aeeble

Stretching 7.4 km between Jiuru and Changzhi, the Lanxiejue Bikeway is Taiwan’s first freeway-grade cycling path, created by repurposing the ground-level space beneath the elevated southern Second Freeway’s Pingtung section. Sheltered by the overpass, riders are shielded from sun and rain; dedicated bicycle traffic lights along the route further enhance safety, letting cyclists savor the joy of speeding with the wind. Along the way, bridge piers and open plots are planted with orchids—phalaenopsis, oncidium, bougainvillea, and staghorn ferns—turning the path into a verdant outdoor corridor. Artists have also installed sculptures that add an artistic touch to the green ride. The Lanxiejue Bikeway crosses Jiuru, Yanpu, and Changzhi townships, linking numerous rural lanes. Follow the scenic-marker signs and you’ll reach hidden gems: thirsty after a sweaty ride? Stop at the Lemon Cooperative for a fresh, self-squeezed kumquat-lemonade that’s sweet relief. Rustic-scenery lovers can head to Qilao Village to see koi raised in irrigation ditches, century-old Min-style three-section compounds, and a 200-year-old banyan. For a splash, visit the Spring Ecosystem, where natural groundwater wells up through the stream bed, sending up constant bubbles—a fascinating sight. So, when you ride the Lanxiejue Bikeway, take the branching country lanes and dive into local life for a delightful encounter with unspoiled farming communities.