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Many think Jiufen can only be explored on foot with steep climbs, but overlook the hidden cycling paradise surrounding it. This is not a place to ride a bike into the old street—the stone-stepped lanes, packed teahouses, and steep slopes simply don't welcome tires. But precisely because of this, cyclists visiting Jiufen have discovered what others miss: the early-morning Ruifang Station, remains of the Houtong mining site, and hidden valley gems along the Pingxi Line.
Why Cycle to Jiufen?
New Taipei's cycling culture typically focuses on riverbanks or seaside areas, but the hilly terrain of the north coast has a unique charm. The Ruifang District, Pingxi Line, and Houtong surrounding Jiufen connect the most concentrated mining heritage and pristine mountain scenery of northern Taiwan. If you cycle to Jiufen, it's not about squeezing into crowds for photos in the old street—it's about riding through the empty Ruifang Old Street at sunrise, passing through valleys beside the Pingxi Branch Line in rain and mist, and standing in contemplation before abandoned mines—this is the essence of cycling around Jiufen.
In recent years, the New Taipei City Government has gradually improved cycling infrastructure along the north coast, but public attention remains focused on "famous cycling destinations" like Yilan and Taichung. This actually allows the Ruifang area to maintain a low-profile but high-quality riding experience. Among local cycling enthusiasts, routes around Jiufen are gaining popularity, especially among riders seeking mountain biking challenges and cultural depth.
Recommended Routes & Destinations
1. Ruifang Old Street → Houtong Mining Park Loop (Difficulty: ★★☆ | Distance: 12km roundtrip)
Starting from Ruifang Station, head north along Minsheng Street, where you'll pass remnants of Japanese-style wooden buildings. This area was still a bustling mining town in the 1970s; now only old camphor trees and moss-covered stone steps remain. When you reach Houtong, the Mining Park stands before you—the abandoned coal washing plant has been converted into an arts and cultural space. Stop your bike and breathe in the limestone scent in the mountain wind—this is the most straightforward expression of Taiwan's mining history.
Practical Highlights: Old mining cart tracks within the park, viewing platforms overlooking the Houtong Cat Village, and a 30-year-old veteran miner's cafeteria (specialties include braised pork rice and pig's trotter soup, NT$80-120). Many cyclists refuel here with water and carbs. Accessibility: Parking racks at the park entrance, but most of the interior features stone paths, making wheelchair access difficult.
2. Pingxi Line Ancient Trail Cycling Tour (Difficulty: ★★★ | Distance: 16km)
Passing through Houtong, continue along Provincial Highway 2B toward Pingxi Township. Every stop along the way—Shifen, Pingxi, and Jingting—has its own local character. Bike rental shops stand beside Shifen Station (NT$100-150/hour, NT$300-400/full day), making it the most popular starting point for cyclists. Following the Pingxi Stream valley northward, the route is easy but the mountain roads are winding. During rainy season, the valley fills with wispy mist—a scene like riding into a Hayao Miyazaki world.
Practical Highlights: Sky lantern workshop on Jingting Old Street (bike parking available, try making your own sky lantern for about NT$200-300), scenic viewpoints along the Pingxi Line railway. Convenience stores are available for supplies along the way. Accessibility: The area around Shifen Station is relatively well-equipped, but facilities become scarce once you head into the mountains.
3. Keelung River Bike Path (New Ruifang Section) (Difficulty: ☆ | Distance: 8km one-way)
Enter the Keelung River bike path from the east side of Ruifang Station. This is one of the few riverside routes in New Taipei that retains its natural character. Passing through the Ruifang industrial area and old communities, there's none of that over-developed recreational area feel. When you reach Nuannuan area, the river valley widens and the view opens up—the limestone terrain of Keelung Mountain rises across the way.
Practical Highlights: Nuannuan Waterfront Park (free, with portable toilets and drinking fountains), local food stalls along the route (A-Po Soy Milk, oyster omelets, etc., NT$30-80). This section has gentle slopes, making it most suitable for beginner cyclists and families. Accessibility: The riverside paths are wide, and most sections are wheelchair-friendly.
4. Nuannuan Ancient Trail on Jiufen's Outskirts (Difficulty: ★★★ | Distance: 14km)
Instead of cycling into Jiufen Old Street, ride into its back. Starting from the Nuannuan area, following the ancient trail uphill, you'll see Jiufen's other side: tea plantations on the back mountain, remains of the Baozhangkeng mining area, abandoned hillside homes. This route's biggest feature is extremely few tourists—unlike the crowded old street, here you'll only encounter local tea farmers and wild birds.
Practical Highlights: Viewing platform at Baozhangkeng mining area (with views of Keelung Harbor and the north coast), hidden old teahouses in the mountains (mostly frequented by locals, not open to visitors, but mountain supply stations are available along the way). Accessibility: The ancient trail consists mostly of dirt paths and stone steps, unsuitable for wheelchairs.
5. Ruigan Road Bike Path (Difficulty: ★☆ | Distance: 10km roundtrip)
One of New Taipei City's most recently improved routes, heading from Ruifang toward Gancheng. The entire road is wide with even gradients. Passing through Ruifang's tea gardens and traditional farmhouses, you can watch farmers picking tea in the morning; in the afternoon, local teahouses offer tastings and sales (NT$100-500, ranging from Oolong to Baochong tea).
Practical Highlights: The route's endpoint viewing platform overlooks the entire Ruifang Basin, and on clear days you can see Keelung Islet. Accessibility: The bike path is well-designed with multiple accessible rest stops and restrooms.
Practical Information
Transportation
- **Getting There**: Take the TRA Ruifang Line to Ruifang or Houtong Station. Bike rental shops (Giant, Birdy, or mountain bikes) are available outside both stations (rentals NT$300-500/day)
- **Bringing Your Own Bike**: From Taipei, take a local train to Ruifang. Trains have bike storage racks (TRA bike ticket NT$50)
- **Parking & Luggage**: Luggage storage services are available beside Ruifang Station (NT$50-100/item). Many homestays also accept temporary luggage storage
Costs
- Bike rental: NT$100-150/hour, NT$300-400/day
- Attraction admission: Mostly free (Mining Park, riverside parks). Some teahouses charge NT$100-300 for tea tasting
- Food & drink: Mountain dining NT$60-150 (box meals, noodles). Local teahouses NT$150-500
Best Seasons
- **Spring (March-May)**: Moderate temperatures, peak season for tea gardens, more locals. Rainy days are frequent—prepare for wet conditions
- **Autumn (September-November)**: Dry and less rainy, best visibility, golden season for mountain riding
- **Avoid**: Summer brings high temperatures and heavy humidity; winter frequently brings foggy rain with poor visibility
Road Conditions & Cycling Safety
- **Road Conditions**: Routes around Ruifang, Houtong, and Pingxi are mostly rural roads with asphalt but unclear boundaries—stay alert for oncoming vehicles
- **Rainy Season Prep**: Northern Taiwan has heavy rainfall—bring rain covers and fenders even when the forecast shows clear weather
- **Elevation & Fitness**: The cumulative elevation gain from Ruifang to Pingxi is approximately 300-500m. Beginner cyclists should choose riverside routes
- **Mobile Signal**: Mountain areas have unstable signal—download offline maps; Komoot or Garmin are recommended
Rentals & Supplies
- **Bike Rental Shops**: Giant store in front of Ruifang Station; several homestays in front of Shifen Station also offer rentals
- **Supply Points**: Convenience stores available in Ruifang, Houtong, Shifen, and Pingxi; fewer options along mountain routes—bring your own water and snacks
- **Repair Services**: Three bike repair shops in central Ruifang, open until evening
Travel Tips
Don't Make Jiufen Your Cycling Destination: Parking in the old street is scarce and crowded—cycling in becomes more of a burden. Instead, ride to the nearby Mining Park or Lanyang Street (which retains Jiufen's charm with 70% fewer tourists).
Bring Recording Apps: Apps like Komoot and Strava can help you discover local cyclists' secret routes. Many unmarked trails actually have good conditions, but you need community recommendations to find them.
Combine with Tea Culture: Ruifang is one of Taiwan's four major tea regions (Baochong tea origin). Ride to tea plantations, chat with tea farmers—many will spontaneously offer tea tastings and local knowledge. This is an unexpected bonus of cycling travel.
Weather & Sulfur Smell: The area around Jiufen is close to the Keelung Mountain sulfur mining zone. You may occasionally detect a faint sulfur smell—this isn't pollution, but evidence of geothermal activity. If you're sensitive to sulfur, choose days when the wind direction is favorable.
Accessibility Considerations: If traveling with wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges, the riverside path or Ruigan Road are recommended. Other mountain routes consist mostly of ancient trails or steep slopes and aren't accessible.
