Liu Mingchuan Tunnel (Shiqiuling Tunnel)

Attraction Introduction: The Liu Mingchuan Tunnel (Shiqiuling Tunnel) is Taiwan's only preserved Qing Dynasty railway tunnel. It stands as a testament to the modernization facilities left behind by Governor Liu Mingchuan during his governance of Taiwan, possessing immense historical value and cultural preservation significance. After years of renovation, it has reopened to the public. The tunnel remains cool year-round and serves as a favored habitat for leaf-nosed bats. To protect the ecosystem, currently, only group reservations are accepted. Attraction Features: Due to complex geological conditions, the Liu Mingchuan Tunnel (Shiqiuling Tunnel) took 30 months to complete, making it the most challenging section of Taiwan's first railway line between Keelung and Hsinchu. To expedite the tunnel's opening, both the northern and southern ends were excavated simultaneously. However, an error in excavation height required modifications to achieve a level connection between the two ends. Visitors may wish to observe this detail during their visit. The Liu Mingchuan Tunnel (Shiqiuling Tunnel) is 235 meters long and takes on a particularly atmospheric feel when illuminated. At the northern entrance, an interpretive sign explains the tunnel's historical background and the difficulties of its construction. The southern entrance features unique rippled water projections, above which are the characters "曠宇天開" (Kuàng Yǔ Tiān Kāi), inscribed by Liu Mingchuan himself. Notably, the tunnel's ecological environment attracts Taiwanese leaf-nosed bats, whose presence is especially noticeable during their breeding and rearing periods from May to September. Visitors should wear masks and avoid using flashlights, torches, or other devices that could disturb the bats' habitat. This helps protect both the natural environment and this historic tunnel.