Dasi Cihu Trail Introduction
With the passage of time, the Cihu Mausoleum has become the "Cihu Cultural Park," a recreational spot with international tourism competitiveness. When visiting Cihu in Daxi, be sure not to miss the two nearby trails that lead close to the mountains and water. These two trails run along the Caoling River and are known as the "Tou-Liao Ecological Trail" and the "Cihu Trail." The Tou-Liao Ecological Trail, located next to the Daxi Mausoleum, stretches alongside the Caoling River, offering picturesque views of fields. Continuing along the Cihu Trail, visitors can enjoy the beautiful swans in Cihu as well as the ceremonial changing of the guard, which is a must-see performance. The entrance to the Tou-Liao Ecological Trail is situated right next to the Daxi Mausoleum, with a total length of about 1.2 kilometers. Due to its proximity to the Caoling River, walkers can admire the beautiful river scenery, occasionally spotting elegant egrets flying by, complemented by informative ecological signage along the trail. The soothing sound of the flowing water makes for a therapeutic experience, and the wide and gently sloping path ensures a comfortable visit even in the summer, making it an excellent place for outdoor excursions with family and friends. Additionally, don't forget to gaze upon the only volcano in the Taoyuan area, the Caoling Mountain, which is also the only shield volcano on the main island of Taiwan. Although the volcano has long ceased to erupt, its lush green forest can still be admired. Every winter during the fallow season, the vibrant patchwork of cosmos flowers adds to the breathtaking scenery. The Tou-Liao Trail takes about twenty minutes to walk one way. Next, you can start the "Cihu Trail" at the Cihu Visitor Center. Visitors can obtain travel information about Cihu and nearby attractions at the visitor center, which also exhibits various artifacts and films from the Chiang Kai-shek era, making it a worthy attraction to explore. Entering the Cihu Trail from the entrance beside the visitor center, the trail, though short, offers different perspectives to appreciate the beauty of Cihu. Shaded by trees and bamboo groves along the path, sunlight is kept at bay, allowing one to relish in the serene ambiance surrounded by greenery. Walking along the picturesque lakeside of Cihu will bring you to the endpoint of the trail—the Cihu Mausoleum, known not only for being the resting place of Chiang Kai-shek but also for its geographic environment by the mountains and water, which features a garrison of military police. The hourly changing of the guards becomes the focus of attention, as the colorful drill attracts numerous visitors each day.
