Coastway Cycling Scenic Route
The driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby in the early morning for top10 best cycling route in Taiwan- Yilan Dongshan River Water Park. The Dongshan River is only 24 kilometers long, but it is the fifth-longest stream in Yilan. A multi-purpose riverside recreation area has been planned along its course to provide for sports, leisure, this park simulates the natural landscapes and incorporates elements of the native culture of Lanyang—for example, there is a water stage, five conical stone towers built of pebbles, and Turtle Island, which rises from the sea off the Yilan coast, bring the landmark of Lanyang into the park, seemingly without thought. The banks of the Dongshan River are claimed by legend to be protected by a green dragon and a yellow dragon, and for this reason undulations and curves are built of pebbles along the river’s banks to simulate dragons’ scales, with pottery tile inlays of green and blue, and orange and yellow, adding to the characters of the two different types of dragon. Interesting mosaic pictures—masterpieces executed by the children of Lanyang—embellish the dragon-skin steps. (** The bike rental included**) National Center for Traditional Arts, this new 24-hectare facility is located beside beautiful Dongshan River. In addition to organized displays and performances of culture and art, it also provides a stage where performing artists can show off their creative works. The emphasis here is on the continuous propagation, innovation, and renewal of traditional arts. You can stroll casually among artistic creations, listen to elegant music, and enjoy exciting opera performances—and you can even participate in the process of artistic creation yourself.
In afternoon, we will visit Wufengqi Scenic Area. The Wufengqi Falls are one of the eight great scenic spots of the Lanyang Plains, and are named for the five sharp peaks which stand in a row behind the falls, that look like the five triangular banners that usually hang down the back of the war generals costume in Chinese Opera. Fog and mist drift gracefully around the mountaintop year-long, and torrents of mountain springs continuously flow down its slopes, forming the three layers of cascades that are now the Wufengqi Falls. There are three layers to the Falls, and they measure 100 meters from top to bottom. The entrance to the scenic viewpoint is situated near the bottom layer of the Falls, and there is also a barbecue area, and a play area for children to splash in the pools. A viewing pavilion is constructed at the mid-layer of the Falls; there is a vast expanse of vision at this point, and tourists may enjoy viewing the lush mountains, and the cascades shooting out from the precipices. The scene in the eight famous scenic views of Lanyang that is poetically named, mists draping the western peaks refers to the Wufengqi Falls. The Falls are situated in an enclosed valley, which enhances the mystic beauty of the peaks. At dawn, as the sky slowly begins to brighten, musical birdsong can be heard resonating throughout the valley; the unique tranquility in the atmosphere is indescribable.
Hotel: Hotel Royal Chiao His ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After a good night sleep, this morning we will tavel to West Coast HsinChu. Come to Daxi Tea Factory for a tea-savoring tour. The factory was built in 1926 by the Japanese as Jiaobanshan Factory. Since then, Daxi has been famous for manufacturing tea. Tea was precious as gold at the time, and the factory soon prospered. In 1956, however, the factory nearly extinguished in a fire. It was only until 2010 that Taiwan Tea Corporation started rebuilding the factory. After half a century, the factory reopened as a combination of the old and the new, with a Darjeeling-themed exterior and a Taiwanese-Japanese interior. Blue being the main color tone, windows, pillars, racks, walls and paintings fit well with the factory’s Formosan cypress structures. In this “Daxi blue,” everything in the factory becomes mesmerizing—the quiet passing of time, antique tea-manufacturing facilities, and Zen tea-brewing time. Let’s taste the aromatic tea and immerse in tea culture. Take a pond-side walk and feel the tranquility of the countryside. Sip some Pu’er tea beside a tea-brick wall to reflect upon times. Relax yourself in the reading area as long as you wish. Chat with friends about life in a tea house. Make little drawings on the guestbook and leave some good memories. “In harmony with nature” is Daxi Tea Factory’s long-time motto. The tea is free of pesticides and the advocates food safety and organic food. All products are SGS certified. Buffets are available daily on a limited offer. The 15 refreshing tea-inspired dishes resonate with the aroma of tea. Set meals are also available for guests to enjoy simple yet delightful food.
Some say, it’s the most beautiful cycling route in the North Coast – 17 KM Coastline Scenic Area. (** The bike rental included**) The 17 Kilometers Coastline Scenic Area from Nanliao Village south to Nangang in Hsinchu City brings together several visit-worthy destinations, including the Nanliao Recreation Wharf, Sea Park, Horizon Viewing Area, Nangang Canal, Mangrove Park, Splendor Coastline, Haishan Harbor Sea View Platform, Nangang Bird Watching Area, and the visitor center. Spectacular views, delicious local cuisine, recreations and cultural attractions all await at Hsinchu City’s premier coastal hot spot. Originally a swimming beach, Hsinchu City’s Gangnan Coastal Scenic Area has been redeveloped as a multifunctional visitor destination, with scenic areas, picnic sites, recreational facilities, and a bikeway. The area is bisected from north to south by the Gangnan Canal. The canal is spanned by four Chinese-style bridges and is especially picturesque at night, earning the distinction of one of Hsinchu’s top-eight scenic nightspots.
Hotel: The Ambassador Hotel or Sheraton Hsinchu Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Dongfeng Bicycle Green Way passes through the previous Dongshi Branch of Taiwan South-North Railway that connects Fengyuan and Dongshi and runs through Dongshi District, Shigang District and Fengyuan District. The route was transformed into a bicycle lane in September, 1991 and has been renamed as the “Dongfeng Bicycle Green Way” after the gas-run vehicles ceased operating. (** The bike rental included**) The Dongfeong Bicycle Green Way is a one-lane road that can be used by bicycles from both directions. Cyclists can enjoy the rolling hills, the changes in the people and in the landscape along the way. One can see the dominant culture of the Hakka ethnic group amidst vast verdant farmlands crisscrossed by foot paths. After the Green Way was opened to the public, a tourist center was established in 2003 to better cater for the needs of tourists. From where it is located on the Shihgang section, the center commands a panoramic view of the adjacent blue Daja River and serves as an ideal place for leisure and recreation activities on holidays. Nighttime sightseeing has become a new tourist option, when night lighting facilities were added to the entire section making it Taiwan’s first night-time bicycle lane.
On the way to our last destination, we will have a brief stop for group photo at National Taichung Theater. This theater is an opera house designed by the famous Japanese architecture “Toyo Ito”. It is referred as one of the most difficult to build because of the curved surfaces. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a close-up view of the masterpiece, and the graceful and mysterious ambience created by the master.
Park Lane by CMP is a popular shopping center located directly adjacent to Calligraphy Greenway, a major linear park. One of the defining features of the building is its large green walls present in both the interior and exterior of the building. The green wall on the exterior features the Madagascar periwinkle plant and wraps around the entire building, while the interior green wall spans several floors. CMP Group claims that the walls absorb 200 kg of carbon dioxide and release 150 kg of oxygen a day. At its completion, the exterior green wall was the largest of its type within Asia.
Hotel: Evergreen International Hotels ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sun Moon Lake is the biggest freshwater lake in the island. Divided by Lalu Island, the lake got its name from the unique terrains that look like sun on one side and crescent moon on the other side. The area around the lake is also the home to the Thao people, a group of Taiwanese aborigines. Before lunch, enjoy a relaxing lake cruise by a motorboat. The CNN Travel website has described the round-lake bike route as one of the world’s top 10 “cycling routes that’ll take your breath away.” Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area in the central mountains. The elevation of the mountain-surrounded lake’s surface is about 750m. (** The bike rental included**)The west-side bikeway is itself one of Sun Moon Lake’s most popular attractions, and delivers you to numerous other attractions. The Xiangshan Visitor Center has an info-rich exhibit hall and a fine glass-wall café overlooking a small, quiet bay. Close to it – part of the bikeway – are the poetically lovely Tongxin Bridge and Yongjie Bridge, known as the “wedding photo bridges.” The Xiangshan Scenic Outlook skywalk, also near the center, is reached via a branch boardwalk that seems to float through treetops, high above the aforementioned bay. South of the center, the bikeway brings you to large, quiet Crescent Bay, one of the lake’s quietest areas, with no powered boats allowed entry. There is a campground and SUP/kayaking center here. North is the aforementioned Shuishe Pier, busy during the day with tour boats, and a great place for people-watching, faced by a line of cafés and eateries with alfresco seating.
Hotel: Fleur De Chine Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Before we head back to Taipei, few things can lighten the spirits like a leisurely bicycle ride along with the sun-splashed Jiji Green Tunnel. The railway and beautiful farmland accompany you along the way; and the ever-changing tapestry of Jiji Township’s scenic charms unfold as you pedal along, showing one why this area is one of Taiwan’s premier visitor destinations. For those weary of the noise and stress of the city, Jiji offers a small-town escape into a world where life slows down and the soothing influence of nature is everywhere present. Jiji’s allures are multidimensional, from its historic railway station to natural landscape, cuisine to local specialty items. All of these elements form together to create a place of natural richness and cultural depth and place Jiji Township in a unique position on Taiwan’s tourism map. Board a train or set out on a bike, however you explore, Jiji is sure to win your heart.