Baibao Stream Cycling Ecological Trail: Summer Water Fun Spot

Starting from Liyu Lake Scenic Area, passing through Chihnan National Forest Recreation Area, you'll arrive at the area around Laoxi and Baibao Streams. Following the stream upstream, you finally reach the Baibao Stream Ecological Classroom. It offers a delicate landscape, completely different from the expansive views of Liyu Lake. Pavilions are set up along the way, allowing visitors to stop, rest, and enjoy the scenery at any time. The murmuring stream nourishes this serene mountain retreat southwest of Liyushan. Traces of various animals can be seen, and its clear waters and abundant trees also make Baibao Stream a great summer escape for catching shrimp and playing in the water. Baibao Stream lacks overly elaborate artificial settings; it is a gift from nature. Whether it's the dancing butterflies, the clear, splashing stream, or the rustic countryside along the way, all contribute to Baibao Stream's elegant and refreshing ambiance. The total length is approximately 7 kilometers. Road conditions: Continuous uphill, but the gradient is manageable. Road width: Approximately 1.5m, a one-way lane. Every summer, many tourists rent bicycles from rental stations by Liyu Lake and follow the bike path to Baibao Stream, enjoying the cool water and pristine natural scenery. The Baibao Stream Cycling Trail is located not far from Liyu Lake Scenic Area. After passing through Chihnan National Forest Recreation Area, you arrive at the area around Laoxi and Baibao Streams. Following the stream upstream, you finally reach the Baibao Stream Ecological Classroom. The murmuring stream nourishes this mountain retreat, and its clear waters and tranquil forested areas help one forget the worries and noise of daily life. Baibao Stream is also a source of "Taiwan Jade" minerals, rich in various green or purple-hued stones—the famous "Fengtian Jade" and "Serpentine"—on its riverbed, close to its ecological natural beauty. This area is also a frog paradise, where the chorus of various frog species, such as small rain frogs, brown tree frogs, Japanese tree frogs, Moltrecht's tree frogs, and Gunther's frogs, echoes through the valley. The stream's ecosystem is highly diverse. You can often spot creatures that spend their entire lives in the stream, such as Ratis's stream crab, grey swamp crab, gobies, and Formosan barbel, creating a busy contrast to Baibao Stream's tranquility. Baibao Stream lacks overly elaborate artificial settings; it is a gift from nature. Whether it's the dancing butterflies, the clear, splashing stream, or the rustic countryside along the way, all contribute to Baibao Stream's elegant and refreshing ambiance. A refreshing summer escape, both Baibao Stream and Laoxi are located upstream of Liyu Lake and are important water sources for it. The streams, flowing down from the Central Mountain Range, remain clear year-round and have a gentle current. Furthermore, being unspoiled, the cool, clear waters always attract people to play, even before summer officially arrives, with the sounds of families' laughter echoing through the valley. After passing Liyu Lake, proceed along the Baibao Stream Cycling Trail towards Chongguang Bridge. Vehicle traffic gradually decreases along the way, with only occasional Hualien Bus services ferrying residents of the area. Across from Amitabha Holy Temple, the pond water reflects the low-lying rural houses and the lush green mountains. What Hualien never lacks are its endlessly captivating mountains, which, with their various shades of green and panoramic views, clarify the mind and cleanse the soul. The Baibao Stream Cycling Trail, approximately 7 kilometers long, often sees visitors playing in the riverbed or by the embankment after Chongguang Bridge. Pavilions for resting can occasionally be seen along the way. Additionally, several "submersible bridges" are another water conservancy facility that catches people's attention.