Old Caoling Bicycle Tunnel

“The train goes, oh, the train goes, oh, into the tunnel...” The train tunnel mentioned in the popular Taiwanese folk song "Diudiudongzi" is actually the "Old Caoling Tunnel," which is 2,167 meters long. In the past, it connected Fulong to Shicheng. The slightly weathered red-brick arched tunnel tells stories of history. Above the north entrance of the tunnel, there is an inscription "Conquering the Heavenly Barrier," signifying the treacherous terrain. At the south entrance, the inscription "Where White Clouds Fly," though darkened by time and weathering, still reveals the powerful brushstrokes from its past. This "Iron Horse Tunnel" combines history, culture, and tourism. Cycling through it to experience its original charm is the best way to enjoy it. A round trip by bicycle takes about 20 minutes, easy and effortless! As the Old Caoling Tunnel is right next to the New Caoling Tunnel, you can hear the rumbling sound of trains passing by, making it a must-visit spot for many railway enthusiasts. Inside the tunnel, it's warm in winter and cool in summer. The railway tracks on the ground and the hanging oil lamp shades create a strong retro atmosphere, making it feel like you're traveling through time as you cycle. It also crosses two counties—New Taipei City and Yilan County—so don't forget to take a picture and check-in with the sign marking the county boundary; it's quite fun! It is recommended to take the train to Fulong Station, where several bicycle rental shops are available nearby, allowing for an energy-saving and low-carbon "two-rail" (train + bike) trip. In addition to the Old Caoling Tunnel, you can also connect to the cycling paths from Longmen to Yanliao and the Fulong coastal section. Enjoy the leisurely and pleasant atmosphere of the Fulong seaside resort town on this cycling adventure. [Note] 1. Old Caoling Tunnel opening hours: June 1st to September 30th, 08:30–17:30 (extended to 18:00 on holidays; clearing begins 30 minutes before closing, visitors are not allowed to enter). October 1st to May 31st of the following year, 08:30–17:00 (clearing begins at 16:30, visitors are not allowed to enter). 2. Walking inside the Old Caoling Tunnel is only permitted on weekdays. On weekends and holidays, due to the higher number of bicycles, and for the safety of visitors, walking is not allowed inside the tunnel. <Tunnel may be slippery, please slow down.> 3. Motorcycles, scooters, and tandem bikes with two people on the rear seat are prohibited.