THE OLD MOUNTAIN LINE RAIL BIKE IN SANYI, MIAOLI
Cycling can take us on many unique adventures, but it usually requires stamina and good weather. The family-oriented and culturally significant Old Mountain Line Rail Bike in the internationally-recognized “slow town” of Sanyi, Miaoli combines modern technology with cultural heritage to offer an environmentally friendly biking experience.
The innovative design of this guided bikeway combines electric bike technology with a century-old logging railway to create a new way to explore rural Taiwan. This historic railroad was once famous for its feats of engineering: steep slopes and record-breaking curves, as well as unique bridges and long tunnels make up the rail line. The 12-mile long rail has now been refurbished and outfitted with electric bikes, making the Old Mountain Line Rail Bike an excellent option for families looking for “green” adventures.
As one rides the railway through rich subtropical forest in mountainous Sanyi, one not-to-be-missed historically significant monument is the remains of Longteng Bridge. After it was severely damaged by a devastating earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale in 1935, this red brick railroad bridge—the only one of its design in Taiwan— was retired from its glory. The remaining arches are designated as a piece of cultural heritage by the government, and their exquisite brick masonry can now be admired from the Yutengping Steel Bridge. The wooden structures of the now defunct Shengxing Station, on the other hand, survived the earthquake without major damage, and may also be visited.
Sanyi Township’s heritage includes its history as a bustling logging center. The surrounding jungle’s are filled with camphor, tung, bamboo, and acacia confusa, all of which foster an ideal environment for diverse insect species and mountain birds to thrive. Every year, between the months of March to May, the Hakka Tung Blossom Festival celebrates the flowering tung trees, a tree that is also symbolically important in Hakka culture. A family-friendly adventure, the Old Mountain Line Rail Bike makes for a fun-filled destination rich in nature, culture and local history. Don’t forget to sample Hakka delicacies like Hakka “Lei Cha“—a nutritious hakka tea beverage made from ground grains—along your way!
For more cycling adventures in Taiwan, be sure to check out the world famous Sun Moon Lake biking trail, and our article about cycling through Chishang’s dreamy rice fields.
