The Nanliao Bikeway, which forms the so-called ’17 KM Coastline Scenic Area”, is the must-do run in Hsinchu City. A multi-use path runs for 17 km along the Taiwan Strait, from the Harbor @ the Touqian River south to Nangangshangniao Park. There are nice water views most of the way, fishing harbors, and some wetlands areas.  Pro Tips: Lovely at sunset. Most of path is lit. Keep an eye out for cyclists! There’s some beachfront along the way, which is quite runnable depending on tides.

The north end is at Nanliao Fishing Harbor. Be sure to go up & down the Nanliao Stairway —  a wave-break & viewpoint in one, constructed of chunky, fish-scale-inspired stone steps to the water. The first 1.5 km is along the harbor/marina. Then the concrete cycle path runs along the water for another 4.5 km, featuring some great views. Km 7-17 pass by several fishing harbors and wetlands areas. There are a few sections where the path is quite close to the busy main road, but it’s separated. There are also some sections with a separate gravel path for pedestrians. Our route ends at Nangangshangniao Park, but can also be continued.

Continuation South: There are paths for running that continue south for an additional 11 km to the Zhunan Wetlands, which we’ve added as a separate route.