The Changhua section of the National Greenway of Sugar Railway is about 15.5 kilometers long, starts from Xihu Sugar Factory in the north, passing through MingDao University located in Pitou Township, to Xizhou Forest Park in the south. Along the trail, there are beautiful scenery of the fields and big Chinaberry trees. In addition to the explanatory signboards and cute bird figurines, available for tourists to learn about the local black-winged kite, yellow quail, and other important ecological resources, the places equipped with the sugar railway elements such as the unique sugar train flag station and covered hopper cars are the best resting spots and check-in attractions in this bicycle path.
Pedaling at the most comfortable speed to feel the gentle breeze and commune with nature is the matchless charm of bicycle riding. National Greenway of Sugar Railway is a national-level cycling route in Changhua County, which is 15.5 kilometers long running from Xihu Sugar Factory in the north to Xizhou Forest Park in the south. It connects attractions in many townships, such as Xihu, Pitou, Beidou and Xizhou, allowing travelers to go deep into fields, rivers, waterways and other landscapes in the shade of trees to enjoy the beautiful scenery and ride freely.
As its name indicates, National Greenway of Sugar Railway particularly highlights elements of sugar industry culture among the national-level greenways. The Changhua section is one of the only two National Greenway of Sugar Railway in Taiwan. The cycling route runs parallel to the existing sugar train railroad track, offering cyclists an unprecedented experience of "chasing" the only steam locomotive under regular operation.
In addition to the explanatory signboards and cute bird figurines, available for tourists to learn about the local black-winged kite, yellow quail, and other important ecological resources, the greenway is equipped with the sugar railway elements such as the unique sugar train flag station and covered hopper cars, linking the sugar industrial history of Xihu and Xizhou sugar factories.
Xihu Sugar Factory was founded in 1919 and was once the largest sugar factory in the north of Zhuoshui River. It ceased sugar production in 2002 and transformed into a cultural park for tourism. In addition to the preserved old factory buildings and large chimneys, there are specialty shops newly added to sell products, such as ice pops and ice cream. Moreover, the 20-hectare "Xihu Central Park" which is completed recently is just nearby. Those who come from far away can park cars first, and do some sightseeing in the Park before starting their bicycle tour.
The greenway runs along the sugar train railroad track that used to carry sugar cane, and passes through the "Zhuoshui Flag Station (濁水旗站)". The flag station, also called flag stop, switchman’s house or whistle stop, mainly controlled the movement of the locomotives in WangGong Sub Line (王功複線) and WanXing Line (萬興線) in the past. The "Railway Park" appears after passing through the flag station. It features the pavilion with washed terrazzo in the patterns of sugar industry elements and a rail trolley-shaped seat.
The entire dedicated cycling route is like going deep into the sea of rice waves, surrounded by endless greenery. Along the route, there are spring onion fields, vegetable farms, and gurgling waterways and irrigation ditches. It crosses the Dongluo River and passes through "The Sugar Cane Path (蔗香之道)," where has an installation art leading to the entrance of Niuchouzi Line (牛稠仔線) to bring out the scenery of the sugarcane fields. Afterwards, it joins the Dongluo River cycling path, passes MingDao University, and finally reaches its destination, Xizhou Forest Park, formerly known as "Xizhou Sugar Factory" that ceased production in 1953.
The National Greenway of Sugar Railway evokes historical memories of Taiwan’s century-old sugar industry. Cycling at the comfortable speed is the best way to appreciate the bucolic scene. Cyclist is able to stop any time as they wish to admire their favorite scenery. In particular, the green trees along the route not only provide shade and add visual beauty, but also present eye-catching charms subject to seasons. The light purple chinaberry flowers, golden trumpet-tree blossom, and kapok along the Dongluo River in spring; flame tree flowers and petals of golden shower trees scattering like a golden rain on the north bank of Dongluo River in summer; and the flurry of falling petals of floss-silk trees in the Beidou Riverside Park in autumn and winter, all of the above are amazing viewings attracting people to take a visit for an immersive experience.
