Daxi Cihu Trail Introduction
With the passage of time, Cihu Mausoleum has transformed into the "Liang-Jiang Cultural Park," a recreational site with international tourism competitiveness. When visiting Cihu in Dasi, be sure not to miss the two scenic trails near the mausoleum. These trails run alongside the Caoling Creek and are known as the "Tou-Liao Ecological Trail" and the "Cihu Trail." The Tou-Liao Ecological Trail, located next to the Cihu Mausoleum, stretches along the Caoling Creek, offering picturesque rural views; while walking along the Cihu Trail, visitors can not only enjoy the beauty of the swans in Cihu but also catch the eye-catching performance of the changing of the guard, which is a must-see event. The entrance to the Tou-Liao Ecological Trail is right next to the Dasi Mausoleum, and the trail is approximately 1.2 kilometers long. Due to its proximity to the Caoling Creek, hikers can appreciate the stunning creek views, with graceful egrets occasionally flying by, beautifully complementing the informative ecological signage along the pathway. The soothing sound of the babbling creek along the trail creates a relaxing atmosphere, and the wide and gentle path ensures that visitors can enjoy a refreshing outdoor experience even in the summer. It's a great spot for both kids and adults to enjoy nature. Additionally, remember to gaze at Taoyuan's only volcano, Caoling Mountain, which is also the only shield volcano on the main island of Taiwan. Although the volcano no longer erupts, its lush mountainous scenery remains stunning. During the winter season, visitors can also enjoy the spectacular sea of cosmos flowers, leaving a lasting impression. The Tou-Liao Trail takes about twenty minutes to walk one way, and then visitors can start on the "Cihu Trail" from the Cihu Visitor Center. At the visitor center, tourists can gather tourism information about Cihu and nearby attractions, and the center showcases various artifacts and films from the Liang-Jiang era, making it worth a visit. Entering the Cihu Trail from the entrance next to the visitor center, even though the trail is short, it offers different angles to admire the beauty of Cihu. The trees and bamboo groves lining the path provide ample shade, allowing visitors to enjoy the surrounding greenery without much exposure to the sun. If one walks along the picturesque shores of Cihu Lake, they will reach the end of the trail—the Cihu Mausoleum. This location, nestled against the mountains and facing the water, is famous for being the final resting place of Chiang Kai-shek. It is guarded by military personnel, and the hourly changing of the guard ceremony becomes a focal point of interest, attracting many visitors eager to witness the elaborate weapon handling that occurs every hour.
