Daqing Cave Introduction
The newly opened Daqing Cave brings a fresh perspective to tourism in the Daxi area of Taoyuan and adds a visual surprise to a walk through the old city. Located by the Daxi Bridge and the Dahan River, Daqing Cave was once a narrow tunnel that served as a vital route between Taoyuan and Daxi. With the completion of the Wuling Bridge, it is no longer a major traffic artery. Under the transformation by the Taoyuan City Government and the Daxi District Office, it has successfully turned into an entrance for a recreational sightseeing trail, featuring a stone-paved path leading to Daxi Old Street, making it a must-visit new attraction in Daxi. Once referred to as the gateway to Daxi, Daqing Cave is 27.5 meters long, 5 meters wide, and 5.8 meters high. In its early days as a road tunnel, it saw heavy traffic; however, as vehicle sizes increased, the low entrance hindered access and caused congestion. During the transfer of the late President Chiang Kai-shek’s casket to Cihu, the height of the hearse was too tall, necessitating an emergency lowering of the road surface in Daqing Cave by two meters to allow for smooth passage, resulting in the current unique elevated road surface. With the opening of the Wuling Bridge, vehicle access is no longer allowed, transforming it into a pedestrian-only area. To explore the famous Daxi Old Street, one can ascend the century-old stone pathway beside Daqing Cave, reaching this old street that best represents Daxi’s characteristics, featuring Baroque-style buildings and rich historical traces that evoke nostalgia. The carved patterns on the exteriors of residential walls not only serve a decorative purpose but also complement the Baroque architecture. Nowadays, the concept of an ecological museum has been introduced, connecting historical storefronts and adding warmth to the overall experience of Daxi.
