Enjoy the natural beauty of Taiwan’s coastline with this rustic attraction that not only allows you to lose some calories, but to also have sweeping views of the scenic Pacific Ocean. The Shen’ao Rail Bike Trail in New Taipei City is an attraction that provides visitors with a dynamic trail of views. From seeing the entirety of the Island’s coastline up north, to tight and neon illuminated tunnels. The Shen’ao Rail Bike track spans 1.3km in length roughly taking up to 20 minutes for the average visitor to complete the trail. The trail starts from Shen’ao Railway Station and ends at Badouzi Railway Station, and can be taken in the opposite direction as well.
The Early Shen’ao Line
The early Shen’ao line was a light railway with a gauge of 762mm during the Japanese colonial period, also known as a narrow-gauge train. This narrow-gauge railway line was used during those days to transport sugar, salt, and coal to the port for overseas transportation. This railway line rivalled Pingxi Line, with some claiming it was even more prosperous. However, the line eventually exhausted it’s natural source of minerals and the line came to an end for both passengers and freight transportation. A smaller section of the rail line from Ruifang Station to Shen’ao Thermal Power Plant was set aside for coal transportation. This, eventually also came to an end with the discontinuation of the power plant in 2007.
The Biking Experience
The Biking experience is made iconic by switching out a typical 2-wheel bike to colourful tandem bikes that are designed into friendly pufferfish characters in various colours, blending an ocean theme into the attraction ride. These tandem bikes come in yellow, pink, light blue, green, and a more streamlined style. These bikes are also easy to ride and are child friendly. Children over 145cm, and women over 65-years old are allowed to pedal on their own. The bike itself is also equipped with a basket for tourists to keep their smaller items. You also don’t have to worry about safety whilst enjoying the scenic ride as each bike also comes equipped with seat belts for riders, brakes, an anti-collision device, and an interlocking buckle. If you ever face any difficulties or emergencies during your ride, fret not. There is also an emergency SOS line that bikers can notify for assistance.
There are also plans in the near future to introduce an audio guide for scenic spots along the trail, and photo shooting services along the track for tourists to capture their memories in this scenic landscape tour.
Riders can choose to either start from Badouzi Railway Station, or from Shen’ao Railway Station, as this ride can be ridden in both directions.
A one-way trip costs NT$150 (S$6.27) and is stated as taking up to 30 minutes. A round-trip ticket price is discounted at NT$250 (S$10.44). For those interested in booking this attraction, take note that there are scheduled departure times for both Shen’ao and Badouzi stations. All riders need to be present at the station before their scheduled departure time.
Departure From Badouzi Railway Station
09:00, 10:00, 11,00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, and 17:00.
Departure From Shen’ao Railway Station
09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30
Badouzi Railway Station Address: No. 121號, Section 2, Jianji Rd, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
Shen’ao Railway Station Address: No. 1-1號, Section 2, Jianji Rd, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
