Old Caoling Tunnel Introduction
The Old Caoling Tunnel spans the areas of Fulong in New Taipei and Shicheng in Yilan. It is a key project of the Taiwan Railway's Yilan Line, and when it opened in 1924, it was the longest railway tunnel in Southeast Asia, measuring 2,167 meters in length, responsible for the transportation between Taipei and Yilan. At both the north and south entrances of the Old Caoling Tunnel, there are two calligraphic inscriptions: "Where the white clouds fly" and "Controlling the heaven’s peril," commemorating the arduous construction at the time. The Old Caoling Tunnel was decommissioned after the double-tracking and electrification of the Taiwan Railway, but reopened in 2008 as a bicycle path. The folk song "Diu Diu Tong" was inspired by the line "When the train passes through Yidu, Ah Mo throws it away, oh boy oh..." This classic Taiwanese folk song captures the moment of a train passing through the Old Caoling Tunnel. Designed with the concept of a "Railway Museum," the tunnel's ground surface mimics the appearance of railway tracks, depicting a railway imagery. The lighting fixtures use vintage oil lamp shades, and biking through the Old Caoling Tunnel, accompanied by train sound effects, feels like riding through a cool railway tunnel, giving a retro and fun experience. The circular bike path serves as the first iron horse tunnel in Northern Taiwan converted from a railway tunnel. Currently, the Old Caoling Tunnel allows pedestrians and cyclists on weekdays, while on weekends, it is open only to cyclists. It is part of the circular bike path, beginning at Fulong Station. After passing through the Old Caoling Tunnel, the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Guishan Island come into view. Continuing along the coastline, you will ride past the Lailai Geopark, Sandiao Cape Lighthouse, and Maao Fishing Village before returning to Fulong, covering a total distance of approximately 20 kilometers, making it the top choice for cycling enthusiasts in the Northeast Coast.
