XIMEN TO XINDIAN RIVER CYCLE PATH (新店溪自行車道)

XIMEN TO XINDIAN RIVER CYCLE PATH (新店溪自行車道)

According to various resources, the Ximen to Xindian River Cycle Path is a scenic and enjoyable trail that spans approximately 18.9 kilometers, taking cyclists from the bustling area of Ximen to the serene landscapes along the Xindian River. This route is perfect for riders of all levels, offering beautiful views and flat paths suitable for a casual ride.

Distance: 18.9km

Time: 1½ hours at a decent pace without excessive stops.

Difficulty: 1.5/10 - The main challenge lies in navigating the entrances and exits to the park, as well as where to pick up and drop off bikes. The distance is manageable and the surfaces are smooth and flat, allowing for a comfortable ride, although windy days may present a challenge due to strong currents along the riverside parks.

Total ascent: Approximately 98m, which is relatively insignificant and unobtrusive.

Water: Personally, I only consumed about 500ml during the ride, but there are many places to stop for refills if needed.

Shade: Minimal - So, bring adequate sun protection if needed.

Mobile network: Clear throughout the path.

Enjoyment: The pleasure derived from the ride enhances with each segment, beginning with city views, transitioning to magnificent mountain scenery, and culminating in a charming destination. One of my friends enjoyed this ride so much that it motivated him to purchase his own bike and cycle more frequently.

Other: Bitan is an excellent stop for refreshments and exploration, allowing time for a meal or a walk.

For trail maps, GPX files, and transportation details, refer to the bottom of this post.

Starting from the Nishi Honganji Square YouBike stand, take a right onto Section 2, Changsha Street, and continue straight.

Keep moving straight until you pass Bangka Fude Temple, then make a left turn onto Hehuan South Road.

The entrance to the river park will be on your right shortly after the turn onto Hehuan South Road, which is easy to miss on the first try. Once through the gate, you'll need to cross a scooter-only road, where scooters move quickly. Either press the button for the traffic lights to activate or proceed with caution.

After crossing, turn left and cycle south until you connect with the main cycle path.

From this point onward, the path remains flat and manageable. At the junction shown in the picture, keep right. The grasslands and mudflats along the river beyond the junction are favored by local bird watchers. This area is designated as Taipei’s city waterbird refuge. The unique mix of river waters with tidal sea waters creates slow-moving currents, while nutrient-rich sediments form sandbars, providing ideal feeding grounds for migratory birds. The protected area has expanded over the years and now stretches up the Xindian river to Yongfu bridge.

The cycle path then curves to the left as it passes beneath Huajiang Bridge. There are often many stray dogs around this area, seemingly cared for by someone who drops off scraps for them. They appear completely unfazed by the human traffic passing by.

From a small bridge overlooking an inlet, you can observe where Huajiang bridge enters Banqiao District, with the Taipei expressway closely following the water’s edge and boats tied along the opposite bank, indicating Huajiang dock’s location.

As you continue cycling along the riverbanks, you'll traverse multiple park areas.

Upon entry up until this point, you will have cycled through Longshan Riverside Park, Huajiang Park, Shuangyuan Riverside Park, and Huazhong Riverside Park (which features a campground). The next park you’ll encounter is Machangting Memorial Park.

This land has a somewhat dark history; during the White Terror era (Taiwan under martial law), it was known as an execution site for political dissidents. Although many online photos may depict the grim events that transpired here, after martial law ended, this park underwent transformation into a memorial to honor those who died during this oppressive time. Now, a simple mound and plaque serve as a reminder of the past atrocities.

Riding through on a sunny day, it might be easy to overlook the historical significance and reconcile it with the serene recreational area that exists today.

The path turns right as it approaches Xindian. You’ll find good signage throughout this route.

You might come across an oBike hiding behind a double happiness sculpture.

Upon entering Guting Riverside Park, you have the option between a bumpy path or a smoother path alongside the river, both reconnect after a short distance, providing freedom of choice. This park may be the most picturesque of all, featuring numerous Taiwan-style sculptures in a designated area.

After passing beneath Yongfu Bridge, with its large water pipes and a sheltered playground built into the slopes, you’ll be greeted by a dramatic view of Shuiyuan Expressway curving alongside the river.

A little further on, you will come across the live music venue, Pipe, and just beyond, the eclectic buildings of Treasure Hill Artist Village await to your left.

Stay on the expressway path and cross the small bridge where the Jingmei River merges with the Xindian River.

The cycle path veers left here, leading towards Muzha.

This bridge features a slight arch and offers a lovely view of the nearby golf practice range.

Slightly surprisingly, the bike path disappears on the other side of the bridge, leading you through a small industrial area. This section is brief, but where the small road meets a larger one, the bike trail curves right.

Near where the road transitions back into a bike path, you may find a sign indicating the phonetic but incorrect spelling of the word “walk,” which is odd since these signs are typically well constructed.

After going under the bridges, the true beauty of this cycle path begins to emerge. The further you venture from the city, the more mountainous the scenery becomes.

I found the framing of this bridge particularly appealing, showcasing the contrast of hard grey concrete lines against the swaying silver grass and looming mountains.

Even the oddly uniform apartments exhibit a pleasing aesthetic against the backdrop.

Approaching the end of the cycle path, you will ride beneath the twin sections of Highway 2 over the Bitan Bridge. This monumental structure was designed to harmonize with the beautiful natural landscape of Bitan, achieving a balance even as it is primarily made of concrete. At the time of its completion, it was the only bridge in Taiwan constructed using prestressed concrete, and upon its opening, it became a notable tourist attraction, although most visitors today are likely to be drawn more by the suspension bridge nearby than the road bridge itself.

A hundred meters upriver from the highway bridge, the suspension bridge beckons, leading to a network of small trails ascending the hill beyond.

The photos shared here were taken during a Tuesday morning ride, ensuring a less crowded experience on the trail. Nevertheless, at least one dog and his owner enjoyed the outing.

This area genuinely feels distinct from Taipei, imparting a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can witness families gliding across the still waters of the Xindian River in pedal boats while onlookers observe from the suspension bridge above.

I followed the bike path past the row of restaurants until it veered left, concluding in a car park. A ramp located just beyond the restroom facility guides you up, leading to steps down the other side where you can return your YouBike. (The steps are even thoughtfully designed with a channel for walking your bike down.)

How to get there

Google Maps address: Starting point is the Nishi Honganji Square YouBike stand and you’ll enter the river park through the Guiyang Evacuation Gate, returning the bike at the Bitan Ferry YouBike Stand.

GPS location:

• Nishi Honganji Square YouBike Stand - N25 02.440 E121 30.460
• Guiyang Evacuation Gate - N25 02.455 E121 29.910
• Bitan Ferry Carpark Exit - N24 57.120 E121 32.280
• Bitan Ferry YouBike Stand - N24 57.185 E121 32.250

Public transport:

To reach the first YouBike stand, exit left from Ximen MRT Station, walk south along Zhonghua Road, then proceed north up Xindian Road until you arrive at Xindian MRT Station.

Further reading:

The government offers basic information about the path (in Chinese). You can find additional details on the various parks along the trail.

Nearby trails:

Xindian River Cycle Map

GPX file available here on Outdoor Active. (Registration required, but the free version suffices.)

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