Cai Cuo Old Trail Introduction
Cai-Tsuo Old Trail is located on the northern slope of Mount Taiwu, with its entrance at the back of Cai-Tsuo Village. This historic mountain trail is paved with natural rock steps, and because of the numerous stone stairs, locals refer to it as "the one hundred and two steps." In the past, the Cai-Tsuo Old Trail served as a shortcut from Shamen to the outside of the mountain, where ancestors from Kinmen would carry salt and tofu over the peak to sell on the other side, making it a genuine salt route and tofu path. The stone monument at Wuzhou Camp along the trail, known as the Yuan Monument, further proves the historical significance of Kinmen as a salt-producing area. At the Cai-Tsuo trailhead, there is a Cai-Tsuo Tourist Information Center, open from Tuesday to Sunday, which offers the rental of hiking poles and wireless guides, as well as the sale of Kinmen's creative cultural products, light snacks, and the island's only specialty butterfly pea flower tea. Visitors can also book a professional guide to explore the old trail. Hikers can walk along the large and small stone steps that have endured the test of time, while passing attractions such as the Yuan Monument, Little Pillar Fort, Lovers' Bridge, Monk Stone, and Yuanlu Lake. The path is mostly shaded by trees, making it quite pleasant to walk during the spring and autumn seasons. Some areas require the use of hands and feet, but once reaching the top, there is an observation deck to rest and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and sea.
