Baibaoxi Bike Path and Ecological Trail, Summertime Water Playground
The trail starts from the Liyutan Scenic Area, passes Chinan National Forest Recreation Area, Laoxi (river), and Baibaoxi (river). Afterward, it leads upstream and reaches the Baibaoxi Classroom of Ecology. The narrow trail is without a spacious view like Liyutan. However, pavilions are accessible for visitors to take a rest with beautiful scenery. Rivers with relaxing sounds flow through this serene forest in the southwestern part of the Liyushan (mountain). Various animals are spotted easily. Clear river water and large-scale tree plantation have created this lovely summer destination for water and shrimp-fishing activities.
There’re not many man-made installations; the wild scenery is a natural gift from God. Beautiful butterflies, clear water flowing through, and rural landscapes all around add an elegant and pleasing quality to the Baibaoxi (river).
The length of the trail is about 7 km.
Road information: Going uphill all the way but without a steep slope.
Road width: About 1.5 m, a single-lane bike path.
In summer, many people take tours in the Liyutan by riding rental bicycles; they reach the Baibaoxi (river) by going along the bike path and enjoying the cooling river water and primitive natural wild.
Baibaoxi Bike Path is not far away from the Liyutan Scenic Area. First, it passes Chinan National Forest Recreation Area, Laoxi, and Baibaoxi; afterward, it leads upstream and reaches the Baibaoxi Classroom of Ecology. Rivers with relaxing sounds flowing through this serene forest make it a good destination for people escaping from the hustle and bustle.
Beautiful Landscapes and Easily Accessible Ecological Site
Baibaoxi (river) is also a source of “Taiwan Jade,” it has a stone-studded bed; those green or purple-colored stones are the famous “Nephrite Jade” and “Serpentine Jade.”
Besides this, the river is a heavenly habitat for frogs; the echo sounds in the river valley are from Micryletta, Buergeria robustus, Japanese Burergeria, Thacophorus moltrechti, and Rana guentheri croaking altogether. The diversity of the ecosystem is made up of a lot of animal species, such as Candidiopotamon rathbuni, Geothelphusa cinerea, Rhinogobius formosanus, and Onychostoma barbatulum. They produce sharp contrast in the serene atmosphere along the Baibaoxi (river).
The Cooling Summer Destination
The Baibaoxi (river) and the Laoxi (river) are upstream of the Liyutan, critical water resources. The running water from the Central Mountain Range is clean and clear all year round. Many people enjoy visiting the attraction for water activities in the cooling, slow-flowing river that is free of pollution. Echoes of family laughers in the mountain valley are heard throughout all seasons.
After passing by the Liyutan, the Baibaoxi Bike Path leads to the Chongguang Bridge; there are fewer and fewer vehicles on the way. Routinely, the public bus operated by Hualien Bus Company is the only transportation for the convenience of residents.
Across from the Mituo Temple, the reflection of ranch houses and lush mountains of this rural area in the lake is very beautiful. In Hualien, it’s a unique experience to see endless views of mountains and beautiful, lush nature that can clarify people’s minds and calm their emotions.
Along the Baibaoxi Bike Trail, which has a total length of about 7 km, visitors usually spend their good time in the river. Those pavilions on the trail are great, accessible sites for rest. Meanwhile, several bridges across the river called the “Guoshui Overpass,” which are parts of hydraulic engineering, are the eye-catching attraction in the area.