural landscape:

• No utility poles: This is one of the few rural roads in Taiwan where the power lines have been fully buried underground, letting riders and photographers capture pure countryside scenery with no “wire clutter” in the frame.
• Golden rice season (September–November): Chishang’s celebrated organic autumn rice glows gold under the autumn sun, framed by blue skies and the majestic Central Mountain Range — arguably the most striking image in Taiwan’s agricultural photography.
• The Jinchengwu Tree: A single tree standing alone beside Bailang Avenue became a household name after appearing in a tea commercial, turning it into Taiwan’s most famous “internet-famous tree” and a favorite photo stop for travelers.
• Flower fields (March–May): In spring, some farmers plant a second crop between rice seasons — rapeseed flowers or cosmos — turning entire fields into a riot of color.

Heaven’s Path: Another Hidden Gem

Near Bailang Avenue lies an equally enchanting stretch known as “Heaven’s Path” (Tiantang Lu) — a perfectly straight lane lined with neatly planted trees that form a tunnel-like canopy. When sunlight filters through the leaves, it creates a breathtaking play of light and shadow. This lane is less well known, making it a quieter spot to soak in the peaceful rural atmosphere.

Local Chishang Cuisine

After riding Bailang Avenue, be sure to try Chishang’s local specialties:

• Chishang Bento: The birthplace of the classic Taiwan Railway lunch box, featuring fresh white rice, braised pork, and fried pork chop. Buying one right on the platform of Chishang Train Station is the most authentic experience and a signature dish of Taiwan’s railway travel culture.
• Chishang rice products: Rice balls, rice cakes, and rice-based sweets can all be found at local farm shops.
• Farmers’ Association Exhibition Center: The Chishang Farmers’ Association Exhibition Center showcases a variety of local agricultural products, and a bag of fresh Chishang rice makes one of the most meaningful souvenirs to bring home.

Seasonal and Timing Recommendations

Supplies and Facilities

• Chishang town center: Convenience stores, bento shops, and local farm produce outlets — stock up before setting out
• Along Bailang Avenue: Small farm stalls and drink stands (on weekends)
• Chishang Farmers’ Association: Local produce sales and agricultural exhibits
• Bicycle rentals: Several rental shops in Chishang town offer a range of bikes, including e-assist models

Conclusion

Chishang’s Bailang Avenue is one of the most beautiful calling cards of rural Taiwan. Pedaling along this pole-free pastoral avenue, feeling the warmth of the land beneath your wheels, gazing up at the blue wall of the Central Mountain Range, and pausing for a moment beneath the Jinchengwu Tree to breathe in the scent of Chishang’s rice fields — this is exactly the kind of leisurely travel moment worth cherishing most in Taiwan.

Related Reading

• Cycling Through Chishang’s Rice Fields in Taitung: A Leisurely Ride Along Bailang Avenue and the Rift Valley
• Cycling Around Taitung’s Rift Valley: A Leisurely Ride Through the Huadong Section
• The Huadong Rift Valley Route: The Classic Ride from Yuli to Chishang
• From Chishang to Luye Highland, Taitung: The Complete Guide to Riding Through the Hometown of Hot Air Balloons