The Mountain Line Rail Bike in Miaoli has become one of the most iconic new tourist attractions in recent years. This railway, once an important section of Taiwan’s north–south trunk line, was suspended in 1998 and lay dormant for over twenty years. With the introduction of rail bikes, it has once again come alive with voices and laughter, bringing a century-old railway culture back to life in a refreshing way.
The project was initiated in 2015 under the “Old Mountain Line Cross-Domain Highlight Plan” promoted by the Miaoli County Government, with the aim of revitalizing the local railway and preserving its valuable cultural heritage. After years of planning, the rail bike began trial operations in 2018 and officially opened in 2019, becoming Taiwan’s very first rail bike experience.
The currently open section runs about 6 kilometers, from Shengxing Station to Liyutan, with four main stops along the way: Shengxing, Longteng, Longteng Broken Bridge (Yutengping Bridge), and Liyutan (Sixth Tunnel). Different routes (A, B, and C) take visitors through winding tunnels, red-brick arch bridges, and the magnificent ruins of Longteng Bridge, allowing them to fully enjoy the most classic scenery of the Old Mountain Line.
In summer, special evening rides are offered, giving travelers the chance to pedal rail bikes under the setting sun while watching the mountains and fields glow golden in the twilight. With railway and nature reflecting one another, and a deep sense of history permeating the route, the Old Mountain Line Rail Bike is not just a leisurely activity but also a cultural journey that takes visitors back in time to the golden days of Taiwan’s railway.
