lThe Orchid-Fern Bikeway, known in Chinese as 蘭花蕨鐵馬道, is a roughly 7.4-kilometer bike path located in Pingtung County, Taiwan. It runs underneath the elevated structure of National Highway No. 3, providing a shaded and protected ride through the rural outskirts of Jiuru, Yanpu, and Changzhi townships. Originally built to separate cyclists from motor vehicles and avoid the harsh summer sun and rainy seasons, the bikeway has become a hidden gem for both casual riders and serious cyclists. What makes this bikeway special is not just its smooth pavement or safety features like dedicated bicycle traffic signals—it’s the atmosphere. It's flanked by colorful flowers, including blooming bougainvillea and various types of orchids and ferns that reflect the name "Orchid-Fern." Locals even call it the green tunnel, because of the lush vegetation lining parts of the route. Sculptures made from driftwood and reclaimed materials are scattered along the path, giving it a bit of an artsy, rustic vibe that makes you feel like you're riding through an outdoor gallery. You’ll pass by small farms, fish ponds, and even rest areas equipped with benches and bike racks. There’s a sense of peace here—no car engines, no horns, just the hum of your tires and the occasional chirping bird or barking dog in the distance. The path is mostly flat and very beginner-friendly, perfect for families, older cyclists, or anyone just looking to take a relaxing ride in the countryside. Even though it’s relatively short, the Orchid-Fern Bikeway serves as a crucial connector in the larger cycling network of southern Taiwan. From here, you can link up with longer distance routes heading into Kaohsiung or toward the mountains of Pingtung. But even if you just ride this stretch and turn around, it gives you a perfect blend of nature, art, and small-town charm

Walking

https://www.relive.com/view/vrqDyp1zVLv

蘭花蕨鐵馬道, Pingtung, Taiwan

Pingtung County, Taiwan

time : Apr 23, 2025 5:12 AM

duration : 2h 37m 58s

distance : 10.6 km

total_ascent : 257 m

highest_point : 95 m

avg_speed : 4.4 km/h

user_id : mobydog1973

user_firstname : Mike

user_lastname : Lesser

lThe Orchid-Fern Bikeway, known in Chinese as 蘭花蕨鐵馬道, is a roughly 7.4-kilometer bike path located in Pingtung County, Taiwan. It runs underneath the elevated structure of National Highway No. 3, providing a shaded and protected ride through the rural outskirts of Jiuru, Yanpu, and Changzhi townships. Originally built to separate cyclists from motor vehicles and avoid the harsh summer sun and rainy seasons, the bikeway has become a hidden gem for both casual riders and serious cyclists. What makes this bikeway special is not just its smooth pavement or safety features like dedicated bicycle traffic signals—it’s the atmosphere. It's flanked by colorful flowers, including blooming bougainvillea and various types of orchids and ferns that reflect the name "Orchid-Fern." Locals even call it the green tunnel, because of the lush vegetation lining parts of the route. Sculptures made from driftwood and reclaimed materials are scattered along the path, giving it a bit of an artsy, rustic vibe that makes you feel like you're riding through an outdoor gallery. You’ll pass by small farms, fish ponds, and even rest areas equipped with benches and bike racks. There’s a sense of peace here—no car engines, no horns, just the hum of your tires and the occasional chirping bird or barking dog in the distance. The path is mostly flat and very beginner-friendly, perfect for families, older cyclists, or anyone just looking to take a relaxing ride in the countryside. Even though it’s relatively short, the Orchid-Fern Bikeway serves as a crucial connector in the larger cycling network of southern Taiwan. From here, you can link up with longer distance routes heading into Kaohsiung or toward the mountains of Pingtung. But even if you just ride this stretch and turn around, it gives you a perfect blend of nature, art, and small-town charm