taichung: Hou Feng & Dongfeng bikeway! 🚲🇹🇼
Are you looking for where to explore in Taichung? 🇹🇼 Skip the touristy places and check out Hou Feng & Dongfeng cycling route! Mostly locals who rented e-bikes to explore this bikeway.
Hou Feng cycling route:
5.8k path transformed from an abandoned railway line, takes 1 hour to complete
Dongfeng cycling route:
13.6k path offering a beautiful "green corridor" 🌳🌳🌳, takes 2 hours to complete
Attractions:
1️⃣ Hualiang Steel Bridge 花梁鋼橋 - 382m long bridge spanning over the Dajia River, which has a super scenic view on both sides!! 😍
2️⃣ Tunnel No 9 九号隧道 - 1.2 km former railway tunnel that has been transformed into a bikeway in between Houli Equestrian and Hualiang Steel Bridge. It is super cooling 🌬️🌬️🌬️ to cycle inside, making it perfect if the weather is H O T 🔥
3️⃣ Houli Equestrian 后里马场 - skipped cause running late 🤪 but it is the most historic horse ranch in taiwan with buildings from the Japanese occupation period
4️⃣ Shigang Dam - built in 1974 over the Dajia River, just amazed by how gigantic and magnificent looking it is 🌊
Also, want to mention there are toilets located along the bike ways that you can use! Personally not a fan of public toilets so I didn’t drink much water 🤪
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If you are interested in the transport mode and which bike shop I rented my bikes from, read on!
🚲 How i got there:
public transportation - do note that taiwan bus 🚎timing stated on the signage might not be accurate and you should use their ibus app to check for the bus timing 🚏
> took bus 153 from taichung which was 30-45 minutes ride over the highway to Shigang Dam bus stop
> took a short walk 🚶🏻♀️🚶🏻over to the bike shop called 田原租車生活廣場｜腳踏車電動車出租
🚲 Why I chose this bike shop:
> located right in the middle of Hou Feng & Dongfeng and there is a food alley right behind!
> google review rating pretty high - mineral water & raincoat provided (for bad weather, must return after returning the bike if no rain)
> parking lot available if you drove
> very helpful staff/boss (idk if the lady owns the shop or not) who gave directions to the eatery we are heading to
🚲 Cost of bikes:
NT$400 for 3 manual bikes! no time limit mentioned on a weekday~
1 bike rental at NT$100
2 bikes rental at NT$200, discounted to NT$150
There are slopes when riding from Hou Feng to Dongfeng so you can opt for electric bikes to make the experience an enjoyable one!
🚲 Things to bring:
1) Cash 💵 to pay for bike rental
2) Mosquito Repellent - the mosquitos 🦟 here are hungry M A X. I got bitten so many times despite my blood being AB which is the last preferred blood type 🥲
3) sun block - crucial if it is in summer ☀️but also, there are areas where no trees will block and you are completely exposed 🌞
4) Sunglasses 😎- perfect if the sun is out shining bright onto you
5) Water🚰 - if your bike shop dont provide for free
If you're planning a ride along the Hou Feng and Dongfeng bikeways, here are some extra tips that made my trip enjoyable. First, consider renting an electric bike if you want to breeze through the steady slopes between Hou Feng and Dongfeng, as it really helps to keep the ride comfortable without tiring quickly. When preparing for your trip, pack essentials like mosquito repellent and sunblock because especially on the Dongfeng green corridor, mosquitoes can be quite persistent and some areas have no shade coverage. Also, check the public transport apps for updated bus schedules when heading to Shigang Dam as bus timings displayed aren't always accurate. Walking from the bus stop to the well-reviewed bike rental shop near both trails is easy and convenient. The rental shop I used provided helpful tips, raincoats, and even mineral water, which was a nice bonus. For those interested in local history, try to make time for Houli Equestrian - Taiwan’s oldest horse ranch with Japanese-era buildings, which adds cultural charm to your outdoor adventure. Don't miss cycling through Tunnel No. 9 at Hou Feng bikeway — the cool, 1.2 km tunnel feels especially refreshing on hot days. And the Hualiang Steel Bridge offers breathtaking views over the Dajia River, a prime spot to pause and soak in the scenery. Public restrooms are available but bring extra water if you're not a fan, as I learned to limit hydration to avoid discomfort. This bike route is an excellent way to escape the usual tourist spots and experience Taichung’s natural beauty and vibrant local life. Whether cycling solo or with family, the blend of scenic paths and intriguing historic points makes this a memorable outing in Taiwan's heartland.
