Liyu Lake (aka Carp Lake) is situated a short drive southwest of Hualien City. As the county’s largest lake, it has been spruced up with a round-lake trail to attract hikers and bikers. The lake can be visited by private car or public transport and is a relaxing outdoor excursion that’s suitable for the whole family.
BIKE RIDES IN TAIWAN
MOUNTAINS to SEA GREENWAY DAY 1 (山海圳國家級綠道D1)
Day one on the MSTW is an easy bike ride inland over ground formerly covered by Taijiang Inner Sea.
TAOLIN BIKEWAY (桃林鐵路自行車道)
This gentle ride in Taoyuan has been deftly stitched together from the remains of the old Taolin coal railway. The scenery cannot be described as breathtaking, but it’s a fun way to explore part of Taoyuan that’s well off the tourist trail.
HSINCHU COASTAL CYCLE PATH
Stretching along Hsinchu's coastline you can find an expanse of easy cycle path to enjoy. The path takes you past mud flats and wind turbines, farms and war relics, and is easily accessible from the city.
DAHAN RIVER RIDE: XIMEN to DAXI (大漢溪自行車道)
This easy ride takes you from the heart of downtown Taipei to a Hakka town built around an old street in Taoyuan.
SANDIAOLING TUNNEL BIKEWAY
Since it reopened in 2022, Sandiaoling Tunnel has become a top spot for people wanting a short half-day adventure from Taipei.
SHEN’AO RAIL BIKE (深奧鐵道自行車)
A gentle ride along one of Keelung’s historic mining routes.
BADE CYCLE LOOP (八德區自行車O型)
Taoyuan's Bade District is perhaps best known for its bald pine grove–a tourist trap that fills up with Instagrammers when the leaves turn deep orange, but there's more to this area than seasonally picturesque trees. There are grand old houses, odd shrines, and living relics of a lifestyle long-since forgotten in the cities.
TAITUNG FOREST PARK (臺東森林公園)
Hemmed in between the broad expanse of Beinan River and the city of Taitung sits the quiet oasis of Taitung Forest Park. Its leafy lanes and tranquil wetlands make for a great half day retreat.
TAITUNG MOUNTAIN OCEAN BIKEWAY (臺東山海鐵馬道)
Taitung Ocean Mountain Bikeway was designed as a great loop encircling Taitung City. It was meant to take riders along the old railway line, over the river, past huge mountains, before looping back to bring you along the seafront. Sadly, only a portion of the original trail is still there, but that doesn't mean you can't forge your own route!
SUN MOON LAKE FULL CYCLE LOOP
For those wishing to experience all of Taiwan in a short time, you could do a lot worse than trying out this loop. As a microcosm of Taiwan it covers almost all the bases: grand temples, spectacular mountain scenery, aboriginal culture, bustling old streets and well crafted tourist experiences, (and of course sharing the road with motorists who view traffic rules as optional).
KEELUNG RIVER CYCLE PATH
Hop on a bike to explore the parks along the banks of Taipei's Keelung river. Cycling is a great way to get around Taipei and the network of cycle paths through riverside parks offer plenty of interesting sights.