Chishang Mr. Brown Avenue: Cycling Through Golden Waves of Rice

In the heart of the East Rift Valley in Taitung, there is a road with no utility poles. It cuts straight through endless rice paddies, leading directly to the mountains in the distance. This is the famous Mr. Brown Avenue (伯朗大道).

The beauty here lies in its purity. Blue skies, green mountains, and green fields (or golden ears of rice). There are no superfluous buildings, only nature's canvas.

Best Seasons to Visit

• Golden Rice Harvest Season: This is when it's most beautiful.
  • First Harvest: Late May to Mid-June.
  • Second Harvest: Late October to Early November.
• Green Waves Season: March-April and August-September. A healing, vibrant green as far as the eye can see.

Cycling Route Guide

This is a vehicle-restricted zone all year round; you can only enter by bicycle or on foot.

1. Starting Point: Dapo Pond

It is recommended to park at Dapo Pond, where there are many bicycle rental shops.

• Rental Advice: If you want to take pictures effortlessly, a four-wheeled electric bike (with a sunshade) is your best bet. If you want to feel the breeze, a traditional bicycle is perfect.

2. The Avenue (Mr. Brown Avenue)

• This straight avenue became famous after being featured in a Mr. Brown Coffee commercial.
• Picture Frame Landmark: There is a white picture frame landmark at the entrance, which always has a long queue. We recommend cycling further in; the scenery is even better.

3. Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree

• What is it?: A Bishop wood tree. It went viral after Japanese-Taiwanese actor Takeshi Kaneshiro drank tea under it in an EVA Air commercial.
• Current Status: It was once blown down by a typhoon, but after rescue efforts, it still stands tall (though with some bandages).
• Honest Truth: Actually, the "Jolin Tsai Tree" nearby or other nameless trees are just as beautiful, and you don't have to queue for them.

4. Paradise Road

• Another winding path perpendicular to Mr. Brown Avenue, called Paradise Road because it forms an S-curve that seems to lead up to the sky. The visual extension here is even stronger than on Mr. Brown Avenue, making it a favorite among photographers.

Local Delicacy: Chishang Lunchbox (Bento)

After cycling, you absolutely must eat a Chishang Bento.

• Chuan Mei Hang: Located in front of the train station, this is the authentic platform lunchbox.
• Wu Tau Chishang Lunchbox Cultural Storyland: You can dine inside a retired train carriage to experience a retro atmosphere.
• Specialty: Chishang rice is the highest quality rice in Taiwan, with a fragrant and chewy texture. Even when the bento gets cold, the rice remains delicious—that's the power of Chishang rice.

In Chishang, time moves slower. Please put your phone away (after taking your photos) and use your eyes to record the gentleness of this land.

Want to extend this slow living to the seaside? Cycle south to Dulan Art Village to experience the unique bohemian soul of the East Coast.