From scenic cycling routes to pick-it-yourself fruit orchards, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty of Dongshih and Shihgang, which have well earned their nickname as the flower gardens of Taichung . As you approach the two townships from Fongyuan the greenery visibly deepens the further you go and the stress of the city seems to drift away.

Taiwan 's first bicycle path created from an abandoned railway track, Dongfong Green Passage offers a perfect way to enjoy the rustic surroundings with the breeze at your back.

The original rail track was part of Dongfong Railway linking Fongyuan and Dongshih. It was used mainly to transport timber and agricultural products, but it also gained popularity with passengers due to the scenic landscape through which it passed.

Over time, the freight traffic on the Dongfong Railway dwindled, forcing the line to close. After a long period of planning, it was reborn as the Dongfong Green Passage.

The passage begins in the outskirts of Fongyuan City and passes through Shihgang to Dongshih. The route is flat and easy to ride and the picturesque surrounding countryside along the way has made this one of Central Taiwan 's emergent visitor destinations. For cyclists,especially, this is one route that shouldnt be missed.

From Fongyuan you come first to the mighty Shihgang Dam. This scenic dam was heavily damaged during the 921 Earthquake in 1999, but has since been repaired to its original charm.

Further ahead you come to Lover's Bridge, billed as the longest scenic wood bridge in the Far East . This is a good spot for a break and a bite to eat. At Meizih Railway Park , you can see an old narrow-gauge railway locomotive and let your mind drift back to the area's bustling rail days. The journey then comes to a close at the Dongshih Hakka Culture Museum , housed in the old Dongshih Train Station.

Information Directions to Dongfong Green Passage

◎ By Car
National Hwy No. 4 → Fongyuan → Fongshih Rd. (Dongshih-bound) → Dongfong
Green Passage (at the intersection of Puzih St. and Lane 535 off Fongshih Rd. ) → Shihgang

◎ By Train/Bus
Take the train or bus to Fongyuan Station, and then take the Dongshih-bound Fengyuan Bus.

Bike Rental Data
• Cidian Bicycle Rental Center: Fongshih Rd. , Shihgang Township , Tel: (04) 2572-1512
• Mujiang Bicycle Rental Center: No. 5-5, Heshun Lane , Meizih Village , Shihgang Township , Tel: (04) 2529-7706, 0932-612-792

Bike Services Shops
• Giant – Dongfong Branch: Under the Shihgang Terminal Overpass on National Hwy No. 4 at the head of the Houfong Bike Trail. Tel: (04) 2529-3972. Weekdays 10:00~19:00, Weekends and holidays 08:00~19:00.

Bicycle Route

Cycling Notes
1. There is little tree coverage along the Dongfong Green Passage so protective clothing and sunscreen are recommended in the summer.
2. Although this is a designated bicycle route, be careful of the occasional scooter.

Taiwan Tour Bus Routes
Guguan Hot Springs & Taichung Culture Tour (1 Day)

•  Taichung Train Station Visitor Information Center Address: No. 172, Jianguo Rd. , Taichung City Tel: (04) 2221-2126

Chase the Wind

1 Shihgang Dam
This majestic dam was a popular weekend and holiday escape until 1999, when it was eavily damaged in the 921 Earthquake. Extensive repairs have since largely returned it to its original form. The exception is one section intentionally left in its damaged state and turned into a national earthquake memorial.
Today visitors can not only enjoy the beauty of the dam area, but also experience the awesome power of nature. There is also a fish ladder, built as part of conservation work on the Dajia River , where one can learn about the local river ecology.

2 Lover's Bridge
Lover's Bridge spans the Shueishihke River in Wansing Village . Completed in November 2001, it is the longest composite wood scenic bridge in the Far East . Measuring 40 meters long and 3.5 meters wide, the bridge is entirely constructed of logs imported from North America and has no supporting piers. A water wheel measuring nine meters in diameter is one of the eye-catching landmarks here. Other attractions near the bridge include a flower garden, riverbank viewing platform, trails, a shopping street, restaurants and other leisure facilities.

3 Meizih Railway Park
Meizih Railway Park is located at the former site of a narrow gauge train line built in Meizih Village during the Japanese occupation period. The line is known as the "Wufen" or "five parts" railway since the track is only half the width of a normal "shihfen" (10-part) rail track. This line was once used to transport timber, sugarcane, and other goods between the townships of Fongyuan and Shihgang and the asianshan area. After the railway was dismantled, the land was repurposed as a daycare and activity center. After these were destroyed in the 921 Earthquake of 1999, the illagers in Meizih replanned this area as the Meizih Railway Park .

4 Dongshih Hakka Culture Museum
This museum occupies the old Dongshih Train Station at the end of the Dongfong Green Passage. The museum displays, located in the renovated passenger waiting area of the main station building, include numerous cultural relics that introduce traditional Hakka culture. The displays are complemented by the down-to-earth aesthetics and nostalgic air of the Hakka-style station.

Shihgang Dam

Location : At the side of Fongshih Rd. (The road from Fongyuan to Dongshih)

Dongshih Hakka Culture Museum

Location : Old Dongshih Train Station, Dongshih Township , Taichung County
Tel : (04) 2588-8634
Hours : 9:00~17:00, Closed on Mondays