Daxi Cihu Trail Introduction
With the passage of time, the Cihu Mausoleum has become part of the "Ching-Kuo and Ching-Yi Cultural Park," a recreational spot with international tourist competitiveness. When traveling to Cihu in Daxi, don't miss the two scenic trails near the mausoleum, which are the "Tou Liao Ecological Trail" and the "Cihu Trail," both of which run along the Caoling Creek. The Tou Liao Ecological Trail, located next to the Daxi Mausoleum, stretches along the Caoling Creek, offering picturesque views of the farmland. As you continue along the Cihu Trail, not only can you appreciate the beautiful swans on Cihu Lake, but the changing of the guard ceremony also becomes a must-see highlight. The entrance to the Tou Liao Ecological Trail is right next to the Daxi Mausoleum, with a total length of about 1.2 kilometers. Due to its proximity to the creek, you can enjoy the picturesque water views along the creekside trail, occasionally spotting graceful egrets flying by, accentuating the simple ecological signage of the Caoling Creek. The sound of the babbling water along the way is extremely soothing, and the trail is wide and gentle, making it a great outdoor spot for both kids and adults, even in the summer heat. Additionally, don’t forget to look out for the only volcano in the Taoyuan area, which is also Taiwan's only shield volcano – Caoling Mountain. Though the volcano has long ceased to erupt, you can still admire its lush green forest landscape. During the winter fallow season, you can enjoy the vibrant sea of cosmos flowers, which leaves a lasting impression. The Tou Liao Trail takes about twenty minutes one way, after which you can start your journey on the "Cihu Trail" from the Cihu Visitor Center. Visitors can first gather information about Cihu and nearby attractions at the visitor center, which showcases various artifacts and film introductions from the era of Chiang Kai-shek and Chiang Ching-Kuo, making it another spot worth exploring. Entering the Cihu Trail from the entrance next to the visitor center, despite its short length, it offers different angles to appreciate the beauty of Cihu Lake. The trail is flanked by trees and bamboo groves, providing ample shade, making it a comfortable experience to be surrounded by greenery without direct sunlight. If you walk along the picturesque lakeside of Cihu Lake, you will reach the end of the trail – the Cihu Mausoleum, which is famous not only for Chiang Kai-shek's final resting place but also for the presence of military police stationed here, with the hourly changing of the guard ceremony becoming a focal point that attracts many visitors each day to witness the ceremonial drill.
