Once the longest railway tunnel, the Caoling Tunnel.

Location: At the border between Gongliao District, New Taipei City, and Toucheng Town, Yilan County

Introduction: The 'Old Caoling Tunnel', with a total length of 2,167 meters, used to connect Fulong to Shicheng. In the early days, the treacherous terrain made travel between Yilan and Taipei extremely difficult, causing great hardship for travelers. During the Japanese colonial period, the construction of the railway was undertaken, with the Caoling Tunnel through the Caoling Mountain Range being the most challenging and dangerous part. The tunnel was completed in February 1924. Later, due to the insufficiency of a single-track operation, a new Caoling Tunnel was constructed in 1986, and the old tunnel was closed and left idle for nearly 20 years. After years of effort by the Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration, the tunnel was officially opened on August 10, 2008, as Northern Taiwan's first railway tunnel converted into a cycling tunnel. It has also received international recognition with the 'Tomorrow's Tourism Award WTTC' and was named one of Taiwan's top ten classic cycling routes. Visitors can ride bicycles to experience its original appearance; additionally, the administration also provides two hand-pedaled rail bikes at the northern entrance of the tunnel for free rental to visitors with mobility issues, allowing more people to enjoy the tunnel and feel its nostalgic railway charm.

Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30

Admission: Free

Experience: The Caoling Tunnel was once one of the longest railway tunnels in Taiwan. It's rare to have the opportunity to ride a bicycle through such a long tunnel. Moreover, the tunnel crosses Yilan and New Taipei, and it only takes twenty minutes by bicycle to reach another city, which is a special experience.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Post by 小宇0923 | May 25, 2024