Taipei's suburban attractions: caves, bat watching, and mountain and water views amidst the scorching summer heat

A perfect day trip destination near Taipei: the "Sandiaoling Eco-Friendly Tunnel." This 3.1km-long tunnel is mostly flat or gently sloping, making it a breeze for even the elderly and those with mobility issues. The entire route is mostly within the tunnel, making it a cool and pleasant walk compared to the scorching sun outside. Walking from Mudan Station, near the end of the first tunnel (there are two tunnels, one long and one short), there's a sign warning you that bats roost on the wall and to speak softly. Very thoughtful!

Suggestions:
1) From Mudan Train Station, take the road to the left after exiting. Walk about 1km to the "Sandiaoling Eco-Friendly Tunnel" check-in counter. Scan the QR code and get your stamp (which allows for multiple entries) to enter the park. Restrooms are located outside and behind the check-in counter, so you can use them before your trip.

2) Ubikes are available for rent outside Mudan Station, and there are also parking sheds available, but they're limited. When I arrived at 11:00 AM on a weekend, there was only one Ubike left, and the parking was almost full. It's more convenient to walk or take the train.

3) After exploring the park, turn right from the exit to the Sandiaoling Ancient Trail (approximately 2 kilometers), then turn left down the mountain to Houtong Train Station (approximately 3 kilometers). The road to Houtong is paved, and while easy to walk, there's little shade, so sun protection is recommended. The route borders a river, offering beautiful scenery.

Additional Tours:

1) Vision Hall (directly opposite Houtong Station): This exhibit explains the history of mining in the area, and offers comfortable seating and air conditioning.

2) Ruisan Mining Coal Processing Plant (next to the Vision Hall): Free admission, featuring information about the plant's remains, coal mining, and the screening process. There are also interactive videos and educational activities for children, making this a highly recommended family trip!

3) Houtong Coal Mine Theme Park (After exiting the coal processing plant, go right to the back, up the stairs, and cross the bridge): You can take a small train (NT$150 for full tickets, NT$120 for discounted tickets) to tour the mines; the journey takes about 20-30 minutes.

4) Cat Village (Exit Houtong Station, cross the cat bridge, and head up the opposite hill): Ranked as one of the top six cat-viewing spots in the world by CNN, this area offers a variety of cat-friendly attractions. Besides entertaining the cats, there's also a row of small, unique cafes, perfect for a rest after a tiring summer hike!

🚃 Transportation: Take the Taipei train to Mudan Station (one-way: TWD96) or Houtong Station (one-way: TWD83). Trains depart approximately every hour, and the journey takes about 1 to 1 hour and 20 minutes.

🎟️Tickets: The Sandiaoling Eco-Friendly Tunnel is free, but reservations must be made on the official website.

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