Introduction to the area
Taiwan’s Northeast Coast has to be one of Taiwan’s most spectacular. The rugged coastline weaves along with scenic capes, picturesque bays, and sea-eroded rock formations that illustrate the challenging nature thrown its way. Cycling in northeastern Taiwan get up close to these coastal wonders on the Longmen-Yanliao Bikeway and the Old Caoling Circle-Line Bikeway. The two bikeways can actually be connected and pass by Fulong, Sandiao Cape Lighthouse and Lailai Geological Area. Cycling Caoling Tunnel Bikeway, and other visitor hot spots.
Cycling the Old Caoling Circle Line Bikeway
This bikeway passes through a historic railway tunnel that was closed in 1986. The tunnel was renovated and reopened as a cycling route conceived as a “railway museum” with an old world ambiance. The bikeway continues from the tunnel along a loop route that brings the area’s geological and scenic charms vividly into view. The Caoling Tunnel Bikeway is a must-ride route for recreational cyclists visiting Taiwan’s northern region.
Main highlights: Fulong Railway Station ➜ Old Caoling Tunnel Bikeway ➜ Lailai Geo Area ➜ Sandiao Cape Lighthouse ➜ Mao’ao Fishing Village ➜ Fulong Beach ➜ Fulong Railway Station
Starting the Old Caoling Circle Line Bikeway
Starting off from the Fulong Train Station (bike rentals available from several locations right around the station), cyclists ride east (turn right out of the station) along Fulong Street out the back end of town. This road turns into Guishougu Street and this well-paved road runs parallel to the train tracks out of town. You stay on this road for 2km as you ride past small farms and rice paddies that are a common sight while cycling in this part of northern Taiwan. As you get closer to the end, you’ll see the path veer off to the right and towards the Old Caoling Tunnel (舊草嶺隧道).
The Old Caoling Tunnel is approximately 2.17km long (2,167 meters to be exact) and was used as a crucial rail connection between linked up Fulong (福隆) in New Taipei City and Shicheng (石城) in Yilan County in the past. It was originally constructed during the period of Japanese Occupation (1895-1945). The project was identified as a crucial rail connection that would eventually reduce emerging traffic issues between Yilan and the greater Taipei area. Officially opened in 1924, it was in operation for over 60 years, when it was eventually decommissioned because the single-track was deemed too small for modern rail carriages. The Old Caoling Tunnel had since been abandoned for nearly three decades. Now it connects a great bike trail and makes for a perfect day trip for cyclists.
Cycling the Old Caoling Tunnel (舊草嶺隧道)
Years of restoration and safety work have turned the Old Caoling Tunnel into a fantastic cycling experience in Taiwan. At the launch of the restoration project, the entire entrance was completely blocked with bricks. The tunnel was reopened on August 10, 2009. Today, thousands of visitors come to enjoy the trail on two wheels and two feet. Cycling the Old Caoling Tunnel (舊草嶺隧道) takes between 10 to 15 minutes one way. By foot, it takes about half an hour.
If you’re riding this section of the trail on the weekend, don’t dismount from your bicycle while inside the tunnel. If you want to walk The Old Caoling Tunnel, you should visit on the weekdays. The reason for this policy is that as traffic is busy inside the tunnel on weekends and holidays and there is concern about accidents.
As the tunnel ends, you’ll start to pick of the smells and sounds of the ocean. As you ride under the highway, you’ll have arrived at the Old Caoling Tunnel South Information Spot (舊草嶺隧道南下資訊站). Enjoys the views over the Pacific Ocean, Turtle Island and east coast of Taiwan. You’re now in Yilan County.
Riding the Yilan Side of the Caoling Tunnel Bikeway
Use the facilities, stop off a food vendor and enjoy the views before getting back on your bike. Once you’ve crossed, descend down to ground level and continue through a coastal dunes and low vegetation ecosystem heading north. There is a single fork in the trail shortly after coming off the bridge. Either way is fine and will reconnect to the main trail another few hundred meters along. Cross a quiet road and connect to the main trail. If you turn left on this roadway, it continues down to a beach access point.
Continue cycling on this northern Taiwan bike path for another uninterrupted 2km before arriving back onto Highway 2. A short pedal on a separated bike path takes you to Yanliao Beach (鹽寮海水浴場) and the end of this bikeway.
Arriving in Yanliao Beach 鹽寮海水浴場 you can stop off at Blue Bay Park Coffeeshop to pick up a cold drink and some snacks to head down to the beach and chill. Washrooms available on site. For the more adventurous, continue along Highway 2 on a separated bike lane (shared with scooters) for an additional 4km towards the village of Aodi (澳底) for a fantastic seafood lunch or to simply explore the fishing harbor and shops.
Visit White Sand Beaches, Paddle a SUP Board or Go Surfing
Cycling back into Fulong along the same route you can decide to ride along the riverside or through Longmen Camp Grounds which takes you right past the Fulong Visitor Center. Lock your bike up here and head inside to check out the local exhibits. Enquire about renting a SUP board, or even a surf board if the waves are out, or simply ride on to grab some food from any one of the many cafes and restaurants in town.
Cycling along the Longmen-Yanliao Bikeway is a great way to spend a day traveling in northern Taiwan with scenic cycling, great food and lots to do off the bike like hiking, swimming and exploring.
Riding Overview:
- Duration: Varies between 2-5+ hours (depends on the stops made on the trip)
- Distance: 19.1km loop
- Cycling on roads in traffic: 300-400m (mostly low volume roads)
- Surface: Mix of paved path, separated paved bike lane, paved road
- Difficulty Rating: Easy and suitable for families.
- Route: Looped
Map & GPX File
How to Get to Caoling Tunnel Bikeway
Driving: If you are driving out to the Fulong to cycle the Old Caoling Circle Line Bikeway, you can set your directions HERE. This is not a free parking lot, but it is super convenient usually has plenty of parking. There is also a washroom available on site and the visitor center is right next to it. Another option for parking is slightly closer to the trail head here.
Public Transportation: Take train from Taipei Main Station to Fulong Station. Taking a bicycle on a train can be confusing with station staff sharing one set of directions that are contradicted by those staff on-train. Generally, non-folding bicycles are allowed on to trains, but may have to be soft-bagged. Sometimes station attendants will ask for you to pay half the adult fare, sometimes full fare for your bike. Enquire at your local station and plan according.
Bike Rentals and Bike Service – There are bike rental locations in Fulong near the train station.