Houfeng Iron Bridge
Cycle along an old railway line, over an iconic iron bridge, and through cool tunnels. A scenic and fun escape in Taichung.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Houfeng Iron Bridge
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cycle along an old railway line, over an iconic iron bridge, and through cool tunnels. A scenic and fun escape in Taichung.
"This is now our favorite activity in Taichung! It was worth the long travel."
🚲 Rent a Bike Early
Bike shops are plentiful near Houli Station. Standard bikes are fine; no need to reserve unless it's a major holiday.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Some rentals include free water refills.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iron Bridge
Dajia River
Walk or cycle across this iconic steel bridge for stunning river views.
Air-Conditioned Tunnels
Along the bikeway
Escape the heat in these surprisingly cool tunnels, a unique cycling experience.
921 Earthquake Dam Site
Along the longer route
See remnants of the 921 earthquake and a small park dedicated to its impact.
Gokart Fun
Within the bikeway area
Add an adrenaline rush with go-karting available on-site (separate ticket).
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Bike Rental & Routes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Rent a Bike Early
Bike shops are plentiful near Houli Station. Standard bikes are fine; no need to reserve unless it's a major holiday.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Some rentals include free water refills.
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
The path is tree-lined, offering shade, but it can still get hot. Visit early or late.
🗺️ Explore Both Routes
The longer 13km route offers diverse sights like a dam and museum. Don't feel pressured to finish; turn back anytime.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Rent a Bike Early
Bike shops are plentiful near Houli Station. Standard bikes are fine; no need to reserve unless it's a major holiday.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Some rentals include free water refills.
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
The path is tree-lined, offering shade, but it can still get hot. Visit early or late.
🗺️ Explore Both Routes
The longer 13km route offers diverse sights like a dam and museum. Don't feel pressured to finish; turn back anytime.
🚎 Bus Access
Bus 850 connects from the city center, but it's infrequent. Consider the train to Houli Station.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Houfeng Iron Bridge and Bikeway as a highlight of their Taichung trip, enjoying the scenic cycling, unique tunnels, and the iconic Iron Bridge. While some mention the heat during summer, the well-maintained paths and availability of rentals make it accessible for all. It's often recommended as a great alternative to more crowded tourist spots.
"Cycled here instead of sun moon lake. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves here. There is less people in the evening and the scenery was beautiful. Many type of bikes available for rent but a normal bike should be sufficient. Track is suited for kids too"
Haz T
"This is now our favorite activity in Taichung! I was afraid it was gonna be too hot to bike around but the bike path was filled with trees. It was cold in the tunnels which was surprising. It was worth the long travel."
UD
"Really nice bikeway, was the highlight of my Taichung trip.
There are 2 routes you can take - a shorter one passing through a bridge, air-conditioned cave that leads to a zoo (?)
The longer one (~13km) leads through a wide variety of attractions. You will pass by a dam, which was damaged by the 921 earthquake and there's a small park across the dam where you can observe the damage. You'll also pass by a train, several rest stops and a Hakka museum closer to the end. Highly recommend to go both routes! They are well paved and the lanes are wide, making it safe for cyclists.
There’s a direct bus (850) coming here from the city centre, albeit infrequent."
Xiang Han
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is to take the train to Houli Station, which is located at one end of the bikeway. Bus 850 also runs from the city center, but it's known to be infrequent.
Many visitors opt for the train for easier access to bike rentals.
Yes, bike rental shops are readily available right near Houli Station, making it simple to start your cycling adventure immediately.
While possible, it might be less common and potentially more expensive than public transport or renting a bike. The bikeway is designed for cycling and walking.
Cycling is the primary mode of transport along the Houfeng Bikeway. You can rent bikes of various types, including single and tandem options.
Information on dedicated parking for private vehicles is limited, but it's generally recommended to use public transport or rent bikes near the train station for ease of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the Houfeng Bikeway and the Iron Bridge itself is generally free. However, you will need to rent a bicycle to fully enjoy the experience.
Bike rental prices can vary, but typically range from around 300 TWD for a standard bike for a few hours. Tandem bikes might be slightly more.
Yes, activities like go-karting within the bikeway area have separate ticket prices. Other attractions like museums might also have admission fees.
Bike rental shops are usually open during daylight hours, aligning with when people typically visit the bikeway. It's best to check with specific rental shops for their exact hours.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own bicycle to ride along the Houfeng Bikeway.
🎫 🚴 Onsite Experience
The Houfeng Bikeway offers different routes. The longer route is approximately 13km, while shorter sections are also available.
Absolutely! You can walk or cycle across the Iron Bridge. The views are beautiful from both perspectives.
Yes, there are rest stops and cafes along the route, especially on the longer path. Some areas also have food courts.
Expect a diverse landscape including river views from the Iron Bridge, cool tunnels, a dam damaged by an earthquake, rest stops, and potentially a Hakka museum.
The bikeway is well-paved with wide lanes, making it safe for cyclists of all ages, including children.
📸 📸 Photography
The Iron Bridge itself offers great vantage points for photos of the Dajia River. The tunnels also provide unique photographic opportunities.
While some creators have used drones, it's always best to check local regulations regarding drone usage in public spaces to avoid any issues.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour lighting, enhancing the scenery. Early mornings can also provide soft light and fewer people.
The Iron Bridge, the long tunnels, and the dam site are all visually interesting and make for great photos.
Absolutely! The natural beauty and unique structures of the bikeway are very photogenic, and a smartphone camera is more than sufficient to capture memorable shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cycling the Houfeng Bikeway
As you cycle, you'll encounter diverse landscapes. The iconic Iron Bridge spanning the Dajia River offers picturesque views.
Many visitors find the Houfeng Bikeway to be a highlight of their Taichung trip.
Beyond the Bike: Other Activities
The longer route of the bikeway leads to various points of interest, including a dam that bears the scars of the 921 earthquake.
For those looking for a more relaxed pace, simply walking along sections of the bikeway or enjoying the views from the Iron Bridge is also a rewarding experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit