Daxi Cihu Trail Introduction
With the passage of time, the Cihu Mausoleum has become the "Chiang Ching-kuo and Chiang Kai-shek Cultural Park," a recreation spot with international tourism competitiveness. When traveling to Daxi Cihu, don't miss the two nearby walking paths close to the mausoleum: the "Touliang Ecological Trail" and the "Cihu Trail." The Touliang Ecological Trail runs along the Caoling Stream, offering picturesque views of the surrounding fields. As you proceed along the Cihu Trail, not only can you admire the beautiful swans of Cihu Lake, but the ceremonial handover of the guard is also a must-see performance that draws everyone's attention. The entrance to the Touliang Ecological Trail is located right beside the Daxi Mausoleum, and the trail is approximately 1.2 kilometers long. Due to its proximity to the Caoling Stream, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the stream while walking along the riverside path, where elegant egrets occasionally fly by, adding charm to the simple ecological explanation signs along the Caoling Stream. The gentle sound of the flowing stream is quite soothing, and the wide and flat trail ensures that even during summer visits, it won't be stifling hot, making it a great outdoor destination for both children and adults. Additionally, don't forget to gaze at the only volcano in the Taoyuan area, which is also Taiwan's only shield volcano—Caoling Mountain. Although the volcano has long ceased to erupt, its lush and green mountainous landscape is still enjoyable. During the winter fallow season, you can also appreciate the stunning Persian daisy flower fields, leaving a lasting impression. The Touliang Trail takes about twenty minutes one way, and then you arrive at the "Cihu Trail," which starts from the Cihu Visitor Center. Visitors can first obtain travel information about Cihu and nearby attractions at the visitor center, which also showcases various artifacts and films from the Chiang era—another worth-exploring spot. Entering the Cihu Trail from the entrance next to the visitor center, although the trail is short, it allows different perspectives to appreciate the beauty of Cihu Lake. The trees and bamboo groves lining the path provide ample shade, keeping you mostly out of the sun, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of being surrounded by greenery. If you walk along the picturesque shores of Cihu Lake, you will reach the endpoint of the trail—the Cihu Mausoleum. Known for having Chiang Kai-shek resting here, this location is guarded by military police, and the hourly ceremonial handover becomes the focus of many visitors, with the impressive rifle drills attracting numerous tourists each day.
